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Test your knowledge forthe North Carolina permit test

The North Carolina permit test has 37 multiple-choice questions and you need 78% to pass: 29 correct answers, so you can miss up to 8.

10 questions from your state's handbook. Instant results, and every answer explained.

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The North Carolina permit test at a glance

Updated October 2026

Questions on the real test
37
Score needed to pass
78%29 of 37 correct
North Carolina practice questions on GetMyPermit
498

What's on the North Carolina permit test

Every question comes from the North Carolina driver handbook. These are its topics, with how many of our North Carolina practice questions cover each one.

  • Your Driving300
  • Your License64
  • Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings56
  • Sharing the Road46
  • How DMV Serves You24
  • DMV on the Web6
  • Your Driving Privilege2

North Carolina permit test sample questions and answers

  1. 1. What colors are guide/informational signs and what do they provide?

    • A. Red and white; they provide stop instructions
    • B. Yellow and black; they provide construction warnings
    • C. Green, brown, or blue; they give directions, routes, distances, and indicate services
    • D. Orange and black; they show temporary detours

    Answer: Green, brown, or blue; they give directions, routes, distances, and indicate services

    Guide signs, which are rectangular, may be green, brown, or blue and provide directions and distances or indicate services such as hospitals or patrol stations.

  2. 2. At night, what should pedestrians remember to do to help drivers see them?

    • A. Wear dark clothing
    • B. Walk in the middle of the lane
    • C. Use a flashlight
    • D. Look away from traffic

    Answer: Use a flashlight

    At night it is more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, so they are advised to use a flashlight.

  3. 3. Which of the following is a situation in which online renewal is NOT available?

    • A. You have only a corrective-lenses restriction
    • B. Your license is valid and unrestricted
    • C. You are in the medical review program
    • D. You have changed your mailing address

    Answer: You are in the medical review program

    Online service is not available if a driver has a restriction other than corrective lenses, is in the medical review program, is trying to renew a CDL or state ID, or has an expired/suspended/revoked license.

  4. 4. When litter is thrown or blown from a vehicle in North Carolina, who is held responsible?

    • A. The front-seat passenger
    • B. The owner of the roadway
    • C. The driver of the vehicle
    • D. The nearest pedestrian

    Answer: The driver of the vehicle

    The handbook states that when litter is thrown or blown from a vehicle, the driver of the vehicle is held responsible.

  5. 5. Which ability is specifically checked under the “Vision” requirement for an original driver license?

    • A. Color perception only
    • B. Ability to read at 20 feet
    • C. Ability to drive at night
    • D. Visual acuity and field of vision

    Answer: Visual acuity and field of vision

    The vision requirement evaluates visual acuity and field of vision as part of licensing.

  6. 6. How should you adjust your speed for packed snow and for ice?

    • A. Normal speed on snow; 5 mph slower on ice
    • B. Reduce speed by more than half for packed snow and slow to a crawl on ice
    • C. Speed up on snow; slow only on ice
    • D. Same speed on both surfaces

    Answer: Reduce speed by more than half for packed snow and slow to a crawl on ice

    It is recommended to reduce speed by more than half for packed snow and to slow to a crawl on ice.

  7. 7. What is the maximum speed limit for a school bus in North Carolina?

    • A. 35 mph
    • B. 40 mph
    • C. 45 mph
    • D. 55 mph

    Answer: 45 mph

    The handbook states that the maximum speed limit for a school bus is 45 mph.

  8. 8. The maximum speed limit for a school activity bus is:

    • A. 35 mph
    • B. 45 mph
    • C. 55 mph
    • D. 65 mph

    Answer: 55 mph

    The maximum speed limits table lists 55 mph for school activity buses.

North Carolina permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the North Carolina permit test?

The North Carolina permit test (the DMV knowledge test) has 37 multiple-choice questions.

What score do you need to pass the North Carolina permit test?

You need 78% to pass: at least 29 of the 37 questions right, so you can miss up to 8.

What is on the North Carolina permit test?

Questions come from the North Carolina driver handbook. The main topics are your driving; your license; signals, signs and pavement markings; sharing the road; and how DMV serves you.

How should I study for the North Carolina permit test?

Read the North Carolina driver handbook, then practice with questions written from it until you score well above the pass mark every time. GetMyPermit has 498 North Carolina practice questions, explains every answer and shows which topics you still miss.

Is this North Carolina permit practice test free?

Yes. The 10-question North Carolina practice test on this page is free, with instant results and every answer explained. The GetMyPermit app has the full question bank and a study plan.

Want the full North Carolina question bank and a study plan? Get GetMyPermit on the App Store.