North Carolina Road Sign Test: What to Expect

The North Carolina road sign test is a separate traffic signs test that you take along with the written knowledge test. To pass it, you must identify each sign by its color and shape and explain what it means, according to the NCDMV driver license tests page. The North Carolina driver handbook says all the information for the signs test is in the handbook itself, so that is where to start studying.

What the North Carolina road sign test covers

NCDMV says the signs test covers regulatory and warning signs. The handbook also explains guide signs and work zone signs, so you should know those too. NCDMV links two official reference sheets on its test page: regulatory signs and warning signs.

How the signs test fits with the knowledge test

The signs test and the written knowledge test are separate tests, and each driver license test must be passed separately. The written knowledge test covers traffic laws and safe-driving practice. The handbook says a learner permit requires vision, traffic signs and knowledge tests, and no road test.

The tests you take depend on your age:

• Level One Limited Learner Permit (ages 15 to under 18): passing written, sign and vision tests.
• Learner permit for ages 18 and older: vision, traffic signs and knowledge of motor vehicle laws.

If you are a new resident applying for a Class C license, you may be required to take the knowledge, vision and traffic signs recognition tests. You may also need a driving skills test if the examiner decides it is necessary.

Before you test if you are under 18

Before testing, applicants under 18 must show a Driving Eligibility Certificate or proof of high school graduation or a GED, plus proof of the driver education course. Confirm the exact documents with NCDMV before your appointment.

Signs you need to recognize

Learn the shape and color first. Shape and color tell you the sign type before you read a single word, and the test asks for both.

Stop and yield signs

• Stop sign: eight-sided, white “STOP” on red. It is used only for stop signs, is usually posted 6 to 50 feet from the intersection, and requires a full stop.
• Yield sign: triangle with the point down, red and white, with “YIELD” at the top. Slow down, and stop only if cross traffic requires it.
• Where to stop: at the marked stop line. Without one, stop before entering the intersection where you can see the crossing street.

Regulatory signs

Regulatory signs are rectangular or square, usually black-and-white or red-and-white. They include speed limits, “NO U-TURN” and “KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS.” A no-passing sign is a yellow pennant on the left side of the road, pointing to the start of the no-passing zone.

Warning signs

Warning signs are diamond-shaped and normally black on yellow. Black on orange marks construction or maintenance areas. “STOP AHEAD” is among the most important warning signs.

Railroad and school signs

• Railroad advance warning: round, yellow, with a black cross and “RR.”
• Crossbuck: X-shaped, with “RAILROAD CROSSING” in black on white. A sign below it shows the number of tracks.
• School zone or school crossing: five-sided (pentagon).

Guide and work zone signs

• U.S. route markers: shields.
• NC route markers: diamonds.
• NC secondary roads: rectangles.
• Interstates: red, white and blue shields.
• Hospital, Highway Patrol and telephone signs: blue and white.
• Work zones: orange signs with black lettering are reserved for work zones.

What the official sources do not confirm

Several details are not published in the official sources, so do not assume them:

• How many questions are on the signs test.
• The passing score. The handbook says only that you must identify each sign by color and shape and explain it.
• Any time limit for the signs test or the knowledge test.
• Whether the signs test can be taken online. The official pages are silent on this.
• Which languages the knowledge test is offered in. The official page says “different languages” without naming them.
• Whether the signs test has a separate fee.

For any of these, check with NCDMV before you go.

Fees, retakes and appointments

The handbook lists a learner permit fee of $25.50, and the same amount for the Level 1 limited learner permit. The fee schedule is marked “subject to change,” and the handbook is dated Revised May 2025, so confirm the current fee before you pay. The fee schedule lists no separate fee for the signs test or the knowledge test.

Applicants who fail the knowledge test or the regular Class C driving test may retake it in seven calendar days. The official page does not say this applies to the signs test. Oral (audio) knowledge tests are available on request for people who have difficulty reading. You can make an exam appointment online at skiptheline.ncdot.gov.

How to practice

Read the handbook sign pages, then practice naming each sign’s shape, color and meaning until it is automatic. You can also work through the GetMyPermit North Carolina practice test to check what you have learned.

Sources

• NCDMV driver license tests
• North Carolina driver handbook (Revised May 2025)
• NCDMV regulatory signs
• NCDMV warning signs
• NCDMV appointments (Skip the Line)