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North Carolina permit practice test

Here are 10 practice questions written for North Carolina, based on the North Carolina driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.

This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).

Question 1

Which drivers may not use a mobile phone at all, other than for emergencies?

  1. New residents in their first 60 days
  2. Drivers who own a pickup truck
  3. Drivers under age 18
  4. Drivers over 65 years old
Show answer

Answer: C. Drivers under age 18

A driver under 18 may not use a mobile phone while driving except to call for help in an emergency or to call a parent, guardian or spouse.

Sources: G.S. 20-137.3; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Your Driving

Question 2

On a multi-lane highway, where should a driver moving slower than the limit stay?

  1. On the shoulder
  2. In the left lane
  3. In the extreme right lane
  4. In the center lane
Show answer

Answer: C. In the extreme right lane

A driver moving slower than the posted limit on a multi-lane road should use the extreme right lane, except when passing, turning left or avoiding an obstruction.

Sources: G.S. 20-146; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Your Driving

Question 3

The light turns yellow when you are far from the intersection. What should you do?

  1. Keep your speed and go through
  2. Slow down, then run the light
  3. Speed up to beat the red
  4. Stop unless too close
Show answer

Answer: D. Stop unless too close

Stop for a steady yellow unless you are too close to stop safely. Never speed up to beat the red light.

Sources: G.S. 20-158; Driver handbook, Chapter 5: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

Question 4

A police car signals you to pull over on a busy road. You are not sure it is a real officer. What may you do?

  1. Call 911 to confirm, then stop
  2. Ignore the signal for now
  3. Stop in the travel lane
  4. Speed up to find a lit area
Show answer

Answer: A. Call 911 to confirm, then stop

If you doubt an unmarked car is a real officer, you may call 911 before pulling over. Give your name and location, and slow down to show you intend to stop.

Sources: G.S. 20-157; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Your Driving

Question 5

A child must ride in a child restraint until the child reaches what age or weight?

  1. 12 years or 100 pounds
  2. 3 years or 30 pounds
  3. 5 years or 50 pounds
  4. 8 years or 80 pounds
Show answer

Answer: D. 8 years or 80 pounds

A child under 8 who weighs less than 80 pounds must be in a weight-appropriate child restraint. Passengers under 16 must use a restraint or a belt.

Sources: G.S. 20-137.1; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Your Driving

Question 6

You wait to turn left at a green light, and a car is coming from the other direction. What must you do?

  1. Speed up and turn before it arrives
  2. Turn at once, since you have a green light
  3. Flash your lights so it will stop
  4. Yield until the oncoming car has passed
Show answer

Answer: D. Yield until the oncoming car has passed

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles that are in the intersection or close enough to be a hazard. Wait for a gap, then turn.

Sources: G.S. 20-155; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Your Driving

Question 7

The minimum property damage coverage in NC is $25,000.

  1. True
  2. False
Show answer

Answer: B. False

North Carolina requires liability coverage of at least $50,000 for property damage. The old minimum was lower, so the figure in this statement is out of date.

Sources: G.S. 20-279.21

Question 8

On a hill or curve, how far ahead must you see before passing?

  1. At least 500 feet
  2. At least 200 feet
  3. At least 100 feet
  4. At least 1,000 feet
Show answer

Answer: A. At least 500 feet

You may not pass on a hill crest or curve if your view ahead is blocked within 500 feet. An oncoming car could appear with no time to return to your lane.

Sources: G.S. 20-150; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Your Driving

Question 9

Under what age must a bicycle rider wear a helmet in North Carolina?

  1. 18
  2. 16
  3. 12
  4. 14
Show answer

Answer: B. 16

Bicycle riders and passengers under 16 must wear an approved protective helmet. It protects the head in a fall or a crash.

Sources: G.S. 20-171.9; Driver handbook, Chapter 6: Sharing the Road

Question 10

You drive through a small town, past an old textile mill. No speed sign is posted. What is the limit?

  1. 25 mph, as in many states
  2. 45 mph, the edge of town speed
  3. 35 mph inside a town
  4. 30 mph, a round midpoint
Show answer

Answer: C. 35 mph inside a town

Unless signs say otherwise, the limit inside a North Carolina city or town is 35 mph.

Sources: G.S. 20-141; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Your Driving

More North Carolina practice

Practice the rest in the app

Permito has a much larger North Carolina question set, mock exams, a readiness score and an explanation for every answer. It is free to start and needs no account.

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