North Carolina DMV Permit Test Concept Review
Checked 10/21/26
Summary notes
Section 1 · Road Signs12 questions
1-1. Sign Shapes, Colors, and Regulatory Signs
★★★★★ 45% (estimate)
Overview
North Carolina gives a separate road sign test, and you must identify each sign by its color and shape and say what it means. This chapter covers the signs that state rules you must obey and the shapes and colors that tell you what kind of sign you are looking at.
Shape comes first. The eight-sided sign is used only for STOP, and the triangle with its point at the bottom is used only for YIELD. Rectangles and squares, usually black on white or red on white, show speed limits and other rules, such as NO U-TURN or KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS. A red circle with a slash over a picture means the action shown is not allowed.
At a STOP sign you must come to a full stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection at a point where you can see the cross street. At a YIELD sign, slow down and let traffic on the other road go first, and stop if you need to. On a steady red light you may turn right after a full stop unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.
Key notes
- STOP sign
- — A red eight-sided sign with white letters. The eight-sided shape is used for no other sign. You must come to a full stop and not move again until the way is clear.
- Where to stop
- — Stop at the marked stop line. If there is no stop line or marked crosswalk, stop before you enter the intersection, at a point where you can see the cross street.
- YIELD sign
- — A red and white triangle with the point at the bottom. Slow down and give the right of way to traffic on the other road. Stop and wait if that traffic is close.
- Rule signs
- — Rectangular or square signs, normally black and white or red and white, that show speed limits and other rules such as NO U-TURN or KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS. Ignoring them breaks traffic law.
- Red circle and slash
- — A red circle with a slash over a symbol means the action in the symbol is not allowed, such as a left turn or a U-turn.
- Right turn on red
- — On a steady red light you may turn right after a complete stop unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. You must yield to traffic and to pedestrians in or near the crosswalk.
★ Exam points
- The eight-sided sign is used only for STOP.
- The triangle with its point down is used only for YIELD.
- Rule signs are usually rectangles in black and white or red and white.
- A red circle with a slash means the action shown is not allowed.
- Where NO TURN ON RED is posted, wait for the green light.
1-2. Warning, School, Railroad, and Work Zone Signs
★★★★★ 40% (estimate)
Overview
Warning signs tell you about a hazard or a change in the road before you reach it. This chapter covers yellow diamonds, the no-passing pennant, the five-sided school sign, the railroad crossing signs, and the orange signs used in work zones.
Most warning signs are diamonds with black symbols on yellow. When the same diamond is black on orange, it warns of construction or maintenance work. One of the most important is STOP AHEAD, which is placed well before a STOP sign that is hidden by a curve or other objects. The yellow pennant is on the left side of the road and marks where a no-passing zone begins.
The five-sided sign warns of a school zone or school crossing, so watch closely for children. A round yellow sign with an X and the letters RR warns that a railroad crossing is ahead. At the tracks stands the white X-shaped crossbuck, and a small sign under it shows how many tracks there are. In a work zone, a flagger uses a STOP/SLOW paddle, and you must follow it.
Key notes
- Diamond warning signs
- — Diamond-shaped signs warn of a hazard or change ahead, such as a curve, a merge, or two-way traffic. They are black on yellow, or black on orange for work zones.
- No-passing pennant
- — A yellow sign shaped like a long triangle, posted on the left side of the road. It points to where a no-passing zone begins and backs up the DO NOT PASS sign.
- School sign
- — A five-sided sign that warns of a school zone or school crossing. Watch for children. In many school zones the speed limit is lower during school hours.
- Railroad signs
- — A round yellow sign with an X and RR warns that a crossing is ahead. The white X-shaped crossbuck stands at the crossing itself, and a sign below it shows if there is more than one track.
- Work zone signs
- — Orange signs with black messages are used only for work zones. A work zone runs from the first sign that marks its start to the last sign that marks its end. Obey the posted work zone speed limit.
- STOP AHEAD sign
- — A yellow diamond placed well before a STOP sign when a curve or other objects block your view of it. Start slowing down so you can stop at the sign.
★ Exam points
- Yellow diamonds warn; orange diamonds warn of work zones.
- The pennant is on the left side of the road and marks the start of a no-passing zone.
- The five-sided sign means a school zone or school crossing.
- The round yellow RR sign is before the tracks; the crossbuck is at the tracks.
- Follow a flagger's STOP/SLOW paddle in a work zone.
1-3. Guide Signs and Route Markers
★★★☆☆ 15% (estimate)
Overview
Guide signs help you find your way. They show routes, directions, distances, and services such as a hospital. This chapter covers their colors and the shapes North Carolina uses to mark Interstate, U.S., and state routes.
Guide signs are rectangles and may be green, brown, or blue. Green signs give directions and distances, blue and white signs point to services such as a hospital or a Highway Patrol station, and brown signs lead to parks and recreation areas. If you are lost, do not stop in the road to read a sign. Pull onto the shoulder when it is safe.
Interstate highways are marked with a red, white, and blue shield, and U.S. highways with a shield. North Carolina routes use a diamond-shaped marker, and secondary roads use a rectangle. As a general rule, a highway with an odd number runs north–south, and one with an even number runs east–west.
Key notes
- Green guide signs
- — Rectangular green signs that give directions, route numbers, and distances to places.
- Blue service signs
- — Blue and white signs that point to services such as a hospital, a Highway Patrol station, or a telephone.
- Brown signs
- — Brown guide signs lead to parks, recreation areas, and places of cultural interest.
- Route markers
- — Interstate routes use a red, white, and blue shield. U.S. routes use a shield. North Carolina routes use a diamond, and North Carolina secondary roads use a rectangle.
- Route numbers
- — As a general rule, odd route numbers mean a north–south road and even route numbers mean an east–west road.
★ Exam points
- Green signs give directions and distances.
- Blue and white signs show services such as a hospital.
- Brown signs lead to parks and recreation areas.
- A diamond route marker means a North Carolina route.
- Even-numbered routes generally run east and west.
Section 2 · Rules of the Road25 questions
2-1. Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings
★★★★☆ 20% (estimate)
Overview
This chapter covers traffic lights, turn arrows, special signals such as hybrid beacons and ramp meters, and the lines and markers on the pavement. Each light and line tells you what you may do next.
A steady red light means stop. A steady yellow light means the light is about to turn red, so stop unless you are too close to stop safely. A green light lets you go, but turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A green arrow gives a protected turn, and a flashing yellow arrow lets you turn only after you yield. A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign, and a flashing yellow light means slow down and go with care. If a signal is not working, treat the intersection as an all-way stop.
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions, and white lines separate lanes moving the same way. A broken yellow line on your side lets you pass with care, while double solid yellow lines mean no passing from either side. On a divided highway the yellow edge line is on your left and the white edge line is on your right, so if you see the reverse, you are going the wrong way. Red pavement markers also warn of wrong-way travel.
Key notes
- Steady yellow light
- — The light is about to turn red. Stop unless you are so close that you cannot stop safely, and then go through with care. Never speed up to beat the red.
- Flashing signals
- — A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign: stop, then go when it is safe. A flashing yellow light means slow down and go through with caution.
- Turn arrows
- — A green arrow gives you a protected turn in the direction shown. A steady yellow arrow means the protected turn is ending. A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn after you yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A red arrow means stop.
- Signal not working
- — If a traffic light is out, act as if there were a stop sign on every approach, unless an officer is directing traffic.
- Hybrid beacon
- — A signal at a mid-block crosswalk that stays dark until someone presses the button. It then shows yellow and then steady red. When it flashes red, you may go after a full stop once the crosswalk is clear.
- Yellow and white lines
- — Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate lanes going the same way and mark the right edge of the road.
- Pavement markers
- — Red markers warn that you are going the wrong way. Blue markers in some areas show where a fire hydrant is nearby.
★ Exam points
- A flashing red light means stop, just like a STOP sign.
- A green arrow gives a protected turn; a flashing yellow arrow means yield, then turn.
- A dark signal means treat the intersection as an all-way stop.
- Double solid yellow lines mean no passing in either direction.
- A yellow edge line on your right means you are going the wrong way.
- Never use the two-way left-turn lane to pass or to merge.
2-2. Right of Way, School Buses, and Emergency Vehicles
★★★★★ 20% (estimate)
Overview
Right of way rules tell drivers who goes first. The rules mostly tell you when you must yield, and you should give up the right of way whenever that avoids a crash. This chapter covers intersections, roundabouts, driveways, pedestrians, school buses, emergency vehicles, and trains.
At an intersection with no signs or signals, a vehicle already in the intersection goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. A driver turning left must wait for oncoming traffic going straight. When you leave a driveway, stop and yield to all vehicles and pedestrians. In a roundabout, everyone moves counterclockwise and drivers entering yield to those already inside.
When a school bus stops with its stop arm out and red lights flashing, traffic going both ways must stop on a two-lane road, a two-lane road with a center turn lane, and a four-lane road with no median. Only traffic behind the bus must stop on a divided highway of four or more lanes with a median, or on a road of four or more lanes with a center turn lane. Wait until the stop arm is pulled in, the lights go off, and the bus starts to move.
For an emergency vehicle using lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes. If an emergency or service vehicle is stopped within 12 feet of the road with its lights on, move to a lane away from it when you have two or more lanes; on a road with one lane your way, slow down and pass at a safe speed. At a railroad crossing with a signal, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.
Key notes
- Uncontrolled intersection
- — An intersection with no signs or signals. The vehicle already in the intersection goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
- Pedestrians
- — At an intersection without signals, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have the right of way. If the light changes while someone is still crossing, let them finish. Give special care to a blind person with a white cane or guide dog.
- School bus stop
- — Stop when a school bus shows its stop arm or flashing red lights. Both directions stop on two-lane roads and four-lane roads with no median. Only traffic behind the bus stops on divided highways of four or more lanes with a median.
- Emergency vehicles
- — When an emergency vehicle with lights and siren comes from either direction, pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Stay stopped until it passes. On a four-lane limited-access highway with a median, traffic on the other side does not have to stop.
- Move Over law
- — For an emergency or service vehicle parked within 12 feet of the road with its warning lights on: with two or more lanes your way, move to a lane not next to it; with one lane your way, slow down until you are past it.
- Roundabout
- — Traffic moves counterclockwise. Yield to vehicles and bicycles already in the roundabout, do not change lanes inside it, and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk when you exit.
- Railroad crossing stop
- — When a signal, lowered gate, flagger, or close train warns of a train, stop no more than 50 feet and no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. Never drive around a lowered gate.
★ Exam points
- At the same time with no signs, the vehicle on the right goes first.
- A left-turning driver yields to oncoming traffic going straight.
- On a four-lane road with no median, both directions stop for a school bus.
- Do not park within 100 feet of an emergency vehicle stopped at a crash.
- Never drive over a fire hose.
- Trains always have the right of way, even over emergency vehicles.
2-3. Speed, Passing, and Parking
★★★★☆ 20% (estimate)
Overview
This chapter covers how fast you may drive in North Carolina, how far to stay behind other vehicles, when and how to pass, how to back up, when to signal, and where you may not park. Many test questions here are about numbers.
Unless a sign says otherwise, the speed limit is 35 mph in cities and towns and 55 mph outside them, and the highest limit on interstates is 70 mph. Even below the limit, you must slow down when conditions call for it. Keep at least two seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. On a multi-lane highway, drive in the right lane when you are slower than the limit, unless you are passing or turning left.
Pass only when you can see far enough ahead to return to your lane safely, and pass at least 2 feet to the left of the other vehicle. Do not pass on a hill or curve where you cannot see at least 500 feet ahead, where a solid yellow line is on your side, or at railroad crossings and city intersections. When someone passes you, move right and do not speed up.
Back up slowly, no faster than 10 mph, while looking over your right shoulder. Signal at least 100 feet before you turn, or 200 feet when the speed limit is 45 mph or more. Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, within 25 feet of the curb line of an intersecting street, on a crosswalk, sidewalk, or bridge, or on the shoulder unless drivers can see you from 200 feet away in both directions.
Key notes
- Speed limits
- — Unless posted otherwise: 35 mph in cities and towns and 55 mph outside them. The highest limit on interstates is 70 mph. School buses may go no faster than 45 mph.
- Two-second rule
- — Leave at least two seconds between the time the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point and the time you reach it. Leave more in rain or at higher speed.
- Safe passing
- — Signal, then pass at least 2 feet to the left of the vehicle. Do not pass on a hill or curve where you cannot see 500 feet ahead, or where a solid yellow line is in your lane.
- Being passed
- — When another driver passes you, move toward the right edge and do not speed up. If you speed up and a crash results, you can be charged with a misdemeanor.
- Turn signals
- — Signal at least the last 100 feet before you turn or stop. On roads posted at 45 mph or higher, start signaling at least 200 feet before the turn.
- No-parking distances
- — Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station entrance, or within 25 feet of the curb line of an intersecting street (15 feet from the right of way line if there is no curb).
- Parking on a shoulder
- — Do not park on the main traveled part of a highway. You may park on the shoulder only if drivers from both directions can see your vehicle from at least 200 feet away.
★ Exam points
- Default limits: 35 mph in cities and towns, 55 mph outside them.
- Do not pass on a hill or curve unless you can see at least 500 feet ahead.
- Pass at least 2 feet to the left of the vehicle you pass.
- Back up no faster than 10 mph.
- Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Passing on the right is allowed only in special cases, such as two or more lanes each way.
2-4. Safe Driving, Emergencies, and Sharing the Road
★★★★☆ 15% (estimate)
Overview
This chapter covers how to stay safe when conditions are poor or something goes wrong. It includes headlights, rain, fog, snow, skids, breakdowns and other emergencies, what to do after a crash, seat belts and child seats, and how to share the road with trucks, bicycles, and motorcycles.
North Carolina requires headlights from sunset to sunrise, whenever you cannot see 400 feet ahead, and whenever you use your wipers because of bad weather. Wet roads can make stopping take from two to ten times as far, and roads are slickest in the first minutes of rain. If you hydroplane, ease off the gas, do not brake hard, and keep the wheel straight. In fog, use low beams. On snow and ice, bridges and overpasses freeze first.
If you go into a skid, ease off the gas and steer in the direction the back of the car is sliding. If your wheels drop off the pavement, ease off the gas, steer straight, and return to the road only after you slow down. After a crash, you must stop. Report it to law enforcement if anyone is hurt or killed or damage appears to be $1,000 or more.
Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt. A child under 8 who weighs less than 80 pounds must ride in a proper child restraint. Large trucks have big blind spots called No-Zones, so if you cannot see the driver in the truck's mirror, the driver cannot see you. Bicycles are vehicles, and a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane.
Key notes
- Headlight law
- — Use headlights from sunset to sunrise, whenever you cannot see 400 feet ahead, and whenever you use your windshield wipers because of rain, snow, or other bad weather.
- Hydroplaning
- — A thin layer of water lifts your tires off the road, and it can start at speeds as low as 30 mph. Ease off the gas, do not brake hard, and keep the wheel straight until the tires grip again.
- Skids
- — Ease your foot off the gas and turn the wheel in the direction the rear of the car is sliding. As the car straightens, turn back so you do not oversteer.
- Brakes with ABS
- — With anti-lock brakes, press firmly and hold steady pressure. Do not pump them. Without ABS, pump the brakes gently on a slippery road.
- Reportable crash
- — You must stop after any crash. Report it at once to law enforcement if anyone is killed or hurt, or if damage appears to be $1,000 or more.
- Child restraints
- — Every passenger under 16 must be in a child restraint or seat belt. A child under 8 and under 80 pounds must ride in a child restraint that fits the child's weight.
- Truck No-Zones
- — Large trucks have blind spots up to 20 feet in front, along both sides, and up to 200 feet behind. If you cannot see the driver in the truck's side mirror, the driver cannot see you.
★ Exam points
- Headlights are required whenever you use wipers because of bad weather.
- If you hydroplane, ease off the gas and do not brake hard.
- In a skid, steer in the direction the rear of the car is sliding.
- Report a crash if anyone is hurt or damage appears to be $1,000 or more.
- Bridges and overpasses freeze first.
- Give a motorcycle a full lane; pass a moped at least 2 feet to the left.
2-5. Learner Permit and Graduated Licensing
★★★☆☆ 10% (estimate)
Overview
North Carolina uses graduated licensing for drivers ages 15 to 17. You earn more freedom in three levels: a limited learner permit, a limited provisional license, and a full provisional license. This chapter covers what each level needs and the rules you must follow.
For the Level 1 limited learner permit you must be 15 to 17 and finish driver education with 30 hours in the classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel. You pass the written, sign, and vision tests with a parent or guardian present. For the first six months you may drive only from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and always with your supervising driver beside you. After six months you may drive at any hour, still supervised. Only you and the supervising driver may sit in the front seat.
To move to Level 2 you must be 16, hold the permit for nine months, log at least 60 hours of driving with at least 10 at night, have no moving violation, seat belt, or cell phone conviction in the last six months, and pass a road test. Level 2 lets you drive alone from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and to or from work, with limits on passengers under 21. After six months at Level 2 you may move to Level 3, which has no time or passenger limits. Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone while driving except to call for help in an emergency.
Key notes
- Level 1 learner permit
- — For ages 15 to 17 after driver education (30 classroom hours and 6 hours behind the wheel). First six months: drive only from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with your supervising driver. After that, any hour with the supervising driver.
- Supervising driver
- — A parent, grandparent, or guardian, or a responsible adult the parent or guardian approves. The person must hold a valid license, have been licensed at least five years, and sit beside the driver.
- Moving up to Level 2
- — Be at least 16, hold the permit nine months, log 60 hours of driving with at least 10 at night, have no moving violation, seat belt, or cell phone convictions in the last six months, and pass a road test.
- Level 2 provisional license
- — You may drive alone from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and at any time going directly to or from work or volunteer fire, rescue, or EMS duty. When unsupervised, only one passenger under 21 who is not in your household, with a school-trip exception.
- Level 3 full provisional
- — After six months at Level 2 with no moving violation, seat belt, or cell phone convictions in the last six months. There are no time or passenger limits, but drivers under 18 still may not use a cell phone.
- Cell phone rule under 18
- — A driver under 18 may not use a cell phone while driving. The only exception is calling for an emergency, such as 911, a hospital, police, fire, or a parent or spouse.
★ Exam points
- The Level 1 permit is for ages 15 to 17 after driver education.
- First six months of Level 1: driving only from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Hold the permit nine months and log 60 hours, including 10 at night.
- A supervising driver must have been licensed at least five years.
- A provisional licensee who drives after drinking any alcohol loses the license for one year.
2-6. Alcohol, DWI, and the Point System
★★★★☆ 15% (estimate)
Overview
This chapter covers North Carolina's alcohol limits, what happens if you refuse a chemical test, the penalties for Driving While Impaired (DWI), and how driver license points can lead to a suspension.
Everyone's driving is impaired at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08, and many people are affected well below that. A driver 21 or older can be convicted of DWI with a BAC of 0.08 or more, or with any amount if alcohol or drugs clearly impair driving. A driver under 21 may not drive with any alcohol or drugs in the body, and a conviction brings a one-year revocation. Only time sobers a person; coffee and cold showers do not.
If you are charged with DWI and refuse a chemical test, your license is revoked at once for at least 30 days, and the DMV adds a revocation of at least 12 months. A first DWI conviction brings a one-year revocation. Points are added for moving violations. With 7 points you may be sent to a driver improvement clinic, and 12 points within three years can suspend your license.
Key notes
- BAC limits
- — A driver 21 or older is impaired at a BAC of 0.08 or more (0.04 in a commercial vehicle). A driver under 21 may not drive with any amount of alcohol in the body.
- Refusing a test
- — If you are charged with DWI and refuse a breath or blood test, your license is revoked right away for at least 30 days, and the DMV adds a revocation of at least 12 months.
- DWI revocations
- — First conviction: one-year revocation. Second conviction within three years of a prior offense: four years. Third conviction with a prior one in the last five years: permanent revocation.
- Open container
- — You may not drink any alcohol, including beer, while driving, and you may not carry an open container of alcohol in the passenger area.
- Driver license points
- — Moving violations add points. At 7 points you may be sent to a driver improvement clinic, which removes 3 points when you finish. Twelve points within three years can suspend your license.
- Point values
- — Passing a stopped school bus: 5 points. Reckless driving, following too closely, and illegal passing: 4. Running a stop sign or red light and failing to yield: 3. Most other moving violations: 2.
★ Exam points
- Drivers 21 and older are impaired at a BAC of 0.08 or more.
- A driver under 21 may not drive with any alcohol in the body.
- Only time sobers you; coffee and cold showers do not.
- A first DWI conviction brings a one-year revocation.
- Twelve points within three years can suspend your license.
- Illegal parking does not add driver license points.
NCDMV gives two written tests for a learner permit: a Road Sign test · 2 sections · 37 questions · 30 min
Pass: 80+ in every section and 80+ average
Source: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) · as of 2026
AI-written · Verified · Written by AI. Only units that passed a separate AI check (re-reading facts and numbers) are published. Tell us if you find a mistake.