NC DMV Permit Test: 2026 Guide

The North Carolina DMV Knowledge Test has 25 questions, and you need 20 correct answers (80%) to pass. The test fee is $21.50. The questions are based on the North Carolina Driver's Handbook. Try 10 free sample questions below, or take the full 25-question North Carolina practice test.

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NC DMV Permit Test at a glance

Official name	North Carolina DMV Knowledge Test
Questions	25
Pass mark	20 of 25 correct (80%)
Test fee	$21.50
Time	Approx. 25 minutes
Minimum age	15
Official handbook	North Carolina Driver's Handbook
Official page	North Carolina licensing office
Free practice test	25 questions with answers

Getting Your Learner Permit in NC: Your 4-Step Checklist

Step 1: Are You Eligible?
- You must be between 15 and 17 years old.
- You must be enrolled in an approved driver education program.
- You must pass a vision, traffic sign, and knowledge test.
Step 2: What ID Do I Need?

You'll need proof of identity and date of birth, a Social Security card, and proof of residency. You also need a Driving Eligibility Certificate.
Step 3: How Much Does the Test Cost?

The fee for a learner permit is $21.50.
Step 4: Understanding the Test Format

The knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80%). The test includes questions on traffic signs and motor vehicle laws.
Step 5: Limited Learner Permit Rules & Restrictions
While driving with a Limited Learner Permit, you must follow these rules:
- Must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or approved adult licensed for at least 5 years.
- For the first 6 months, you may only drive from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- You must complete a log of 60 hours of supervised driving.

Free North Carolina practice questions

The first 10 questions of North Carolina Practice Test 1. The full practice test has 25 questions.

1. What triggers a loss of license for a student driver?
Show answer

Answer: b) Suspension for more than 10 consecutive days or alternative education assignment.

A loss of license occurs if a student receives a suspension for more than 10 consecutive days or is assigned to an alternative educational setting for more than 10 consecutive days due to discipline.
2. Can a driver license be restricted?
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Answer: c) Yes, licenses can be restricted for safety reasons, such as requiring corrective lenses.

For safety reasons, a driver license may be limited or restricted. Examples include requirements to wear corrective lenses or use special equipment for safe operation.
3. What must be completed before issuing a license to someone in North Carolina less than 12 months?
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Answer: a) A National Sex Offender Public Registry search.

Before issuing a license to an applicant who has lived in North Carolina less than 12 months, the DMV must complete a search of the National Sex Offender Public Registry.
4. What is the purpose of North Carolina's approach to DWI offenders?
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Answer: b) To punish offenders and help them address alcohol problems

North Carolina's DWI laws aim to both punish DWI offenders and help them address any underlying problems with alcohol.
5. Must repeat DWI offenders be assessed for alcohol problems?
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Answer: a) Yes, repeat offenders and those with high BACs must be checked for alcohol problems

North Carolina law requires that repeat DWI offenders or persons with high BACs be evaluated to determine if they have an alcohol problem.
6. What is the penalty for allowing an underage person to use your ID to buy alcohol?
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Answer: a) One-year driver license revocation

Permitting an underage person to use your driver license or ID to purchase alcohol results in one-year driver license revocation upon conviction.
7. How many points are assigned for littering involving the use of a motor vehicle?
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Answer: c) 1 point

Littering involving the use of a motor vehicle results in 1 point being placed against your driving record.
8. What is the suspension period for failure to stop and give aid when involved in an accident?
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Answer: c) 1 year

Failure to stop and give aid when involved in an accident results in a 1-year suspension of your driving privilege.
9. How many points are assessed for failure to yield right of way to a bicycle, motor scooter, or motorcycle?
Show answer

Answer: a) 4 points

Failure to yield right of way to a bicycle, motor scooter, or motorcycle results in 4 points being placed against your driving record.
10. What is required for a child under age 8 weighing less than 80 pounds?
Show answer

Answer: c) A weight appropriate child passenger restraint system

Children under age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds must be properly secured in a weight appropriate child passenger restraint system.

Take the full 25-question North Carolina practice test

NC DMV Permit Test: common questions

How many questions are on the NC DMV Permit Test?

The North Carolina DMV Knowledge Test has 25 questions.

How many questions can you miss on the NC DMV Permit Test?

You need 20 of 25 correct (80%), so you can miss up to 5 questions.

How much does the NC DMV Permit Test cost?

The North Carolina test fee is $21.50. Fees change, so confirm the amount with the licensing office before you go.

How long does the NC DMV Permit Test take?

Approx. 25 minutes.

How old do you have to be to take the NC DMV Permit Test?

You must be at least 15.

What should I study for the NC DMV Permit Test?

Study the North Carolina Driver's Handbook; the test questions are based on it. Then check yourself with a practice test: FlashPath's free North Carolina Practice Test 1 has 25 questions with answers and explanations.

Is the FlashPath North Carolina practice test free?

Yes. Practice Test 1 (25 questions) is free on this site and in the app, with no sign-up. The app has 213 more North Carolina practice questions across Practice Tests 2 to 10; full access is a subscription.

What is the FlashPath Pass Guarantee?

If you have a paid FlashPath subscription and don't pass the NC DMV Permit Test, your next month is free. Email us within 30 days of the test with your store order ID and your result.

Guarantee terms: FlashPath Pass Guarantee.

North Carolina guides

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The FlashPath app

FlashPath (on the App Store as "DMV Permit Written Test 2026") is an iPhone and Android app for the North Carolina DMV Knowledge Test, rated 4.9 from 65 App Store ratings, with 234 North Carolina questions across 10 practice tests, an explanation for every answer, missed-question review, an exam simulator and a Pass Guarantee (another month free if you don't pass).