Ace Your 2025 Nevada Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You'll Likely See

The first major hurdle to getting behind the wheel in Nevada is the written knowledge test, often called the permit test. This 50-question multiple-choice exam is designed to ensure you have a fundamental understanding of Nevada's traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving principles before you even start practicing on the road. To pass, you need to answer at least 80% of the questions correctly.

While the thought of a test can be nerve-wracking, the key to success is preparation. The entire test is based on the official Nevada Driver's Handbook. Studying the handbook is essential, but a powerful way to build confidence and test your knowledge is by working through practice questions.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 practice questions that cover the types of topics and formats you’re likely to encounter on the real Nevada DMV permit test. For each question, we provide the correct answer and a detailed explanation.

Nevada Permit Practice Test

Question 1: When approaching a school bus that has stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended on a two-lane road, you must:

a) Slow down to 15 mph and pass with caution. b) Stop, and remain stopped, until the lights are no longer flashing and the stop arm is retracted. c) Honk to alert the children and then proceed. d) Stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Nevada law requires all drivers, regardless of their direction of travel, to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights on a two-lane road. This law is in place to protect children who may be crossing the street. You must wait until the bus driver turns off the lights and retracts the stop sign before you can move again. The only exception is on a divided highway with a median or physical barrier; in that case, only traffic following the bus must stop.

Question 2: What is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 years of age or older in Nevada?

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

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: In Nevada, it is illegal for any person 21 years or older to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, Nevada has a zero-tolerance policy, meaning a BAC of 0.02% can result in DUI charges. Driving under the influence carries severe penalties, including license suspension.

Question 3: A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means:

a) You may pass other vehicles with caution. b) The road is ending ahead. c) You are in a passing zone. d) You may not pass other vehicles.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Pavement markings are a critical part of road communication. A solid yellow line indicates a no-passing zone. You are not permitted to cross this line to overtake another vehicle. A broken yellow line, by contrast, indicates that you may pass when it is safe to do so.

Question 4: In Nevada, drivers under the age of 18 are subject to a statewide driving curfew. What are the hours of this curfew?

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

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: To keep the newest and most inexperienced drivers safe, Nevada's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws include a nighttime driving curfew. Drivers under 18 may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless they are traveling to or from a scheduled school or work event.

Question 5: What does this road sign mean? (Image of a red, octagonal STOP sign)

a) Yield to other traffic. b) Come to a complete stop, check for traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when it is safe. c) Slow down and prepare to stop if necessary. d) Railroad crossing ahead.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The octagonal shape and red color of a stop sign are universally recognized. It means you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop before the marked stop line or crosswalk. A "rolling stop" is illegal and dangerous. You must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians and cross-traffic before proceeding.

Question 6: When must you use your headlights in Nevada?

a) Only when it is raining. b) From sunset to sunrise. c) From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and any time visibility is low. d) Only when you cannot see 500 feet ahead.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Nevada law specifies that headlights must be used from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. They must also be used at any other time when there is insufficient light or adverse weather conditions (like rain, snow, or fog) that prevent you from clearly seeing people or vehicles at a distance of 1,000 feet.

Question 7: For the first six months after receiving a driver's license, a Nevada driver under 18 has a passenger restriction. They may not transport any passenger under the age of 18, unless:

a) They are driving to a party. b) The passenger is an immediate family member. c) It is during daylight hours. d) The parent gives verbal permission.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Another key component of Nevada's GDL program is the passenger restriction, designed to minimize distractions for new drivers. For the first six months, a driver under 18 cannot carry passengers under 18, with the specific exception of immediate family members (like siblings).

Question 8: If you accumulate 12 or more demerit points on your driving record within a 12-month period, what is the consequence?

a) A warning letter is sent. b) You must retake the written test. c) Your insurance rates will double. d) Your driver's license will be suspended.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: The Nevada DMV uses a demerit point system to track traffic violations. Accumulating 12 or more points in any 12-month period results in an automatic six-month license suspension.

Question 9: What does a diamond-shaped road sign signify?

a) A regulatory instruction, like speed limits. b) A warning of existing or possible hazards. c) A railroad crossing. d) Route guidance.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The shape of a road sign provides a clue to its meaning. Diamond-shaped signs are used to warn drivers of upcoming hazards, such as sharp curves, slippery roads, or merging traffic. Seeing one should prompt you to slow down and be more alert.

Question 10: When parking uphill on a street with a curb, you should turn your front wheels:

a) Straight ahead. b) Towards the curb. c) Away from the curb. d) It does not matter.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: This is a crucial safety technique. When parking uphill against a curb, turn your wheels away from the curb (to the left). This way, if your brakes fail, the car will roll back and the front tire will hit the curb, stopping the vehicle. For downhill parking with a curb, you would turn your wheels towards the curb.

Question 11: The "3-second rule" is a method for determining:

a) How long it takes to stop. b) A safe following distance. c) The time it takes to change lanes. d) How long to signal a turn.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: To maintain a safe cushion between your vehicle and the one in front of you, use the 3-second rule. When the vehicle ahead of you passes a fixed object (like a sign or tree), start counting. If you reach the same object before you finish counting to three, you are following too closely. Increase this to four or more seconds in bad weather.

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

a) Stop and wait for the light to turn green. b) The same thing as a stop sign. c) Slow down and proceed with caution. d) The traffic light is broken; treat it as a four-way yield.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: A flashing red light should be treated exactly like a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, yield to any cross-traffic or pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Question 13: In Nevada, texting, accessing the internet, and using a hand-held cell phone while driving are:

a) Legal for drivers over 21. b) Allowed at stoplights. c) Illegal for all drivers. d) Permitted in school zones.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Nevada has strict laws against distracted driving. It is illegal for any driver to use a hand-held electronic device to talk, text, or use the internet while driving. This is a primary offense, meaning an officer can pull you over just for this violation.

Question 14: What is the statewide maximum speed limit in a residential area, unless otherwise posted?

a) 15 mph b) 25 mph c) 35 mph d) 45 mph

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Unless a different speed limit is posted, the maximum legal speed in a business or residential district in Nevada is 25 mph. In school zones, the limit is typically 15 mph when children are present.

Question 15: If an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren is approaching, you must:

a) Speed up to get out of the way. b) Continue at the same speed. c) Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. d) Only stop if it is behind you.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: When you see the lights or hear the siren of an approaching emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance), you must immediately yield the right-of-way. Safely pull over to the right-hand side of the road, clear of any intersections, and come to a complete stop until the vehicle has passed.

How to Prepare for Success

These questions are just a sample. To be fully prepared, dedicate time to reading the Nevada Driver's Handbook thoroughly. Pay special attention to sections on traffic laws, signs and signals, the point system, and DUI consequences. By understanding the "why" behind the rules and quizzing yourself regularly, you can walk into the DMV with the confidence to ace your permit test on the first try.