North Carolina DMV Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: When backing into a perpendicular parking space, the safest practice is to:

Have a passenger steer while you watch behind
Back slowly while checking mirrors and looking over your shoulder (Correct answer)
Back quickly to clear the traffic lane
Rely only on the backup camera

Correct answer: Back slowly while checking mirrors and looking over your shoulder

Slow speed and direct observation in all directions prevent backing collisions.

Question 2: Driving a motor vehicle in North Carolina without liability insurance is classified as:

A Class 3 misdemeanor (Correct answer)
A Class H felony
A parking violation
A civil infraction only

Correct answer: A Class 3 misdemeanor

Operating a vehicle without required liability insurance is a Class 3 misdemeanor in North Carolina.

Question 3: Why should you avoid using cruise control on wet or icy roads?

It is illegal in all weather in North Carolina
It disables the anti-lock braking system
It wears out the brakes faster
It can cause the wheels to spin and reduce your control when traction is lost (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It can cause the wheels to spin and reduce your control when traction is lost

Cruise control may keep applying power when tires lose grip, making a skid harder to correct.

Question 4: How many passengers under age 21 may a Level 2 Limited Provisional License holder carry when no supervising driver is present?

None
Three
Two
One (Correct answer)

Correct answer: One

Level 2 drivers may carry only one passenger under 21 who is not a family or household member.

Question 5: If your headlights suddenly fail at night, what should you try first?

Speed up to reach your destination faster
Turn off the ignition to reset the electrical system
Follow the taillights of the car ahead closely
Turn on the emergency flashers and pull off the road as soon as it is safe (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Turn on the emergency flashers and pull off the road as soon as it is safe

Flashers make you visible while you safely leave the roadway to address the failure.

Question 6: On a multi-lane North Carolina highway, where should slower-moving vehicles travel?

In the center lane for maximum safety
In any lane of their choosing regardless of their speed
In the right lane to allow faster vehicles to pass on the left (Correct answer)
In the left lane so faster vehicles can pass on the right

Correct answer: In the right lane to allow faster vehicles to pass on the left

NC law requires slower traffic to keep right, allowing faster vehicles to overtake on the left to maintain smooth traffic flow.

Question 7: For drivers age 66 and older, how long is a North Carolina driver license valid?

5 years (Correct answer)
8 years
4 years
3 years

Correct answer: 5 years

Drivers 66 and older receive licenses valid for five years instead of eight.

Question 8: A pedestrian is crossing at an intersection without a marked crosswalk. What should you do?

Speed up to pass before they reach your lane
Yield, because an unmarked crosswalk still exists at intersections (Correct answer)
Honk to warn them
Proceed, since there is no crosswalk

Correct answer: Yield, because an unmarked crosswalk still exists at intersections

Unmarked crosswalks legally exist at most intersections, and drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing there.

Question 9: What is the zero tolerance law for underage drivers in North Carolina?

There is no BAC limit for underage drivers
Underage drivers are only penalized if visibly intoxicated
Underage drivers have the same 0.08% limit as adults
Drivers under 21 can be charged with DUI at a BAC of 0.02% or any detectable amount (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Drivers under 21 can be charged with DUI at a BAC of 0.02% or any detectable amount

Zero tolerance laws set the BAC limit at 0.02% or any detectable amount for drivers under 21, reflecting the illegality of underage alcohol consumption.

Question 10: If another vehicle is approaching you head-on in your lane, your best action is to:

Stop in your lane and flash your lights
Steer left into the oncoming lane
Slow down, sound your horn, and steer right toward the shoulder (Correct answer)
Speed up to pass them quickly

Correct answer: Slow down, sound your horn, and steer right toward the shoulder

Moving right keeps you out of the other driver's likely correction path back into their own lane.

Question 11: What should you do if you experience a tire blowout while driving?

Continue driving until you reach a repair shop
Gradually slow down and pull off the road safely (Correct answer)
Immediately slam on the brakes and steer off the road
Speed up to regain control of the vehicle

Correct answer: Gradually slow down and pull off the road safely

If you experience a tire blowout, the safest course of action is to grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and allow the vehicle to slow down gradually. Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering, and gently steer to the side of the road when it is safe to do so. This controlled response helps maintain stability and prevents loss of control.

Question 12: What does a yellow sign showing a divided highway symbol (two arrows curving around an island) warn?

A two-way street begins
The road ahead divides around a median (Correct answer)
Merging traffic enters from the right
A roundabout is ahead

Correct answer: The road ahead divides around a median

The divided highway begins sign warns that the road ahead splits into separate lanes around a median.

Question 13: If your license plate is revoked because of an insurance lapse and you do not qualify to keep it, how long must you typically go without the plate?

7 days
1 year
6 months
30 days (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30 days

An insurance-lapse plate revocation in North Carolina generally lasts 30 days before reinstatement.

Question 14: Before opening your door after parallel parking on a busy street, you should:

Honk your horn to warn others
Open the door quickly to claim the space
Turn on your hazard lights first
Check mirrors and look for traffic and cyclists (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Check mirrors and look for traffic and cyclists

Checking for approaching vehicles and bicycles prevents door-strike collisions.

Question 15: During the first six months of holding a Level 1 Limited Learner Permit, when may the permit holder drive?

Only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. (Correct answer)
Only during daylight hours
Only between 6 a.m. and midnight
Any time of day

Correct answer: Only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

For the first six months, Level 1 permit holders may drive only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Question 16: What is the Smith System's first principle of defensive driving?

Always drive in the left lane
Aim high in steering — look far down the road, not just at the vehicle ahead (Correct answer)
Keep both hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel
Never exceed 5 mph under the speed limit

Correct answer: Aim high in steering — look far down the road, not just at the vehicle ahead

'Aim high in steering' means looking 15-20 seconds ahead of your vehicle to identify potential hazards early and have maximum time to react.

Question 17: When are you required to use your headlights?

Only during heavy rain
Only when other vehicles have their lights on
From sunset to sunrise and during reduced visibility conditions (Correct answer)
Only at night on unlit roads

Correct answer: From sunset to sunrise and during reduced visibility conditions

Headlights are required from sunset to sunrise and during conditions of reduced visibility such as fog, rain, or snow.

Question 18: What is the correct response if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until traction returns (Correct answer)
Brake hard immediately
Turn the wheel sharply toward the shoulder
Accelerate to power through the water

Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until traction returns

Gently reducing speed lets the tires regain contact with the road, while braking or sharp steering can cause a skid.

Question 19: What is the proper technique for checking mirrors while driving?

Check mirrors only when changing lanes
Use mirrors only when backing up
Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds with brief glances to maintain awareness of surrounding traffic (Correct answer)
Stare at mirrors for extended periods to identify all vehicles

Correct answer: Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds with brief glances to maintain awareness of surrounding traffic

Regular mirror checks every 5-8 seconds with brief glances maintain your awareness of traffic around you without taking your attention from the road ahead.

Question 20: Which of these is a reason to carry liability limits higher than the state minimum?

Higher limits are required to pass vehicle inspection
Serious crashes can easily cause damages beyond minimum limits (Correct answer)
Minimum limits are illegal for drivers over 25
The DMV charges lower registration fees for higher limits

Correct answer: Serious crashes can easily cause damages beyond minimum limits

Higher limits protect your personal assets when crash costs exceed the state minimums.

Question 21: Why are motorcycles harder to see than cars in traffic?

Their smaller size makes them easy to lose in blind spots and backgrounds (Correct answer)
They are required to ride on the shoulder
Their headlights are always off
They travel faster than cars

Correct answer: Their smaller size makes them easy to lose in blind spots and backgrounds

A motorcycle's narrow profile makes it easy to miss in mirrors, blind spots, and against busy backgrounds.

Question 22: What is the best way to drive in foggy conditions?

Use low-beam headlights and reduce speed (Correct answer)
Drive with your hazard lights on
Maintain your normal speed and stay in the middle lane
Use high-beam headlights

Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights and reduce speed

When driving in foggy conditions, it is best to use low-beam headlights and reduce your speed. High-beam headlights reflect off the fog, actually decreasing visibility, while low beams illuminate the road closer to your vehicle. Reducing speed provides more time to react to hazards and helps maintain control in limited visibility.

Question 23: Which endorsement or step is required in North Carolina before a rider can practice on a motorcycle alone with a motorcycle learner permit?

Completing a CDL skills exam
Owning the motorcycle outright
Passing the motorcycle knowledge test and, if under 18, holding at least a Level 2 license (Correct answer)
Holding a Class A license

Correct answer: Passing the motorcycle knowledge test and, if under 18, holding at least a Level 2 license

A motorcycle learner permit requires passing the motorcycle knowledge test, and minors must already hold at least a Level 2 provisional license.

Question 24: At what minimum age can a person legally operate a moped on North Carolina highways without a driver license?

16 (Correct answer)
18
15
14

Correct answer: 16

Mopeds may be operated without a license in NC by riders who are at least 16 years old.

Question 25: You may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle where it would:

Face downhill on any grade
Block or obstruct the normal flow of traffic (Correct answer)
Be left for more than one hour
Be more than 6 inches from the curb

Correct answer: Block or obstruct the normal flow of traffic

Any stop that obstructs traffic movement is prohibited regardless of duration.

Question 26: When parking downhill with no curb, which direction should your front wheels face?

Toward the left
Toward the right edge of the road (Correct answer)
It depends on the grade of the hill
Straight ahead

Correct answer: Toward the right edge of the road

When parking downhill with no curb, turn your wheels toward the right edge of the road so the vehicle would roll off the road rather than into traffic if it moves.

Question 27: How much space should you allow when passing a bicyclist in North Carolina?

At least four feet, or fully change lanes when possible (Correct answer)
Two feet at any speed
No specific clearance is required
One foot as long as you slow down

Correct answer: At least four feet, or fully change lanes when possible

North Carolina law allows passing a bicyclist by giving at least four feet of clearance or moving completely into the adjacent lane.

Question 28: You see a yellow sign with two children carrying books. Where are you most likely driving?

Near a daycare parking lot
Near a school or school crossing (Correct answer)
Near a playground
Near a public library

Correct answer: Near a school or school crossing

The school crossing sign warns drivers to slow down and watch for children near schools.

Question 29: Liability insurance is designed primarily to pay for:

Your medical bills regardless of fault
Theft of your vehicle
Injuries and property damage you cause to others (Correct answer)
Repairs to your own vehicle after any crash

Correct answer: Injuries and property damage you cause to others

Liability coverage pays for harm you cause to other people and their property, not your own losses.

Question 30: What is a motorcycle endorsement?

A separate license that replaces your car license
An addition to your driver's license that authorizes you to operate motorcycles (Correct answer)
A certificate from a motorcycle manufacturer
An insurance requirement for motorcycle owners

Correct answer: An addition to your driver's license that authorizes you to operate motorcycles

A motorcycle endorsement is added to your existing driver's license after passing motorcycle-specific knowledge and skills tests, authorizing motorcycle operation.

Question 31: You are making a U-turn where permitted. Who has the right-of-way?

Only vehicles turning right
All other approaching traffic; you must yield (Correct answer)
Pedestrians only, not vehicles
You, because a U-turn is a protected movement

Correct answer: All other approaching traffic; you must yield

A driver making a U-turn must yield to all approaching traffic and may turn only when it is safe.

Question 32: Which action best prevents distracted driving?

Holding the phone below the window line
Texting only at red lights
Using your knees to steer while eating
Setting your phone, GPS, and music before you start driving (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Setting your phone, GPS, and music before you start driving

Handling devices and adjustments before moving keeps your eyes and attention on the road the entire trip.

Question 33: What does North Carolina law say about texting while driving?

It is illegal for all drivers to manually enter or read text messages while driving (Correct answer)
It is only illegal for drivers under 18
It is legal when stopped in moving traffic lanes at any time
It is legal if using one hand only

Correct answer: It is illegal for all drivers to manually enter or read text messages while driving

NC law bans all drivers from manually texting or reading email/texts while the vehicle is in motion.

Question 34: How should you cross railroad tracks defensively when there are no gates or signals?

Cross quickly without slowing to clear the tracks fast
Slow down, look and listen in both directions, and cross only when clear (Correct answer)
Stop on the tracks to check both directions
Follow the vehicle ahead closely across the tracks

Correct answer: Slow down, look and listen in both directions, and cross only when clear

Trains cannot stop quickly, so you must verify the tracks are clear before committing to cross.

Question 35: Your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet highway. What should you do first?

Ease off the accelerator and avoid braking suddenly (Correct answer)
Brake hard to regain traction
Accelerate to push water from under the tires
Turn the wheel sharply toward the shoulder

Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and avoid braking suddenly

Easing off the gas lets the tires slow and regain contact with the road, while hard braking or steering can cause a skid.

Question 36: Under North Carolina law, liability insurance used to register a vehicle must be issued by an insurance company that is:

Rated A or higher by a rating agency
Licensed to do business in North Carolina (Correct answer)
Headquartered in North Carolina
Approved by your county tax office

Correct answer: Licensed to do business in North Carolina

North Carolina only accepts liability policies written by insurers licensed to operate in the state.

Question 37: When snow is falling at night, why should you use low-beam headlights instead of high beams?

Low beams use less battery power in cold weather
Low beams melt snow on the road ahead
High beams are illegal at night in winter
High beams reflect off the falling snow and reduce your visibility (Correct answer)

Correct answer: High beams reflect off the falling snow and reduce your visibility

High-beam light bounces off falling snow or fog back into your eyes, so low beams actually let you see farther.

Question 38: What happens if you let your North Carolina liability insurance lapse while your vehicle is still registered?

Nothing, as long as you do not drive the vehicle
You are only penalized if you cause a crash
Your driver license is automatically suspended for one year
The DMV may revoke your license plate and charge a civil penalty (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The DMV may revoke your license plate and charge a civil penalty

A coverage lapse on a registered vehicle triggers a civil penalty and possible 30-day plate revocation.

Question 39: Which of the following behaviors qualifies as 'aggressive driving' under North Carolina law when it involves speed?

Driving 10 mph over a posted 25 mph limit
Driving 5 mph over the limit on any road
Exceeding a speed limit of 55 mph or higher by more than 15 mph (Correct answer)
Driving exactly at the posted speed limit

Correct answer: Exceeding a speed limit of 55 mph or higher by more than 15 mph

NC defines aggressive driving to include exceeding a speed limit of 55 mph or higher by more than 15 mph, among other dangerous behaviors.

Question 40: Your rear wheels begin to skid to the right. In which direction should you steer?

To the left, away from the skid
Straight ahead without moving the wheel
To the right, in the direction of the skid (Correct answer)
Whichever way traffic is lighter

Correct answer: To the right, in the direction of the skid

Steering in the direction the rear of the car is sliding helps realign the vehicle and regain control.

North Carolina DMV Knowledge Test

The NC DMV knowledge test assesses understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices required to obtain a North Carolina driver's license. Applicants must answer 20 of 25 questions correctly to pass.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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