North Carolina: Licensing basics — Part 1 Practice Test
Learner permits, graduated licensing for drivers 15-18, license classes, required documents, REAL ID, renewal, and vehicle registration and inspection. — Part 1
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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 38 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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When is the DMVdirectAccess automated telephone information service available?
- Only during DMV office hours
- Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Show answer
Correct answer: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
The handbook says you can access DMVdirectAccess information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
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To request a duplicate driver license or ID card online, what must DMV already have?
- Your last image and a valid Social Security number or legal-presence document
- Your fingerprints on file and a certified birth certificate
- Your last vision test result and a signed parental consent form
- Your last address change form and a current insurance policy number
Show answer
Correct answer: Your last image and a valid Social Security number or legal-presence document
A duplicate may be requested online provided DMV has your last image on file and a valid SSN or a U.S. government document showing legal presence.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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For which reason may a duplicate driver license or ID card be requested online?
- To add a motorcycle endorsement
- To move from a Class C to a Class B license
- To remove a restriction from the license
- To change a residence or mailing address
Show answer
Correct answer: To change a residence or mailing address
The handbook lists lost or stolen cards, an address change, and a defaced or damaged card as online duplicate reasons.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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How early before its expiration date may a driver license be renewed online?
- Up to 30 days before
- Up to six months before
- Up to 90 days before
- Up to one year before
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to six months before
The manual says renewal is allowed up to six months before the expiration date.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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How long is a driver license renewed online valid?
- 5 or 8 years, depending on the driver's age
- 3 or 6 years, depending on the driver's age
- 4 or 10 years, depending on the driver's age
- Always 12 years for every driver
Show answer
Correct answer: 5 or 8 years, depending on the driver's age
The handbook says the online-renewed license is valid for 5 or 8 years depending on age.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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Which customers cannot use the online system to obtain a license?
- Those with a corrective lenses restriction
- Those who need a duplicate license
- Those applying for a first-time license or ID card
- Those renewing a regular Class C license
Show answer
Correct answer: Those applying for a first-time license or ID card
The manual says customers cannot use the online system for first-time licenses or ID cards.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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Online renewal is not available to a driver whose license has what condition?
- A corrective lenses restriction only
- A Class C classification
- A duplicate license issued last year
- A restriction other than corrective lenses
Show answer
Correct answer: A restriction other than corrective lenses
The handbook says online service is not available if the license has a restriction other than corrective lenses.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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According to the handbook, public transportation in North Carolina is:
- Not available in smaller rural areas of the state
- Available and equipped for persons with disabilities
- Available only in the largest metropolitan cities
- Limited to drivers who hold a learner permit only
Show answer
Correct answer: Available and equipped for persons with disabilities
The handbook says public transportation is available and equipped to accommodate persons with disabilities.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
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Without a valid driver license, it is illegal to sit in the driver's seat of a motor vehicle when:
- The vehicle is parked with the engine off
- The vehicle is parked in a private garage
- The engine is running
- The keys are in your pocket
Show answer
Correct answer: The engine is running
The manual says it is illegal to sit in the driver's seat while the engine is running if you have no valid license.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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It is illegal to steer a motor vehicle that is being pushed or towed by another vehicle if you:
- Do not have a valid driver license
- Are under age 21
- Have held your license less than one year
- Have not passed the motorcycle test
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not have a valid driver license
The manual says steering a pushed or towed vehicle without a valid license is illegal.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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When are most driver license offices open?
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
- 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday
- 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday
- 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Show answer
Correct answer: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
The handbook says most offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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Do you need an appointment for a driver license examination?
- Yes, an appointment is always required before testing
- Yes, unless you are applying for a learner permit only
- No, an appointment is not necessary; walk-ins are accepted
- Yes, except in offices located in smaller towns
Show answer
Correct answer: No, an appointment is not necessary; walk-ins are accepted
The handbook says appointments can be made online but are not necessary, and walk-ins are accepted.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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Which of these may you be tested on for an original driver license of any type?
- Vehicle repair and maintenance
- Driving skill (on-road test)
- First aid and CPR
- Reading a road map
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving skill (on-road test)
For an original license you may be tested on vision, traffic signs, knowledge of motor vehicle laws and driving skill.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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A learner permit holder driving on the highways must be accompanied by whom?
- Any adult passenger seated in the back seat
- A driver education instructor at all times
- A parent who holds a commercial license
- A licensed person seated beside the permit holder
Show answer
Correct answer: A licensed person seated beside the permit holder
The manual requires a person licensed to operate the vehicle who is seated beside the permit holder.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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Which test is not required to obtain a learner permit?
- The vision screening test
- The traffic signs test
- The on-the-road driving test
- The written knowledge test
Show answer
Correct answer: The on-the-road driving test
The manual says the driving test is not required for a learner permit.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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An applicant for a motorcycle learner permit who is at least 16 but less than 18 years old must possess what?
- A full provisional license
- A Level One limited learner permit
- A Class B license
- A motorcycle endorsement
Show answer
Correct answer: A full provisional license
The manual says an applicant at least 16 but under 18 must possess a full provisional license.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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An applicant under age 18 for a motorcycle learner permit must successfully complete which course?
- An advanced rider course
- A defensive driving course
- A commercial driver training course
- A Basic Rider Course
Show answer
Correct answer: A Basic Rider Course
Applicants under 18 must complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or NC Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic Rider Course.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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A motorcycle learner permit authorizes the holder to operate a motorcycle:
- With one passenger
- Without passengers
- With a licensed adult passenger
- Only on rural roads
Show answer
Correct answer: Without passengers
The manual says the motorcycle learner permit authorizes a person to operate a motorcycle without passengers.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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How long is a motorcycle learner permit valid?
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
Show answer
Correct answer: 12 months
The manual says the motorcycle learner permit is valid for 12 months.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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How may a motorcycle learner permit be renewed?
- For one additional 12-month period
- For two additional three-month periods
- It cannot be renewed
- For one additional six-month period
Show answer
Correct answer: For one additional six-month period
The manual says it may be renewed for one additional six-month period.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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Each driver license test must be:
- Passed separately
- Passed with a combined score
- Taken on the same day as the others
- Retaken every year
Show answer
Correct answer: Passed separately
The manual says each driver license test must be passed separately.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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Applicants for a CDL Class A, B or C license should study the required chapters of which publication?
- The Motorcycle Handbook
- The School Bus Handbook
- The CDL Handbook
- The Commercial Inspection Guide
Show answer
Correct answer: The CDL Handbook
The manual tells CDL applicants to study the required chapters of the CDL Handbook.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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Applicants for a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle learner permit should study which publication?
- The CDL Handbook
- The Driver Education Guide
- The Provisional Licensing Guide
- The Motorcycle Handbook
Show answer
Correct answer: The Motorcycle Handbook
The manual says they should study the Motorcycle Handbook.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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From which federal agency is the CDL Handbook available?
- The National Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- The Federal Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- The Federal Driver Licensing Administration
Show answer
Correct answer: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The manual says the CDL Handbook is available from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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Your vision must be checked when you apply in person for which of these?
- A learner permit only
- An original license only
- A learner permit, an original license or a renewal license
- An original license or learner permit, but not a renewal
Show answer
Correct answer: A learner permit, an original license or a renewal license
The handbook says vision is checked for a learner permit, an original license or a renewal license applied for in person.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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If you need corrective lenses to meet the vision standards, when must you wear them?
- At all times while driving
- Only when driving at night
- Only when driving on highways
- Only when driving alone
Show answer
Correct answer: At all times while driving
The manual says you must wear the lenses at all times while driving.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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The penalty for driving without the proper corrective lenses is the same as the penalty for:
- Driving without a license
- Failing to yield to a pedestrian
- Driving with a broken taillight
- Parking in a no-parking zone
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving without a license
The handbook says the penalty is the same as driving without a license.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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To pass the signs test, you must identify each traffic sign by:
- Color only, without explaining its meaning
- Shape only, without explaining its color
- Color and shape, and explain what it means
- The state law number that requires it
Show answer
Correct answer: Color and shape, and explain what it means
The manual says you must identify signs by color and shape and explain what each means.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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Where can you find all the information on the traffic signs test?
- In the Motorcycle Handbook only
- In this handbook
- On signs posted inside the DMV office
- In a separate study guide sold by DMV
Show answer
Correct answer: In this handbook
The manual states all the information on the traffic signs test is in the handbook.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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For whom are audio knowledge tests available upon request?
- Applicants who are over age 65
- Applicants who are renewing by mail
- Applicants for a CDL only
- Those who have difficulty reading
Show answer
Correct answer: Those who have difficulty reading
The manual says audio tests are available upon request for those who have difficulty reading.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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When must you take the on-the-road driving test?
- Before you take the vision test
- Before you take the traffic signs test
- After you have passed all the other tests
- Before you take the knowledge test
Show answer
Correct answer: After you have passed all the other tests
The manual says you must perform the driving test after you have passed all the other tests.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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Who may not be licensed according to the handbook?
- A person who wears corrective lenses to drive
- A person with any disability, regardless of condition
- A person who has reached age 65 or older
- A person whose condition might keep them from driving safely
Show answer
Correct answer: A person whose condition might keep them from driving safely
The manual says individuals may not be licensed if they have a mental or physical condition that might keep them from driving safely.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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A person with a disability may be issued what, provided the condition does not keep them from driving safely?
- A learner permit only
- A restricted license
- A license valid for one year only
- No license under any circumstances
Show answer
Correct answer: A restricted license
The manual says such a person may be issued a restricted license.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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Which skill is observed and graded during the on-the-road driving test?
- Changing a flat tire
- Following another vehicle
- Checking the engine oil level
- Reading a road map
Show answer
Correct answer: Following another vehicle
The handbook lists following another vehicle among the skills observed and graded.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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During the on-the-road driving test, what is a quick stop?
- Stopping only after checking both mirrors and the blind spot
- Stopping within several inches of the left or right curb
- Stopping suddenly whenever another vehicle passes you
- Stopping as quickly and safely as possible when told to do so
Show answer
Correct answer: Stopping as quickly and safely as possible when told to do so
The handbook describes quick stops as stopping as quickly and safely as possible when told to do so.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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In which vehicles is use of the clutch observed and graded on the driving test?
- Vehicles with standard transmissions
- Vehicles with automatic transmissions
- Only motorcycles
- Only commercial vehicles
Show answer
Correct answer: Vehicles with standard transmissions
The list of graded skills includes use of the clutch in vehicles with standard transmissions.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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In what kind of vehicle must the driving skills test be performed?
- Any passenger car owned by the applicant being tested
- The examiner's own vehicle used for all license classes
- A vehicle representative of the class of license desired
- A vehicle of the most common license class in the state
Show answer
Correct answer: A vehicle representative of the class of license desired
The manual says the driving skills test must be performed in a vehicle representative of the class of license desired.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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What determines the class of driver license you must have?
- Your age when you first applied
- How many years you have held a license
- The number of passengers you usually carry
- The type of vehicle you will operate
Show answer
Correct answer: The type of vehicle you will operate
The manual says the type of vehicle you will operate determines the class of license you must have.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)