North Carolina: Distracted driving Practice Test
Cell phone and texting laws, drowsy driving and other distractions.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "North Carolina Driver Handbook" (Revised May 2025), North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
All 22 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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A Level One permit holder may use a cell phone to call about an emergency situation to which of these?
- A friend
- A fire department
- A tow truck company
- Your employer
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Correct answer: A fire department
The manual's emergency exception lets you call a fire department, among others.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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A driver under 18 with a Full Provisional License may use a cell phone while driving:
- At any time of day on a public street or highway
- Not at all, except to call about an emergency situation
- Only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on public streets
- Only when the vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a light
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Correct answer: Not at all, except to call about an emergency situation
The manual says a driver under 18 is not permitted to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle, with an emergency-call exception.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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Which of these is a provisional licensee not permitted to do while operating a vehicle?
- Read any electronic mail or text message
- Listen to the car radio at a low volume
- Talk with a passenger seated beside you
- Adjust the climate controls while driving
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Correct answer: Read any electronic mail or text message
The manual bars provisional licensees from manually entering multiple letters or text to communicate or reading any electronic mail or text message.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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At 55 mph, a vehicle travels the length of a football field in how many seconds?
- 3.7 seconds
- 1.2 seconds
- 6.5 seconds
- 9.0 seconds
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Correct answer: 3.7 seconds
The manual states that at 55 mph a vehicle covers the length of a football field in 3.7 seconds, which is why a "mini" snooze is dangerous.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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According to the National Sleep Foundation as quoted in the manual, where do crashes caused by drowsy driving occur most often?
- On crowded city streets during the evening rush hour
- In busy school zones while children are present
- On high-speed rural highways when the driver is alone
- In large parking lots when traveling at low speeds
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Correct answer: On high-speed rural highways when the driver is alone
The manual says crashes caused by drowsy driving are often serious and occur most often on high-speed rural highways when the driver is alone.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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Which of these is listed in the manual as a warning sign of drowsy driving?
- You feel unusually energetic and talkative
- You cannot remember the last few miles driven
- You keep noticing every road sign
- You feel the need to slow down at every intersection
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Correct answer: You cannot remember the last few miles driven
The manual lists not remembering the last few miles driven, hitting a rumble strip or drifting from your lane, yawning repeatedly, and difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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The manual says a short nap of how long, along with caffeine, can help temporarily if you become tired while driving?
- 2 to 3 hours
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 1 hour to 90 minutes
- 15 to 45 minutes
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Correct answer: 15 to 45 minutes
The manual says a short nap (15 to 45 minutes) and consuming caffeine can help temporarily, but that you should stop if you become tired.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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To help prevent drowsy driving on long trips, how often should you get out of the car to stretch and walk briskly?
- At least every 2 hours
- At least every 30 minutes
- At least every 4 hours
- Only when you feel sleepy
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Correct answer: At least every 2 hours
The manual advises stopping regularly on long trips and getting out of the car at least every 2 hours to stretch and walk briskly.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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What daily driving limit does the manual suggest you try to set to avoid drowsy driving?
- 100-150 miles
- 500-600 miles
- 300-400 miles
- 700-800 miles
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Correct answer: 300-400 miles
One of the manual's tips to prevent drowsy driving is to try to set a limit of 300-400 miles of driving per day.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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What kind of medications does the manual say to avoid taking to prevent drowsy driving?
- Medications taken with food
- Medications that cause drowsiness
- Medications labeled for children
- Medications sold in liquid form
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Correct answer: Medications that cause drowsiness
The tips to prevent drowsy driving include avoiding medications that cause drowsiness.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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How does the manual define distracted driving?
- Only the use of a cell phone or texting while the vehicle is moving
- Any driving that is done after the driver has been awake for a full day
- Driving with more than two passengers who are talking in the vehicle
- Any activity that could divert attention away from the primary task of driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Any activity that could divert attention away from the primary task of driving
The manual defines distracted driving as any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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Which of these is listed in the manual as a type of distraction?
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
- Checking your mirrors before a lane change
- Signaling before a turn
- Scanning the road ahead for hazards
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Correct answer: Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
The manual's list of distractions includes texting, using a cell phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading, using a navigation system, watching a video, and adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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According to the manual, why do distractions make it more difficult to make preventive or evasive moves to avoid a crash?
- Distractions make the brakes of the vehicle respond less effectively
- Distractions cause a vehicle to pull toward one side of its lane
- Many distractions force a driver to take at least one hand off the steering wheel
- Distractions make the driver unable to hear sirens or car horns nearby
Show answer
Correct answer: Many distractions force a driver to take at least one hand off the steering wheel
The manual explains that many distractions force a driver to take at least one hand off the steering wheel.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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According to the manual, how do distracted drivers react to traffic conditions or events?
- They react faster than normal
- They react more slowly
- They react the same as alert drivers
- They react only to other vehicles, never to pedestrians
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Correct answer: They react more slowly
The manual says distractions cause drivers to react more slowly to traffic conditions or events.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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Where is it unlawful in North Carolina to use a cell phone for email or text messages while operating a vehicle?
- Only on interstate highways
- Only in school zones
- Only on roads with a posted speed limit above 45 mph
- On a public street or highway or public vehicular area
Show answer
Correct answer: On a public street or highway or public vehicular area
The manual states it is unlawful to use a cell phone for email or text messages while operating a vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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The Cell Phones section of the chapter on your driving lists what exception for drivers under 18 who may not use a cell phone while the vehicle is in motion?
- Calling 911 in an emergency
- Using a hands-free earpiece
- Calling a friend for directions
- Texting while stopped at a red light
Show answer
Correct answer: Calling 911 in an emergency
The manual says drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or associated technology while the vehicle is in motion, with the exception of calling 911 in an emergency.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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What does the manual say about a school bus driver using a cell phone while operating the bus on a public street or highway?
- It is allowed only when the bus has no children on board
- It is allowed only if the driver uses a hands-free device
- No person may operate a school bus while using a cell phone
- It is allowed only while the bus is stopped at a bus stop
Show answer
Correct answer: No person may operate a school bus while using a cell phone
The manual says no person shall operate a school bus while using a cell phone or any other technology associated with a mobile device.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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According to the manual, for what purpose should you use your cell phone while driving?
- Whenever the traffic is light and you are driving on a straight, dry road
- Only if absolutely necessary, for an emergency or to reach a parent, guardian or spouse
- Only to look up directions or search for a destination while you drive
- Whenever a passenger is riding with you and can watch the road for you
Show answer
Correct answer: Only if absolutely necessary, for an emergency or to reach a parent, guardian or spouse
The manual says to use your cell phone only if it is absolutely necessary and for the sole purpose of communicating about emergency situations or contacting a parent, legal guardian or spouse.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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If you must use your phone, when does the manual say you should do so?
- While waiting for traffic to clear
- Only while on a highway
- Only while driving under 25 mph
- At a safe time and place
Show answer
Correct answer: At a safe time and place
The manual says that if you must use your phone, do so at a safe time and place.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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If you must make a phone call while driving and a passenger is in the car, what does the manual suggest?
- Ask the passenger to place the call and, if possible, speak in your place
- Hold the phone in one hand and steer the vehicle with the other
- Let the passenger hold the steering wheel while you talk yourself
- Make the call as short as you can and keep the phone in your lap
Show answer
Correct answer: Ask the passenger to place the call and, if possible, speak in your place
The manual suggests asking a passenger in the car to place the call and, if possible, speak in your place.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
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What does the manual say you should do when your phone rings while you are driving?
- Answer it quickly so the conversation stays as short as possible
- Answer it only if the number on the screen is one you know
- Let someone leave a message and return the call at a safe location
- Answer it only while you are on a straight stretch of road
Show answer
Correct answer: Let someone leave a message and return the call at a safe location
The manual says you should not feel you must answer the phone and can return the call when stopped at a safe location.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
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Why does the manual say to secure your phone in the car?
- So it does not run out of battery
- So it does not become a projectile in a crash
- So it does not slide off the seat and distract you with noise
- So the signal stays strong while driving
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Correct answer: So it does not become a projectile in a crash
The manual says to secure your phone in the car so that it does not become a projectile in a crash.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)