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North Carolina Permit Test: Licensing Practice Questions
Permits, license classes, renewals and the testing process.
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Every North Carolina topic, mock exams and your progress, right here or in the app.
Question 1
Is it legal to sit in the driver's seat of a car with the engine running if you have no valid license?
No, it is against the law
Only on private driveways
Yes, as long as the car is parked
Yes, if a licensed adult is nearby
Correct answer: No, it is against the law
North Carolina law makes it illegal to sit in the driver's seat with the engine running, or to steer a towed vehicle, without a valid license.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 2
In North Carolina, a regular (adult) learner permit is available to people of what age?
16 and older
21 and older
15 and older
18 and older
Correct answer: 18 and older
Learner permits are available to persons 18 and older; younger drivers use the graduated licensing system.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 3
Who must ride with an adult learner permit holder?
A certified driving instructor from an approved school only
Any licensed driver 18 or older, who may sit anywhere in the car
A person licensed for that vehicle, seated beside the permit holder
No one, once the permit holder has passed the vision test
Correct answer: A person licensed for that vehicle, seated beside the permit holder
The permit holder must be accompanied by someone licensed to drive that vehicle who is seated beside them.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 4
What is the penalty for driving without corrective lenses when your license requires them?
A written warning
One insurance point only
The same as driving without a license
A $25 fine, but only if you are stopped for something else
Correct answer: The same as driving without a license
If your license shows a corrective-lens restriction, driving without them carries the same penalty as driving without a license.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 5
On the traffic signs test, what must you do?
Identify signs by color and shape and explain what each means
Match each sign to the fine for disobeying it
Read the words on each sign aloud and spell any of the long ones
Draw each sign from memory, including its exact colors
Correct answer: Identify signs by color and shape and explain what each means
To pass the signs test you must identify signs by color and shape and explain their meaning.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 6
When do you take the on-the-road driving test for an original license?
After you have passed all the other tests
Only when renewing
Before the vision test
Before the knowledge test, so the examiner can judge you
Correct answer: After you have passed all the other tests
The driving test must be performed after you have passed all the other tests; it isn't required for a learner permit.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 7
In the three-point turnabout on the road test, where do you start?
From a driveway
From the left curb
From the center of the road, straddling the center line
From the extreme right side of the road
Correct answer: From the extreme right side of the road
Start from the extreme right side, signal left, and turn forward to within several inches of the left curb.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 8
Which regular license class do most drivers need for personal cars and small trucks?
Class A
Class B
Class C
A CDL
Correct answer: Class C
Most drivers need only a Regular Class C license to drive personal automobiles and small trucks.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 9
Do you need a CDL to drive a recreational vehicle in North Carolina?
Only out of state
Yes, a CDL is needed for any vehicle with sleeping quarters
Only if it is longer than 30 feet
No, but you need a regular license of the right class
Correct answer: No, but you need a regular license of the right class
No CDL is needed for recreational vehicles, but a regular license of the appropriate class is always required.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 10
What must you have before operating a motorcycle on public roads?
Only a Class C license and a helmet that meets federal rules
A moped registration
A motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle learner permit
Only a helmet
Correct answer: A motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle learner permit
You need a regular or commercial license with a motorcycle endorsement, or a motorcycle learner permit.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 11
A motorcycle learner permit allows the holder to do what?
Ride on interstates only
Ride a motorcycle without passengers
Carry one adult passenger during daylight hours
Ride only at night
Correct answer: Ride a motorcycle without passengers
The motorcycle learner permit authorizes riding without passengers; it is valid 12 months and may be renewed once for six months.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 12
How long does a new resident have to get a North Carolina license?
30 days after arriving, or 10 days if you start a job here
One year
60 days after establishing residence
90 days
Correct answer: 60 days after establishing residence
New residents have 60 days; holders of an out-of-state CDL who want to keep it must get an NC CDL within 30 days.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 13
A new resident with a commercial license from another state wants to keep it. Within how many days must they get an NC commercial license?
6 months
60 days
10 days
30 days
Correct answer: 30 days
Commercial license holders must apply for and receive an NC CDL within 30 days after becoming a resident.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 14
After testing at a driver license office, how long is the temporary driving certificate valid?
1 year
10 days
60 days
30 days
Correct answer: 60 days
Customers receive a temporary driving certificate valid for 60 days while the license is mailed from a central location.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
Question 15
How does North Carolina mark licenses for drivers under 18?
No special marking; all licenses look the same
A horizontal card with a blue border and the word MINOR printed across the top
A vertical card with red and yellow color bars showing the 18th and 21st birthdays
A green stripe along the bottom edge of the photo
Correct answer: A vertical card with red and yellow color bars showing the 18th and 21st birthdays
Under-21 applicants get a vertical card; under-18 cards have red and yellow bars for the 18th and 21st birthdays.
Source: Chapter 1 β Your License
All North Carolina practice
Other topics
Road Signs
Signals & Pavement Markings
Right-of-Way
Speed Limits
Turning
Lanes & Passing
Parking
Alcohol & Drugs
Safe Driving
Emergencies
Sharing the Road
Insurance & Collisions
Teen & Provisional Drivers
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Practice questions are written from official driver handbooks. Always check your state DMV for current rules.
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