Free North Carolina DMV Test Simulator 2026
This DMV Test Simulator is modeled on the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need 80% correct. There is a separate road sign test: you must correctly identify 9 of 12 road signs. The knowledge test requires 80% correct. It is a mock test: 25 questions (the DMV does not publish the real test length) scored to the 80% pass mark. Answers are marked only when you submit the whole test, then you review every question with its explanation. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
North Carolina DMV mock test
Answer all 25 questions first. Nothing is marked until you submit the whole test, so the score shows how ready you are, and then you review every answer with its explanation.
- 25 questions (our test length; the official count is not published)
- To pass: 80% correct
- Skip, go back and change answers until you submit
- Unanswered questions count as wrong
Time: We found no published time limit for the North Carolina knowledge test.
What's on the North Carolina DMV Test Simulator
You need at least 80% correct. The DMV does not publish the number of questions on the test, so the number you can miss depends on the test you get - on our 25-question simulator that is 5. There is a separate road sign test: you must correctly identify 9 of 12 road signs. The knowledge test requires 80% correct. The simulator draws a fresh set from all 201 North Carolina permit questions each time, so no two attempts are the same.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 68
- Traffic laws 53
- Safe driving 31
- Right of way 15
- Parking 10
- Emergencies 8
- Alcohol & drugs 8
- Vehicle equipment 5
- Speed limits 3
201 questions in the pool, 38 of them written specifically for North Carolina. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. A North Carolina driver under 21 is convicted of driving with any amount of alcohol in their body. How long is the license revoked?
- A. 30 days
- B. 6 months
- C. Two years
- D. One year (correct)
Why: For drivers under 21 there is no safe amount: driving with any alcohol or drugs in the body leads to a one-year revocation on conviction.
Source: official North Carolina driver handbook, p.33 (PDF p.35), Alcohol and the Young Driver
2. North Carolina law prohibits all drivers from:
- A. Reading or typing texts while driving (correct)
- B. Using cruise control on highways
- C. Driving with headlights on in daytime
- D. Eating or drinking while driving
Why: North Carolina bans texting (reading or typing text messages) for all drivers, regardless of age.
Source: official North Carolina driver handbook, Ch. 4, Cell Phones (PDF p.43)
3. What color background is used for most warning signs?
- A. Red
- B. White
- C. Yellow (correct)
- D. Purple
Why: Most warning signs have a yellow background with black symbols or letters. Yellow signals caution - slow down and watch for the hazard described.
4. What does this pentagon-shaped sign indicate?
- A. A hospital zone ahead
- B. A school zone or crossing (correct)
- C. A park or picnic area
- D. A no-passing zone begins ahead
Why: This five-sided (pentagon) yellow-green sign marks a school zone or school crossing. Slow to the posted school-zone speed and watch carefully for children.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2A.05, Table 2A-1 Use of Sign Shapes
5. What does this sign mean?
- A. Enter only after stopping
- B. Do not enter this roadway (correct)
- C. Road closed to trucks only
- D. Dead end - no outlet ahead
Why: This 'Do Not Enter' sign means you must not enter the road or ramp ahead, which is typically one-way or an exit. Entering would put you in oncoming traffic.
6. What is the most effective way to stay alert on a long drive?
- A. Drink coffee or an energy drink each hour
- B. Keep the window open and the air cold
- C. Take breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles (correct)
- D. Turn up the radio and sing along
Why: The only real cure for drowsiness while driving is sleep. Take breaks at least every 2 hours or 100 miles. Coffee provides temporary relief but is not a substitute for rest.
More North Carolina facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the North Carolina permit practice test page.
North Carolina DMV Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the DMV
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 80% correct
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Division of Motor Vehicles
More North Carolina Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this North Carolina DMV Test Simulator once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DMV exam.