North Carolina: Alcohol & drugs
Driving while impaired, alcohol concentration limits, revocations and under-21 rules. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Choose a part
Alcohol & drugs — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “For a provisional licensee, how much alcohol or drugs is it unlawful to have consumed before or while driving?”
StartAlcohol & drugs — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “A third DWI conviction brings mandatory permanent revocation if at least one prior conviction occurred within how long?”
StartAll 43 Alcohol & drugs questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
Show the questions and answersHide the questions
-
A conviction of a provisional licensee for driving after or while consuming any amount of alcohol or drugs results in:
- A 30-day license suspension
- A one-year license revocation
- A six-month license revocation
- A 90-day license suspension
Show answer
Correct answer: A one-year license revocation
The manual says such a conviction results in a one-year license revocation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
-
For a provisional licensee, how much alcohol or drugs is it unlawful to have consumed before or while driving?
- More than 0.08 blood alcohol concentration
- More than 0.04 blood alcohol concentration
- More than 0.15 blood alcohol concentration
- Any amount
Show answer
Correct answer: Any amount
The manual says it is unlawful for a provisional licensee to drive after or while consuming any amount of alcohol or drugs.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
-
At what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) does the manual say everyone's driving is impaired?
- 0.08 percent
- 0.05 percent
- 0.10 percent
- 0.15 percent
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.08 percent
The manual states that everyone's driving is impaired at a BAC of 0.08 percent.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
According to the manual, the risk of being involved in a crash increases when the alcohol level reaches what BAC?
- 0.02 percent
- 0.04 percent
- 0.05 percent
- 0.10 percent
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.05 percent
Research cited in the manual shows the crash risk increases at 0.05 percent, and at 0.08 percent the risk of a fatal crash is even greater.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
What did the Safe Roads Act of 1983 replace the previous drunk driving laws with?
- Two offenses, one for alcohol and one for drugs
- A single offense called Driving While Impaired (DWI)
- Separate offenses for first and repeat offenders
- A separate offense for each blood alcohol level
Show answer
Correct answer: A single offense called Driving While Impaired (DWI)
The act repealed all previous drunk driving laws and replaced them with the single offense of Driving While Impaired.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
What happens if you refuse to perform a chemical test required after a DWI charge?
- Immediate license revocation for at least 30 days, with no additional revocation by the DMV
- Immediate license revocation for at least 90 days, plus an additional six-month revocation by the DMV
- No revocation until a court hearing, and then a revocation of at least 12 months only
- Immediate license revocation for at least 30 days, plus an additional minimum 12-month revocation by the DMV
Show answer
Correct answer: Immediate license revocation for at least 30 days, plus an additional minimum 12-month revocation by the DMV
Refusing a required test brings an immediate revocation of at least 30 days and an additional minimum 12-month revocation by the DMV.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
In certain instances, after how much of the willful refusal revocation has elapsed may a judge issue a limited driving privilege?
- Six months
- 30 days
- Three months
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: Six months
The manual says that in certain instances a judge may issue a limited driving privilege after six months of the willful refusal revocation have elapsed.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
If a chemical test shows a BAC of 0.08 percent or more, your driving privilege is revoked immediately for at least how long?
- 60 days
- Six months
- 30 days
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
A test result of 0.08 percent or more brings an immediate revocation for a minimum of 30 days.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
Driving while impaired can be proven by a BAC of what level or more for a driver of a commercial motor vehicle?
- 0.02
- 0.04
- 0.08
- 0.10
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.04
For a commercial motor vehicle driver, DWI can be proven with a BAC of 0.04 or more instead of 0.08.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
What can be used as evidence in court against a driver charged with DWI?
- Only the chemical test results, never a refusal
- Neither the test results nor a refusal to take the test
- Only test results showing a BAC of 0.15 or more
- The test results or a refusal to take the test
Show answer
Correct answer: The test results or a refusal to take the test
The manual says the test results, or the fact that you refused the test, are admissible as evidence in court.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
Which is one way that driving while impaired can be proven?
- By proving the driver is appreciably impaired in physical or mental fitness by alcohol or drugs
- By proving the driver was stopped at a road block set up by an enforcement agency
- By proving the driver has a prior DWI conviction within the past seven years
- By proving the driver had an open container of alcohol in the passenger area
Show answer
Correct answer: By proving the driver is appreciably impaired in physical or mental fitness by alcohol or drugs
The manual lists impairment of physical or mental fitness by alcohol, drugs or both as one of two ways to prove DWI.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
What do DWI laws allow enforcement agencies to set up to check for impaired drivers?
- Random home visits
- Mandatory rest stops
- Road blocks
- Testing stations at DMV offices
Show answer
Correct answer: Road blocks
The manual states that DWI laws allow enforcement agencies to set up road blocks to check for impaired drivers.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
Which alcoholic drinks do DWI laws prohibit a driver from consuming while driving?
- Only liquor and wine, not beer
- Any alcoholic beverage, including beer
- Only drinks with more than 0.08 percent alcohol
- Only drinks consumed after a chemical test
Show answer
Correct answer: Any alcoholic beverage, including beer
DWI laws prohibit consuming any alcoholic beverage, including beer, while driving.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
Under DWI laws, where is it prohibited to transport an open container of an alcoholic beverage?
- Only in the driver's seat area
- Only on highways with a speed limit above 55 mph
- Only while the vehicle is moving at night
- In the vehicle, including the passenger area of the car
Show answer
Correct answer: In the vehicle, including the passenger area of the car
The law prohibits transporting an open container of any alcoholic beverage, including in the passenger area of the car.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
In the passenger area of a commercial motor vehicle on a highway, possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited when the container is which of these?
- Open or closed
- Open only
- Open and more than half full
- Closed and unopened only
Show answer
Correct answer: Open or closed
The law prohibits possession of alcoholic beverages, open or closed, in the passenger area of a commercial motor vehicle.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
Which persons must serve a jail sentence under DWI laws?
- Persons convicted of DWI for the first time
- Only persons convicted of DWI with a BAC of 0.15 or more
- Persons convicted of DWI for the second time
- Only persons who refused a chemical test
Show answer
Correct answer: Persons convicted of DWI for the second time
DWI laws require persons convicted of DWI for the second time to serve a jail sentence.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
What must persons with lower BACs do under DWI laws?
- Serve a jail sentence
- Attend alcohol safety schools
- Install an ignition interlock device
- Surrender their vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Attend alcohol safety schools
DWI laws require persons with lower BACs to attend alcohol safety schools.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
Who must be checked to see if they have an alcohol problem under DWI laws?
- All drivers stopped at road blocks
- Only drivers who are under 21
- Only drivers who refused a chemical test
- Repeat DWI offenders and persons with high BACs
Show answer
Correct answer: Repeat DWI offenders and persons with high BACs
DWI laws require repeat DWI offenders or persons with high BACs to be checked for an alcohol problem.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
What must anyone convicted of DWI obtain before their driving privileges are reinstated?
- A substance abuse assessment
- A letter from an employer
- A new vehicle registration
- Proof of a completed driving test
Show answer
Correct answer: A substance abuse assessment
DWI laws require a substance abuse assessment before reinstatement of driving privileges.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
What may the court order if you are convicted of DWI while your license is revoked for an earlier DWI conviction?
- Your vehicle registration suspended for 30 days
- Your vehicle fitted with a speed limiter
- Your vehicle seized and sold
- Your vehicle held by police for one year and returned
Show answer
Correct answer: Your vehicle seized and sold
The manual says the court may order the vehicle seized and sold in that situation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
What is the mandatory driver license revocation period for a first DWI conviction?
- 30 days
- One year
- Four years
- Permanent revocation
Show answer
Correct answer: One year
A first DWI conviction brings a mandatory one-year revocation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
What is the mandatory revocation for a second DWI conviction when a prior offense occurred within three years of the current offense?
- One year
- Two years
- Permanent revocation
- Four years
Show answer
Correct answer: Four years
A second conviction with a prior offense within three years brings a mandatory four-year revocation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
A third DWI conviction brings mandatory permanent revocation if at least one prior conviction occurred within how long?
- The past five years
- The past year
- The past three years
- The past seven years
Show answer
Correct answer: The past five years
A third conviction means permanent revocation if at least one of the prior convictions occurred within the past five years.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
A fourth DWI conviction is considered a felony if the three prior DWI convictions occurred within how long?
- The past three years
- The past five years
- The past seven years
- The past ten years
Show answer
Correct answer: The past seven years
The fourth conviction is a felony if the three prior DWI convictions occurred within the past seven years.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
On the first restoration of a license after a DWI suspension, what will the alcohol concentration restriction be?
- 0.00
- 0.04
- 0.02
- 0.08
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.04
On the first restoration the alcohol concentration restriction will be 0.04.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
On a second or subsequent restoration of a license after a DWI suspension, what will the alcohol concentration restriction be?
- 0.02
- 0.04
- 0.08
- 0.00
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.00
On a second or subsequent restoration the restriction will be 0.00.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
What alcohol concentration restriction applies to a driver convicted of driving after consuming alcohol or drugs while under the age of 21?
- 0.00
- 0.02
- 0.04
- 0.08
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.00
The manual says the restriction will be 0.00 for a conviction of driving after consuming alcohol or drugs while under 21.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
A conviction of Driving While Impaired with what BAC will require an ignition interlock device to be installed on the vehicle?
- 0.04 or more
- 0.08 or more
- 0.15 or more
- 0.10 or more
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.15 or more
A DWI conviction with a BAC of 0.15 or more, or another conviction within the past seven years, requires an ignition interlock device.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 32 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 32)
-
What is the legal age to purchase any alcoholic beverage in North Carolina?
- 18
- 21
- 19
- 20
Show answer
Correct answer: 21
The manual states that the legal age to purchase alcohol in North Carolina is 21.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
What driver license penalty applies upon conviction of an underage person who attempts to purchase or purchases an alcoholic beverage?
- A 30-day suspension
- A 90-day suspension
- A six-month suspension
- A one-year revocation
Show answer
Correct answer: A one-year revocation
The law requires a one-year driver license revocation for an underage person convicted of buying or attempting to buy alcohol.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
What driver license penalty applies upon conviction of an underage person who uses a fraudulent ID or another person's license to obtain alcohol?
- A one-year revocation
- A 30-day suspension
- A 90-day suspension
- A six-month suspension
Show answer
Correct answer: A one-year revocation
Using or attempting to use a fraudulent or another person's license or ID to obtain alcohol brings a one-year revocation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Which of these results in a one-year driver license revocation upon conviction?
- Riding as a passenger in a car that has an open alcohol container
- Buying alcohol for yourself at age 21
- Letting an underage person use your license or ID to try to buy alcohol
- Holding a provisional license and driving after dark
Show answer
Correct answer: Letting an underage person use your license or ID to try to buy alcohol
The manual lists permitting your license or ID to be used by an underage person to purchase alcohol as a cause of a one-year revocation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Which of these results in a one-year driver license revocation upon conviction?
- Owning a bar or liquor store
- Giving an alcoholic beverage to an underage person
- Being a passenger in a car with an underage driver
- Carrying an unopened bottle in a trunk
Show answer
Correct answer: Giving an alcoholic beverage to an underage person
The manual lists giving an alcoholic beverage to any underage person as a cause of a one-year revocation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Which of these results in a one-year driver license revocation upon conviction?
- Watching an underage person drink alcohol at a private home
- Refusing to answer an officer's questions at a road block
- Owning a fake ID that you never use to buy alcohol
- An underage person aiding another underage person to buy alcohol
Show answer
Correct answer: An underage person aiding another underage person to buy alcohol
An underage person who aids or abets another who attempts to purchase or purchases alcohol faces a one-year revocation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
What happens to the license of a driver under 21 who is convicted of driving with any amount of alcohol or drugs in their body?
- It is revoked for one year
- It is revoked for 30 days
- It is suspended for 90 days
- It is revoked for four years
Show answer
Correct answer: It is revoked for one year
A driver under 21 convicted of driving with any amount of alcohol or drugs in the body has the license revoked for one year.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
What does the manual advise about driving while taking prescription or over-the-counter medications?
- Drive normally because over-the-counter medications never affect driving
- Drive only at night when traffic is lighter
- Take a double dose to stay alert behind the wheel
- Try to do as little driving as possible, and be especially careful if you must drive
Show answer
Correct answer: Try to do as little driving as possible, and be especially careful if you must drive
The manual says medications can affect your driving, so try to do as little driving as possible and be especially careful if you must drive.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
-
About what percent of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol, according to the manual?
- 38 percent
- 12 percent
- 55 percent
- 75 percent
Show answer
Correct answer: 38 percent
The manual states that about 38 percent of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
-
According to the manual, what kind of substance is alcohol?
- A stimulant
- A neutral substance
- A depressant
- A nutrient
Show answer
Correct answer: A depressant
The manual says alcohol affects most areas of the brain and is a depressant that slows brain functions.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
-
According to the manual, alcohol reduces your ability to judge what?
- What the weather conditions and road surface will be like ahead
- How fast you are moving or your distance from other cars, people or objects
- How much fuel is left in your vehicle before it needs a refill
- What the legal speed limit is on each road that you travel on
Show answer
Correct answer: How fast you are moving or your distance from other cars, people or objects
The manual says alcohol reduces your ability to judge how fast you are moving or your distance from other cars, people or objects.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
-
How does alcohol affect the way people take risks while driving, according to the manual?
- It makes you more cautious than usual
- It has no effect on risk-taking
- It makes you less willing to pass other vehicles
- It gives false confidence, so you may take greater risks
Show answer
Correct answer: It gives false confidence, so you may take greater risks
The manual says alcohol gives you false confidence, so you may take greater risks because you think your driving is better than it really is.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
-
Which effect of alcohol does the manual say is very important if you ride a motorcycle?
- It affects your sense of balance
- It improves your reaction time
- It makes your vision sharper at night
- It makes it easier to do more than one thing at once
Show answer
Correct answer: It affects your sense of balance
The manual lists that alcohol affects your sense of balance, which is very important if you ride a motorcycle.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
-
According to the manual, what is the only thing that sobers up a drinker?
- Coffee
- A big meal
- Time
- A cold shower
Show answer
Correct answer: Time
The manual says the only thing that sobers up a drinker is time; coffee, a big meal or cold showers will not work.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
-
Which of these is listed in the manual as an alternative to drinking and driving?
- Drink coffee before you drive
- Stay overnight at a friend's place
- Eat a large meal before you drive
- Drive slowly on back roads
Show answer
Correct answer: Stay overnight at a friend's place
The manual's alternatives to drinking and driving include sharing a taxi, using public transportation, staying overnight at a friend's place, or riding with a driver who has not been drinking.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)