North Carolina: Licensing basics — Part 2 Practice Test
Learner permits, graduated licensing for drivers 15-18, license classes, required documents, REAL ID, renewal, and vehicle registration and inspection. — Part 2
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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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What is the minimum GVWR of the towed unit that makes a combination of CDL-exempt vehicles require a Regular Class A license?
- 5,001 pounds
- 10,001 pounds
- 16,001 pounds
- 26,001 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: 10,001 pounds
The manual says Class A applies when the towed unit has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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A Regular Class B license is required to operate any single vehicle exempt from CDL requirements with a GVWR of:
- 10,001 pounds or more
- 16,001 pounds or more
- 26,001 pounds or more
- Less than 26,001 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: 26,001 pounds or more
The manual says Class B covers a single exempt vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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A Regular Class B license also covers such a vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of:
- 10,000 pounds
- 5,000 pounds
- 15,000 pounds
- 26,000 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: 10,000 pounds
The manual says a Class B vehicle may tow a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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A Regular Class C license covers a noncommercial single vehicle with a GVWR below which weight?
- 10,001 pounds
- 16,001 pounds
- 26,001 pounds
- 40,001 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: 26,001 pounds
The manual says Class C covers a noncommercial single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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Which license do most drivers need to operate personal automobiles and small trucks?
- A Regular Class B license
- A CDL Class C license
- A Regular Class C license
- A CDL Class B license
Show answer
Correct answer: A Regular Class C license
The manual says most drivers need only a Regular Class C license for personal automobiles and small trucks.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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A Class A CDL vehicle has a combined GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds and includes a towed unit with a GVWR of at least:
- 5,001 pounds
- 10,001 pounds
- 16,001 pounds
- 26,001 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: 10,001 pounds
The manual defines a CDL Class A vehicle as a combination with a towed unit of at least 10,001 pounds GVWR.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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A Class B CDL vehicle includes a combination with a towing unit of at least 26,001 pounds GVWR and a towed unit with a GVWR of:
- At least 10,001 pounds
- Less than 26,001 pounds
- At least 16,001 pounds
- Less than 10,001 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: Less than 10,001 pounds
The manual says the towed unit in a Class B combination has a GVWR of less than 10,001 pounds.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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What is the minimum number of passengers, including the driver, a vehicle must be designed to transport to be a CDL Class C passenger vehicle?
- 9
- 12
- 16
- 24
Show answer
Correct answer: 16
The manual lists a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver as Class C.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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A vehicle not in Class A or B is a Class C CDL vehicle if it is:
- Transporting hazardous materials and required to be placarded
- Towing any trailer heavier than a passenger car
- Carrying more than eight passengers including the driver
- Transporting farm products to a nearby market
Show answer
Correct answer: Transporting hazardous materials and required to be placarded
The manual lists transporting hazardous materials that require placarding as a Class C description.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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Which of these does not require a CDL?
- School buses
- Tank vehicles
- Vehicles hauling placarded hazardous materials
- Recreational vehicles
Show answer
Correct answer: Recreational vehicles
The manual says you do not need a CDL to drive recreational vehicles, military equipment, emergency equipment or certain farm vehicles.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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If a CDL is not needed for a recreational vehicle, what license is required at all times?
- A learner permit is enough for these vehicles
- A regular license of the appropriate class
- A special CDL endorsement for each vehicle
- No license of any kind is required at all
Show answer
Correct answer: A regular license of the appropriate class
The manual says a regular license of the appropriate class is required at all times.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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A volunteer fire department member on duty may operate a Class A, B or C fire-fighting vehicle while holding what?
- A CDL with a P endorsement
- A Regular Class A, Class B or Class C license
- A CDL with an S endorsement
- A learner permit
Show answer
Correct answer: A Regular Class A, Class B or Class C license
The manual says a volunteer member may operate such vehicles while holding a Regular Class A, Class B or Class C license.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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Which of these requires a special CDL endorsement?
- Driving a recreational vehicle
- Driving a personal automobile
- Towing a single boat trailer
- Pulling double trailers
Show answer
Correct answer: Pulling double trailers
The manual lists pulling double trailers among the activities that require a special CDL endorsement.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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Before operating a motorcycle on public roads, a person must have a motorcycle learner permit or a regular or commercial license with what?
- A motorcycle endorsement
- A passenger (P) endorsement
- A school bus (S) endorsement
- A hazardous materials endorsement
Show answer
Correct answer: A motorcycle endorsement
The manual requires a motorcycle endorsement (or a motorcycle learner permit) before operating a motorcycle.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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What is the minimum age for the driver of a school bus?
- 16 years
- 20 years
- 18 years
- 21 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 18 years
The manual says the driver of a school bus must be at least 18 years of age.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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A school bus driver must have at least how much driving experience?
- Three months
- One year
- Two years
- Six months
Show answer
Correct answer: Six months
The manual says a school bus driver must have at least six months driving experience.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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A school bus driver must hold which license and endorsements, along with a School Bus Driver’s Certificate?
- A Class A CDL with M and H endorsements
- A Class B or Class C CDL with S and P endorsements
- A regular Class C license with an S endorsement only
- A Class A CDL with a tank vehicle endorsement
Show answer
Correct answer: A Class B or Class C CDL with S and P endorsements
The manual requires a Class B or C CDL with an S (school bus) and P (passenger) endorsement plus the certificate.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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Who administers the examination for a School Bus Driver’s Certificate?
- A DMV driver license examiner
- A school principal or the superintendent
- A Driver Education Program Specialist
- A State Highway Patrol trooper
Show answer
Correct answer: A Driver Education Program Specialist
The manual says the exam is administered by a Driver Education Program Specialist.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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Which requirement for school bus drivers does not apply to the driver of a school activity bus?
- A School Bus Driver’s Certificate
- A Class B or Class C CDL
- A “P” (passenger) endorsement
- At least six months of driving experience
Show answer
Correct answer: A School Bus Driver’s Certificate
The manual says the requirements for a school activity bus driver are the same except a School Bus Driver’s Certificate is not required.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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The Division shall not issue or renew a CDL with a “P” or “S” endorsement to anyone required to do what?
- Register under sex offender and public protection registration programs
- Complete a substance abuse assessment and treatment program
- Report every traffic conviction to the division within 60 days
- Carry high-risk liability insurance and file proof every year
Show answer
Correct answer: Register under sex offender and public protection registration programs
The note citing G.S. 20-37.14A bars such endorsements for people required to register under those programs.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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What is the minimum age to apply for a Level One Limited Learner Permit?
- 14 years
- 16 years
- 15 years
- 17 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 years
The manual says you must be at least 15 years old but less than 18 for a Level One permit.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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To take the test for a Level One learner permit, you must present a certificate for a driver education course of what length?
- At least 20 hours of classroom and four hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
- At least 30 hours of classroom and six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
- At least 40 hours of classroom and ten hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
- At least six hours of classroom and 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 30 hours of classroom and six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
The manual requires at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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Which tests must you pass to get a Level One Limited Learner Permit?
- Written, sign, vision and driving tests
- Vision and driving tests only
- Written and driving tests only
- Written, sign and vision tests
Show answer
Correct answer: Written, sign and vision tests
The manual says you must pass written, sign and vision tests.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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During the first six months, a Level One permit authorizes you to drive with your supervising driver between which hours?
- 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
- 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Show answer
Correct answer: 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
The manual says that during the first six months you may drive between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. with a supervising driver.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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Six months after a Level One permit is issued, you are eligible to drive:
- Anytime with a supervising driver
- Alone at any time
- Alone between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Only in daylight with a supervising driver
Show answer
Correct answer: Anytime with a supervising driver
The manual says after six months you are eligible to drive anytime with a supervising driver.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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How long must you hold a Level One permit before applying for a Limited Provisional License?
- Three months
- Six months
- Twelve months
- Nine months
Show answer
Correct answer: Nine months
The manual says you must hold the permit for nine months before applying for a Limited Provisional License.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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The Driving Log for a Level One permit must detail a minimum of how many hours of operation?
- 30 hours
- 60 hours
- 40 hours
- 100 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 hours
The manual says the Driving Log must detail a minimum of 60 hours of operation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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How many of the hours in the Driving Log must occur during nighttime hours?
- At least 5 hours
- At least 10 hours
- At least 15 hours
- At least 20 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 10 hours
The manual says at least 10 hours must occur during nighttime hours.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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When must the Driving Log, signed by the supervising driver, be submitted to the Division?
- When you take the test for the Level One learner permit
- Six months after the Level One permit is issued
- At the end of the driver education course itself
- At the time of application for the Limited Provisional License
Show answer
Correct answer: At the time of application for the Limited Provisional License
The manual says the signed log is submitted at the time of application for the Limited Provisional License.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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For the Driving Log, daytime driving can be performed:
- From sunrise to sunset and as long as daylight exists
- Only from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., regardless of daylight
- Only from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a supervising driver
- Only from sunrise to 9 p.m. each day
Show answer
Correct answer: From sunrise to sunset and as long as daylight exists
The manual defines daytime driving as from sunrise to sunset and as long as daylight exists.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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Who is allowed in the front seat of a vehicle driven by a Level One permit holder?
- Any family member who is riding with the driver
- One additional passenger who is under age 21
- Only the driver and the supervising driver
- The driver and one licensed friend
Show answer
Correct answer: Only the driver and the supervising driver
The manual says no one except the driver and the supervising driver is allowed in the front seat.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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To graduate to level two, you must have no convictions for moving violations, seat belt or cell phone infractions within the preceding:
- One month
- Three months
- Six months
- Twelve months
Show answer
Correct answer: Six months
The manual says you must have no such convictions within the preceding six months.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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A supervising driver must have been licensed for at least how long?
- Five years
- One year
- Two years
- Ten years
Show answer
Correct answer: Five years
The manual says a supervising driver must have been licensed for at least five years.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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A supervising driver can be a responsible person approved by whom?
- The parent or guardian
- The DMV license examiner
- The driver education instructor
- The school principal
Show answer
Correct answer: The parent or guardian
The manual says a supervising driver may be a responsible person approved by the parent or guardian.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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What is the age range for a Level Two Limited Provisional License?
- At least 15 years old but less than 17
- At least 17 years old but less than 19
- At least 16 years old but less than 18
- At least 16 years old but less than 21
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 16 years old but less than 18
The manual says level two drivers must be at least 16 years old but less than 18.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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A Level Two licensee may drive without supervision during which hours?
- 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.
- 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.
- Sunrise until sunset
Show answer
Correct answer: 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.
The manual says a level two licensee may drive without supervision from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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A Level Two licensee may drive unsupervised at any time when driving directly to or from:
- A movie theater
- A friend's house
- A shopping mall
- Work
Show answer
Correct answer: Work
The manual allows unsupervised driving at any time when driving directly to or from work (or a volunteer fire, rescue or EMS post if a member).
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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How long must you hold a Level Two license before applying for a Full Provisional License?
- At least three months
- At least nine months
- At least six months
- At least twelve months
Show answer
Correct answer: At least six months
The manual says you must hold the license at least six months before applying for a Full Provisional License.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)