Free North Carolina DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 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. These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
What does the 'basic speed law' require?
What's on the North Carolina Practice Test 1
The DMV does not publish how many questions are on the real North Carolina knowledge test, and to pass you need 80% correct. Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 53 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 18
- Safe driving 4
- Parking 3
- Right of way 3
- Emergencies 2
- Speed limits 2
- Alcohol & drugs 1
53 questions in the pool, 11 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. When may you pass a funeral procession that is traveling in your direction in North Carolina?
- A. After the lead car goes through a light
- B. Where there are two or more lanes your way (correct)
- C. Any time, if you signal and use your horn
- D. When no police car is leading the line
Why: Drivers going the same way may not pass a funeral procession unless the road is marked for two or more lanes in that direction. Never drive between cars in the procession.
Source: official North Carolina driver handbook, p.52 (PDF p.54), Funeral Processions
2. On a road with a speed limit of 45 mph or more, how far before a turn should you signal in North Carolina?
- A. At least 100 feet
- B. At least 300 feet
- C. At least 500 feet
- D. At least 200 feet (correct)
Why: The usual minimum is 100 feet, but where the limit is 45 mph or higher you should signal for at least the last 200 feet. Faster traffic needs more warning.
Source: official North Carolina driver handbook, p.69 (PDF p.71), Flashing Turn Signals
3. Who must yield when a pedestrian is crossing at a marked crosswalk?
- A. The pedestrian, since cars cannot stop quickly
- B. The driver must yield to the pedestrian (correct)
- C. Whoever reached the crosswalk first
- D. The driver, but only at a traffic signal
Why: Drivers must always yield to pedestrians who are crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Pedestrian safety is the highest priority.
4. Your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor. Which action may build up brake pressure again?
- A. Shifting the car into neutral
- B. Turning the engine off at once
- C. Holding the pedal on the floor
- D. Pumping the brake pedal quickly (correct)
Why: Pumping the pedal can restore enough pressure for the brakes to work. If it does not, shift to a lower gear and apply the parking brake slowly.
5. What does this sign prohibit?
- A. Left turns at this location
- B. U-turns at this location (correct)
- C. Right turns at this location
- D. Lane changes at this location
Why: This sign prohibits making a U-turn at this location. The red circle and slash over the U-turn arrow means the maneuver is not allowed here.
6. A diamond-shaped orange sign indicates:
- A. A school zone
- B. A work zone ahead (correct)
- C. A slow-moving vehicle ahead
- D. A yield ahead
Why: Orange diamond-shaped signs indicate construction or work zones. Speed limits are often reduced and fines are doubled in work zones. Slow down and stay alert.
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 Practice Test 1 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.