North Carolina DMV practice test
41 practice questions written from the official handbook, North Carolina Driver Handbook, rev. May 2025. The mock test asks 25 questions and needs 20 correct.
Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV.
examprepare.help wrote this study aid. The North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles did not write or review it, and your real test may differ.
Practice shows the right answer and the handbook page after every question.The mock test asks 25 questions and needs 20 correct to pass.
The real North Carolina test
North Carolina rule 19A NCAC 03B .0201 says 80 percent of the questions must be answered correctly. The handbook does not print the number of questions, so the 25-question count is not confirmed.
Check before your test. The North Carolina DMV does not publish the test size in a document we could find. Our number is a practice target.
Rule source: NCDMV rule 19A NCAC 03B .0201 (Driver's License Examination).
Official handbook
North Carolina Driver Handbook
Read the handbook (PDF, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles) or the handbook page on the agency site.
We read this edition on 2026-10-05 from an Internet Archive copy, because the agency site refused the download. Handbooks change. Check that your copy is the current one.
Key numbers from the handbook
| Rule | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed limit in cities and towns unless posted | 35 mph | 53 |
| Maximum speed limit outside cities and towns unless posted | 55 mph | 53 |
| Maximum speed limit on interstates | 70 mph | 53 |
| Maximum speed limit for school buses | 45 mph | 53 |
| Stopping distance at 55 mph in ideal conditions | About 211 feet | 53 |
| Following-distance rule North Carolina uses | The two-second rule | 53 |
| BAC that revokes your North Carolina licence for at least 30 days | 0.08 percent or more | 31 |
| BAC that counts for a commercial motor vehicle in North Carolina | 0.04 or more | 31 |
| Revocation for refusing a required test in North Carolina | At least 30 days, plus an additional minimum 12-month revocation | 31 |
| Points that may send a North Carolina driver to a driver improvement clinic | Seven points, and three points are deducted on completion | 34 |
| Points within three years that suspend a North Carolina licence | As many as 12 | 34 |
| How long the first point suspension lasts in North Carolina | 60 days | 34 |
| Points for passing a stopped school bus in North Carolina | 5 | 34 |
| Points for reckless driving, following too closely, illegal passing or hit and run | 4 | 34 |
| Points for failing to properly restrain a child in North Carolina | 2 | 35 |
| Restraint for a North Carolina child under 8 who weighs less than 80 pounds | A weight-appropriate child passenger restraint system | 44 |
| Where a child under 5 weighing under 40 pounds must ride in North Carolina | In the rear seat, unless the restraint is designed for a front air bag | 44 |
| Move Over rule on a highway with two or more lanes the same way | Move into a lane not next to the stopped emergency vehicle | 49 |
| Move Over rule when there is only one lane the same way | Slow to a reduced, safe speed until completely past | 49 |
Questions about the North Carolina test
How many questions are on the North Carolina DMV written test?
The agency does not publish the number of questions. Our mock test uses 25. North Carolina rule 19A NCAC 03B .0201 says 80 percent of the questions must be answered correctly. The handbook does not print the number of questions, so the 25-question count is not confirmed.
How many questions do I need to pass the North Carolina written test?
You need 80% to pass. The agency does not publish the number of questions, so our mock test needs 20 of 25.
Are these the real DMV test questions?
No. examprepare.help wrote these 41 practice questions from the official handbook, North Carolina Driver Handbook, rev. May 2025. They are not the real test questions. Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV. Check the North Carolina DMV website before you take the real test.
Which handbook are the questions from?
North Carolina Driver Handbook, rev. May 2025, published by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles. Every answer cites the handbook section and page.
All 41 questions and answers
Read the bank before a mock test. Each answer names the handbook section and the printed page.
- 1.What is the maximum speed limit in cities and towns in North Carolina unless posted?
Speed Limits
- 35 mph
North Carolina's maximum speed limits are 35 mph in cities and towns, 55 outside them and 70 on interstates. Handbook: Maximum Speed Limits, page 53.
- 2.What is the maximum speed limit outside cities and towns in North Carolina?
Speed Limits
- 55 mph
North Carolina's maximum speed limits are 35 mph in cities and towns, 55 mph outside them and 70 mph on interstates. Handbook: Maximum Speed Limits, page 53.
- 3.What is the maximum speed limit for school buses in North Carolina?
Speed Limits
- 45 mph
The maximum speed limits list 45 mph for school buses and 55 mph for school activity buses. Handbook: Maximum Speed Limits, page 53.
- 4.What is the maximum speed limit on North Carolina interstates?
Speed Limits
- 70 mph
The maximum speed for interstates is 70 mph, while the default outside cities and towns is 55 mph. Handbook: Maximum Speed Limits, page 53.
- 5.In ideal conditions, about how far does a vehicle need to stop completely from 55 mph?
Speed and Space
- About 211 feet
Even with ideal conditions, a vehicle at 55 mph requires approximately 211 feet to stop completely. Handbook: Speed, page 53.
- 6.Which following-distance rule does the North Carolina handbook name?
Speed and Space
- The two-second rule
The handbook lists the two-second rule as one of the most important speed rules. Handbook: Speed and Following, page 53.
- 7.You are driving well below the posted limit and traffic is piling up behind you. What should you do?
Speed and Space
- Pull over to the side of the road and let traffic pass
If traffic is collecting behind you it is wise to pull over, stop and allow the vehicles to pass. Handbook: Speed, page 53.
- 8.At what BAC does North Carolina immediately revoke your driving privilege for at least 30 days?
Alcohol and Drugs
- 0.08 percent or more
A BAC of 0.08 percent or more, or 0.04 or more for a commercial motor vehicle, revokes your privilege immediately for at least 30 days. Handbook: Driving While Impaired, page 31.
- 9.What is the commercial motor vehicle BAC threshold in North Carolina?
Alcohol and Drugs
- 0.04 or more
The 0.04 threshold applies when you are driving a commercial motor vehicle. Handbook: Driving While Impaired, page 31.
- 10.You refuse a required chemical test in North Carolina. What happens?
Alcohol and Drugs
- Immediate revocation for at least 30 days plus an additional minimum 12-month revocation
Refusal brings immediate revocation for at least 30 days and an additional minimum 12-month revocation by the DMV. Handbook: Driving While Impaired, page 31.
- 11.What single offence replaced North Carolina's old drunk driving laws in 1983?
Alcohol and Drugs
- Driving While Impaired
The Safe Roads Act replaced the old offences with a single offence of Driving While Impaired. Handbook: Driving While Impaired, page 31.
- 12.How many driver license points may send you to a North Carolina driver improvement clinic?
Points and Suspensions
- Seven
At seven points you may be assigned to a clinic; satisfactory completion deducts three points. Handbook: Points, page 34.
- 13.How many points within three years may suspend your North Carolina licence?
Points and Suspensions
- As many as 12
As many as 12 points within a three-year period may mean suspension, and eight points after reinstatement can cause a second one. Handbook: Points, page 34.
- 14.How long is the first North Carolina point suspension?
Points and Suspensions
- 60 days
The first point suspension is 60 days, the second 6 months and the third 12 months. Handbook: Points, page 34.
- 15.How many North Carolina points does passing a stopped school bus carry?
Points and Suspensions
- 5
Passing a stopped school bus and aggressive driving are both 5-point offences. Handbook: Points, page 34.
- 16.How many North Carolina points does following too closely carry?
Points and Suspensions
- 4
Following too closely is one of the 4-point offences, alongside reckless driving, hit and run and illegal passing. Handbook: Points, page 34.
- 17.How many North Carolina points does failing to properly restrain a child carry?
Points and Suspensions
- 2
Failing to properly restrain a child in a restraint or seat belt is 2 points, as are all other moving violations. Handbook: Points, page 35.
- 18.What suspension does a conviction of manslaughter bring in North Carolina?
Points and Suspensions
- 1 year
The suspension table lists 1 year for manslaughter, death by vehicle, assault with a motor vehicle and failure to stop and give aid. Handbook: Suspensions and Revocations, page 37.
- 19.Two charges of reckless driving within 12 months bring what suspension in North Carolina?
Points and Suspensions
- 1 year
Two reckless driving charges within 12 months are listed with a 1-year suspension. Handbook: Suspensions and Revocations, page 37.
- 20.A school bus displays flashing red lights or its mechanical stop signal. What must you do?
School Buses
- Stop and do not pass until the signal is withdrawn, the lights are off and the bus has moved
Every approaching driver must stop and wait until the stop signal is withdrawn, the red lights are off and the bus has started to move. Handbook: School Buses, page 47.
- 21.Why should drivers be extra careful between about 7 and 9 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m.?
School Buses
- Those are the hours school buses operate
Those are the general hours when school buses operate, carrying almost three quarters of a million children each school day. Handbook: School Buses, page 47.
- 22.A highway has two lanes going your way and a police car is stopped with its lights on in the right lane. What must you do?
Move Over
- Move into the lane that is not next to the parked police car and continue until safely clear
With at least two lanes the same way, move out of the lane nearest the emergency vehicle and stay in the other lane until safely clear. Handbook: Move Over, page 49.
- 23.There is only one lane going your way and an emergency vehicle is stopped on the shoulder. What does the Move Over rule require?
Move Over
- Slow your speed and drive at a reduced, safe speed until completely past
With a single lane, you must slow down and drive at a reduced, safe speed until you are completely past the emergency vehicle. Handbook: Move Over, page 49.
- 24.How must a child under 8 who weighs less than 80 pounds be restrained in North Carolina?
Child Passengers
- In a weight-appropriate child passenger restraint system
A child under 8 weighing under 80 pounds must be properly secured in a weight-appropriate child passenger restraint system. Handbook: Child Seats, page 44.
- 25.Your car has an active passenger front air bag and a rear seat. Where must a child under 5 weighing under 40 pounds ride?
Child Passengers
- In the rear seat, unless the restraint is designed for a front air bag
That child must be properly secured in the rear seat unless the child restraint system is designed for use with a front air bag. Handbook: Child Seats, page 44.
- 26.Up to what age must every passenger in your vehicle be secured in a child restraint or seat belt in North Carolina?
Child Passengers
- Under 16
Every driver transporting passengers younger than 16 must make sure each passenger under 16 is secured in a child restraint or a seat belt. Handbook: Child Seats, page 44.
- 27.You are entering an intersection and fail to yield, and someone is seriously hurt. What suspension does North Carolina impose?
Right-of-Way
- 90 days and a $500 fine
Failure to yield at an intersection, stop or yield sign, roadway entrance, emergency vehicle approach or work area that causes serious bodily injury carries a 90-day suspension and a $500 fine. Handbook: Suspensions and Revocations, page 37.
- 28.You are rounding a curve and have to brake. When should you start braking?
Curves and Turns
- Before you enter the curve, so you never need to brake inside it
The handbook says to slow down before entering the curve, then increase your speed gradually as you round it. Handbook: Rounding a Curve, page 53.
- 29.You are driving downhill into a curve. What does the North Carolina handbook advise?
Curves and Turns
- Shift to a lower gear before moving downhill and brake earlier
Consider the pull of gravity, shift to a lower gear before moving downhill, and begin to brake earlier than on a level road. Handbook: Rounding a Curve, page 54.
- 30.A police officer stops you in North Carolina. What are you required to do under state law?
Stopped by Police
- Identify yourself and provide your licence and registration
Under state law you must identify yourself and provide your licence and registration; afterwards you may choose whether to answer other questions. Handbook: What Motorists Should Do When Stopped By Law Enforcement, page 50.
- 31.What should your passengers do when a North Carolina officer stops you?
Stopped by Police
- Place both hands on the steering wheel or clearly visible where the officer can see them
Passengers should place their hands clearly visible at all times, with back-seat passengers placing them on the back of the front seat. Handbook: What Motorists Should Do When Stopped By Law Enforcement, page 50.
- 32.You are following too closely on an interstate in North Carolina. Which rule should you use?
Stopping and Following
- The two-second rule
The handbook defines it as allowing two seconds between the time the vehicle ahead passes a point and the time you reach the same point. Handbook: Following, page 54.
- 33.Before changing lanes on a multi-lane North Carolina highway, which lane do you check besides the one you are moving into?
Lane Changes
- The lane beyond it, in case a vehicle is planning to move into the same space
Check the lane you are changing to and the lane beyond it so you know a vehicle is not planning to move into the same space. Handbook: Changing Lanes, page 54.
- 34.Which four steps does the North Carolina handbook list for changing lanes?
Lane Changes
- Check mirrors, check over your shoulder, signal, then proceed
The handbook lists checking mirrors, checking over your shoulder for the blind spot, signalling in advance, and then proceeding. Handbook: Changing Lanes, page 54.
- 35.Why should you stay close to the right edge of the road for a right turn?
Curves and Turns
- So another vehicle cannot move between you and the curb
Staying close to the right edge prevents another vehicle from moving between you and the curb during the turn. Handbook: Turning, page 54.
- 36.Which road users are especially hard to see during a turn in North Carolina?
Curves and Turns
- Motorcycles and bicycles
Motorcycles and bicycles are especially hard to see during a turn, so signal and look before turning. Handbook: Turning, page 54.
- 37.How should you enter an interstate lane in North Carolina?
Interstate Driving
- Match the speed of traffic in the acceleration lane and then merge safely
Use the acceleration lane until your speed matches the other traffic, then merge safely, keeping to the right. Handbook: Interstate Driving, page 64.
- 38.You are driving on an interstate and your vehicle breaks down. What should you do?
Interstate Driving
- Move far off the road and tie the hood, leaving the vehicle unoccupied if possible
If a breakdown forces you to stop, move far off the road; the highway manual tells you to move the vehicle far off and secure it. Handbook: Interstate Driving, page 64.
- 39.Why does the North Carolina handbook say the best safety seat is one you use every time?
Child Passengers
- Because using it only sometimes provides far less protection
The best seat is one you use every time the child rides, and properly used safety seats could save seven out of every ten children killed while unrestrained. Handbook: Child Seats, page 44.
- 40.Which of these is listed as one of the most important rules about speed in North Carolina?
Speed and Space
- Never drive faster than the posted limit or at a speed that is unreasonable or unwise given conditions
The handbook says never drive faster than the posted speed limit or at a speed that is unreasonable or unwise given the existing conditions. Handbook: Speed, page 53.
- 41.Why is driving well below the posted limit dangerous in North Carolina?
Speed and Space
- Studies show a vehicle moving far below the limit is much more likely to cause or be in a crash
Studies show a vehicle moving well below the posted limit is much more likely to cause or be involved in a crash than one moving at a normal speed. Handbook: Speed, page 53.