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North Carolina Permit Practice Test (2026)
Free North Carolina permit practice questions, each answer cited to the official North Carolina handbook. No sign-up, no ads.
The real test at a glance
- Questions
- 37 (approximate)
- To pass
- 29/37 (approximate)
- Minimum age
- 15 years old, under 18 (limited learner permit)
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook May 2025, checked 2026-11.
Free 10-question sample test
Tap an answer to see if you are right, with the reason and the handbook page.
1. How old must you be to apply for a limited learner permit?
- 15 years old
- 14 years old
- 16 years old
- 18 years old
Answer
A. Be at least 15 but under 18 years old, and live in North Carolina, to apply for a limited learner permit.
From the handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 14
2. What color are the signs that warn you of a work zone?
- Green with white letters
- Red with white letters
- Blue with white letters
- Orange with black letters
Answer
D. Orange signs with black letters are reserved strictly to identify work zones.
From the handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 72
3. What does a steady red light mean?
- Slow down and proceed
- Stop
- Stop only if cars are coming
- Yield, then go
Answer
B. A steady red circular signal means stop. Wait for the signal to change.
From the handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 82
4. Two cars reach an intersection with no signs at the same time. Who has the right of way?
- The vehicle on the left
- The vehicle on the right
- The larger vehicle
- The faster vehicle
Answer
B. When two vehicles arrive together at an intersection without signs, the vehicle to the right goes first.
From the handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 59
5. Where should you be on the road when you make a right turn?
- In the middle of the lane
- Well away from the curb
- Just right of the center line
- Close to the right edge
Answer
D. Stay close to the right edge so another vehicle cannot slip between you and the curb.
From the handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 56
6. Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in cities and towns?
- 35 mph
- 25 mph
- 45 mph
- 55 mph
Answer
A. Unless otherwise posted, the limit in cities and towns is 35 mph.
From the handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 55
7. How far to the left of the vehicle you pass must you stay?
- At least one foot
- At least two feet
- At least five feet
- At least ten feet
Answer
B. Pass at least two feet to the left of the vehicle you are passing.
From the handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 57
8. On which side of the road should you park, except on one-way streets?
- The right side
- The left side
- Either side
- The side closer to your destination
Answer
A. Always park on the right side of the road, except on one-way streets.
From the handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 58
9. How does state law treat bicycles?
- As pedestrians
- As vehicles
- As slow-moving equipment
- As motorized equipment
Answer
B. Bicyclists have the same traffic duties as drivers, including DWI laws.
From the handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 91
10. At what blood alcohol concentration is everyone’s driving impaired?
- 0.04 percent
- 0.10 percent
- 0.15 percent
- 0.08 percent
Answer
D. Everyone’s driving is impaired at a BAC of 0.08 percent, and many people are affected at much lower levels.
From the handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 33
What's on the test
- Permit and license rules: At 15 you can get a limited learner permit if you are under 18 and live in North Carolina.
- Road signs: A stop sign is a red octagon.
- Signals and markings: A circular red light means stop.
- Right of way: At an intersection with no signs, the vehicle already in it goes first.
- Turns and lanes: For a right turn, stay close to the right edge so no vehicle can slip between you and the curb.
- Speed and following: Unless posted, the limit is 35 mph in cities and towns and 55 mph outside them.
- Passing: Pass only when you can see far enough to return to your lane before meeting oncoming traffic.
- Parking: Park on the right side of the road, except on one-way streets.
- Sharing the road: Bicycles are vehicles.
- Alcohol and drugs: Driving is impaired at a BAC of 0.08 percent.
- Safe driving: The driver and every passenger must wear a seat belt, even with air bags.
- Emergencies and weather: Use headlights whenever your wipers are on.
- North Carolina specials: A new resident has 60 days to get a North Carolina license or learner permit.
Signs worth knowing
Stop sign
You must come to a full stop here.
Yield sign
You must let other traffic and pedestrians go first.
Speed limit sign
This is the highest speed allowed on this road in good conditions.
Do Not Enter sign
You may not drive into this road or ramp because traffic comes toward you.
No U-turn sign
You may not turn around to go back the way you came.
No Left Turn sign
You may not turn left here.
No Right Turn sign
You may not turn right here.
Left Turn Only sign
Drivers in this lane must turn left.
One Way sign
Traffic on this road moves only in the direction of the arrow.
Keep Right sign
There is an obstacle or divider ahead, and traffic must pass on its right side.
Five things to remember
- Driver education means 30 hours in class and 6 hours behind the wheel. Under 18, show your certificate before the permit test. A parent or guardian signs for you. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 17)
- A yield sign is a triangle with the point down. Slow down and give the right of way. You stop only if cross traffic makes it necessary. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 85)
- Yellow means caution: the light is about to turn red. Stop if you can. Never speed up to beat the red light. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 82)
- If you go straight and an oncoming driver turns left, the left-turner waits. Slow down at every intersection, even with the right of way. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 59)
- Signal at least the last 100 feet before a turn. At 45 mph or more, signal at least the last 200 feet. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, PDF p. 71)
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Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the North Carolina permit test?
37 (approximate). North Carolina does not publish how many questions its knowledge test has. This practice test uses an 80% pass mark and a separate 12-question road-sign test (9 right).
What score do you need to pass the North Carolina permit test?
29/37 (approximate).
How old do you have to be to get a North Carolina permit?
15 years old, under 18 (limited learner permit).
Is Turnlane free?
Yes to start: all lessons, all signs and 20 practice questions a day are free. A one-time Pass Pack unlocks unlimited practice. There are no ads and no subscription.
Turnlane is not affiliated with any state agency. Questions are written from the North Carolina Driver Handbook May 2025; the official test may differ. Always check the current handbook.