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North Carolina DMV Permit Full Practice Exam (25 Questions)

Timed, scored like the real North Carolina DMV permit test.
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Where these questions come from

Each question is built from the official North Carolina driver manual. The real test asks the same topics with different wording.

Passing score on the real North Carolina permit test: 80% (20 of 25 correct here).

Sample North Carolina permit-test questions

Below are 4 sample questions from the North Carolina question bank. The interactive practice test above randomizes from the same pool.

If you are convicted of drag racing on North Carolina''''s public roads, your driver license will be suspended for

  1. four years.
  2. two years.
  3. three years.
  4. one year.

Correct answer: C

Explanation: If you are charged with prearranged racing, your vehicle will be immediately seized. If you are convicted, your driver license will be suspended for three years and your vehicle will be sold at auction. You will also face criminal penalties including up to 45 days in jail.

If you are convicted of speeding in a school zone, ____ points will be added to your driving record.

  1. 5
  2. 3
  3. 4
  4. 2

Correct answer: B

Explanation: If you are convicted of speeding in a school zone or speeding at over 55 mph, three points will be added to your driving record. [Driver License Points; Points; Chapter 3 - Your Driving Privilege, North Carolina Driver''''s Handbook]

When is handheld cellphone use permitted while driving in North Carolina?

  1. At red lights
  2. Only in emergencies
  3. Always allowed
  4. Only during daylight hours

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Handheld cellphone use while driving is allowed only during genuine emergencies.

What can you do in a two-way left-turn lane?

  1. (a) Turn left to leave the roadway
  2. (b) Turn left to enter the roadway
  3. (c) Pass other vehicles
  4. (a) or (b)

Correct answer: A

Explanation: A two-way left-turn lane is also known as a shared center turning lane. It may be used by vehicles traveling in either direction to turn left to leave the roadway. In some other US states, vehicles on another roadway may also turn left to enter the roadway in this lane and then change into other lanes. In North Carolina, however, you may not use this lane to merge into other lanes. Finally, this lane must never be used for passing. [Pavement Markings; Chapter 5 - Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; North Carolina Driver''''s Handbook]