Ace Your 2025 North Carolina Permit Test: 15 Questions You'll Likely See

The first official hurdle on the path to your North Carolina driver's license is the DMV's written knowledge test. This 25-question exam is designed to ensure you have a fundamental understanding of the state's traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving principles before you ever get behind the wheel. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 20 questions (an 80% score).

While the definitive source for all test material is the North Carolina Driver's Handbook, nothing builds confidence and tests your readiness like tackling practice questions. We've put together 15 questions that mirror the style and topics you're likely to encounter on the real NC permit test. After each question, you'll find the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help solidify your knowledge.

North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test

Question 1: In North Carolina, what is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for a driver 21 years of age or older?

a) 0.10% b) 0.08% c) 0.05% d) 0.02%

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: It is illegal for any person aged 21 or older to operate a motor vehicle in North Carolina with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, North Carolina has a strict "Zero Tolerance" law, making it illegal to drive with any amount of alcohol in their system.

Question 2: This road sign means: (Image of a red, eight-sided sign)

a) Yield b) Stop c) Warning d) Do Not Enter

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The octagonal (eight-sided) shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs. When you see this sign, you must come to a complete stop before the marked stop line or crosswalk and yield to any crossing traffic or pedestrians before proceeding.

Question 3: Under the Graduated Licensing law, a driver with a Limited Provisional License may NOT drive unsupervised between what hours?

a) 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. b) 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. c) 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. d) Midnight and 6 a.m.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The GDL program includes a nighttime driving curfew for Level 2 (Limited Provisional) license holders. They may not drive without supervision between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Exceptions are made for travel to and from work or volunteer emergency services.

Question 4: When you see a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended on a two-lane roadway, you must:

a) Stop, regardless of your direction of travel. b) Slow down to 15 mph and pass with extreme caution. c) Stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus. d) Honk to alert children and then proceed slowly.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: North Carolina law is very strict about protecting children. On any two-lane road, or any multi-lane road without a median or physical barrier, all traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.

Question 5: What is the "two-second rule"?

a) The time it takes to check your mirrors. b) A method to ensure a safe following distance. c) The time you have to report an accident. d) The time you have to stop at a yellow light.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The two-second rule is a simple technique to avoid tailgating. Watch the vehicle ahead of you pass a fixed object (like a signpost). Then, count "one-thousand one, one-thousand two." If you pass the same object before you finish counting, you are following too closely and should increase your distance.

Question 6: This road sign means: (Image of a round, yellow sign with a black "X" and "RR")

a) Stop Ahead b) Yield Ahead c) Hospital Ahead d) Railroad Crossing Ahead

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: The round, yellow sign with a black "X" and the letters "RR" is the advance warning sign for a railroad crossing. When you see this sign, you should slow down, look both ways, and listen for a train.

Question 7: A driver with a Limited Provisional License is restricted to how many passengers under the age of 21?

a) Zero b) One c) Two d) Three, if they are siblings.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: To minimize distractions for new drivers, a Level 2 GDL license holder may only transport one passenger under the age of 21. This restriction does not apply if the passengers are immediate family members living in the same household.

Question 8: If you accumulate 12 or more points on your driving record within a 3-year period, what may happen?

a) You receive a warning letter. b) You must retake the written test. c) Your license may be suspended. d) Your insurance rates will be automatically doubled.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: North Carolina's point system tracks traffic violations. Accumulating 12 points in a three-year period can result in the suspension of your driving privilege. Accumulating 7 points may result in being assigned to a driver improvement clinic.

Question 9: What does a five-sided, pentagon-shaped sign indicate?

a) A regulatory command. b) A no-passing zone. c) A school zone or school crossing. d) An upcoming intersection.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The pentagon (five-sided) shape is used exclusively for signs related to school zones and school crossings. When you see this sign, you should slow down, be extra alert, and watch for children.

Question 10: The maximum speed limit for a school bus in North Carolina is:

a) 35 mph b) 45 mph c) 55 mph d) The same as the posted speed limit for cars.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: This is a specific NC law that is often on the test. The maximum speed limit for a school bus is 45 mph.

Question 11: Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit inside a city?

a) 25 mph b) 30 mph c) 35 mph d) 45 mph

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The statutory speed limit within city limits in North Carolina is 35 mph, unless a sign indicates a different speed.

Question 12: A flashing yellow traffic light at an intersection means:

a) Stop and wait for a green light. b) The light is about to turn red. c) Slow down and proceed with caution. d) Stop and yield to all cross traffic.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: A flashing yellow light is a warning. It means you should slow down, be alert for potential hazards, and proceed through the intersection with caution.

Question 13: In North Carolina, it is illegal for any person to send or read a text message or email while driving. This law applies to:

a) Only drivers under 18. b) Only commercial truck drivers. c) All drivers. d) Only drivers in school zones.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: North Carolina's ban on texting while driving applies to all drivers of all ages. It is a primary offense, meaning an officer can pull you over just for this violation.

Question 14: You should use your turn signal at least how far before turning?

a) 50 feet b) 100 feet c) 200 feet d) 300 feet

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The NC Driver's Handbook states you should signal for a turn or lane change continuously for at least 200 feet before the maneuver if traveling at 45 mph or more. If traveling less than 45 mph, you should signal for at least 100 feet. The 200 feet figure is a common test question.

Question 15: If an emergency vehicle is approaching from any direction with its siren and flashing lights on, you must:

a) Speed up to get out of the way. b) Continue at your current speed. c) Pull over to the right side of the road and stop. d) Stop immediately, even if in an intersection.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: When you see or hear an emergency vehicle, you must immediately yield the right-of-way. Safely pull over to the right-hand edge of the roadway, clear of any intersections, and come to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

How to Guarantee Success

These questions provide a great overview, but true mastery comes from studying the North Carolina Driver's Handbook. Focus on chapters covering GDL laws, traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and alcohol-related offenses. By combining diligent study with practice tests, you can walk into the DMV ready to pass your knowledge test on the first try.