North Carolina: Licensing basics — Part 3 Practice Test
Learner permits, graduated licensing for drivers 15-18, license classes, required documents, REAL ID, renewal, and vehicle registration and inspection. — Part 3
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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 37 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 a Level Two licensee drives unsupervised, how many passengers under 21 who are not members of the driver's household may ride, apart from the school exception?
- One
- None
- Two
- Three
Show answer
Correct answer: One
The manual says there may be one passenger under 21 who is not a member of the driver's household.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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When may one other passenger under 21 who is not a member of the license holder's household ride with an unsupervised Level Two driver?
- When that passenger is driving with the license holder to work
- When that passenger holds a valid driver license
- When the trip takes place on a weekend
- When that passenger is a student being driven directly to or from school
Show answer
Correct answer: When that passenger is a student being driven directly to or from school
The manual allows one other such passenger only when the passenger is a student being driven directly to or from school.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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How does the “under 21” passenger limit apply when all passengers are members of the same household as the driver?
- Only one passenger is allowed
- There is no limit
- Only two passengers are allowed
- Passengers are allowed only with a supervising driver
Show answer
Correct answer: There is no limit
The manual says there is no “under 21 limit” if all passengers are members of the same household as the driver.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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When driving unsupervised, “under 21” household members may not be in the vehicle when:
- A parent or grandparent is riding in the vehicle
- “Under 21” non-household members are in the vehicle
- The trip is directly to or from the driver's work
- The driver is also a student at a public school
Show answer
Correct answer: “Under 21” non-household members are in the vehicle
The manual says under-21 household members may not be in the vehicle when under-21 non-household members are.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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Where must the supervising driver be seated when a Level Two licensee drives with supervision?
- In the back seat
- In any seat in the vehicle
- In the back seat behind the driver
- Beside the driver
Show answer
Correct answer: Beside the driver
The manual says the supervising driver must be seated beside the driver.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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How may eligible drivers upgrade from a level two to a level three license?
- Online
- Only in person at a license office
- Only by mail
- Only by taking a new road test
Show answer
Correct answer: Online
The manual says eligible drivers may upgrade from level two to level three online.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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At what age may eligible drivers upgrade to a regular Class C license online?
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 21
Show answer
Correct answer: 18
The manual says at age 18 eligible drivers may upgrade to a regular Class C license online.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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Which restrictions do not apply to a Level Three Full Provisional License?
- The ban on cell phone use for drivers under 18
- The requirement to wear a safety belt
- The ban on driving after using any alcohol or drugs
- Time of driving, supervision and passenger limitations
Show answer
Correct answer: Time of driving, supervision and passenger limitations
The manual says level one and two restrictions on time of driving, supervision and passengers do not apply to a Full Provisional License.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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A new resident who is 15 but less than 18 years old and already has a permit or license should do what?
- Apply for a Full Provisional License at once without contacting anyone
- Surrender the out-of-state license and wait until age 18 to reapply
- Contact the local driver license office to learn which license they can apply for
- Take only the vision test and the signs test at a license office
Show answer
Correct answer: Contact the local driver license office to learn which license they can apply for
The manual says to contact the local driver license office to find out which license or permit you are eligible for.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Drivers under age 18 are called what?
- Provisional licensees
- Restricted licensees
- Junior operators
- Limited operators
Show answer
Correct answer: Provisional licensees
The manual says drivers under age 18 are provisional licensees.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Why do special laws apply to provisional licensees?
- They have a much higher crash rate
- They drive more miles each year
- They are more likely to be uninsured
- They receive fewer hours of driver education
Show answer
Correct answer: They have a much higher crash rate
The manual says special laws apply because these drivers have a much higher crash rate.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How does the DMV treat the driving record of a provisional licensee?
- It requires a yearly road test
- It requires a yearly vision test
- It reviews the record more closely
- It reissues the license each year
Show answer
Correct answer: It reviews the record more closely
The manual says the DMV reviews a provisional licensee's driving record more closely.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Who must sign for a minor applicant?
- A school principal
- A driver education teacher
- A parent or legal guardian
- A DMV examiner
Show answer
Correct answer: A parent or legal guardian
The manual says a parent or legal guardian must sign for a minor.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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A student's driver license is lost if the student receives a school suspension, or an assignment to an alternative educational setting for disciplinary action, of more than how long?
- 5 consecutive days
- 10 consecutive days
- 20 consecutive days
- 30 consecutive days
Show answer
Correct answer: 10 consecutive days
The manual says a loss of license occurs for a suspension or assignment of more than 10 consecutive days.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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How long does a license suspension for a student's school discipline remain in effect?
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 90 days
- 24 months
Show answer
Correct answer: 12 months
The manual says the suspension remains in effect for 12 months.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Which is an example of a driver license restriction given in the handbook?
- Driving only on interstate highways and never at night
- Driving only on weekends and never on holidays
- Driving only with a passenger over age 25 aboard
- Operating a motor vehicle only while wearing corrective lenses
Show answer
Correct answer: Operating a motor vehicle only while wearing corrective lenses
The manual gives wearing corrective lenses as an example of a license restriction.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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A driver who passes the license examination may be issued a license restricted to:
- Using equipment necessary to safely operate the vehicle
- Driving only within the home county
- Driving only during daylight hours
- Driving only vehicles with automatic transmissions
Show answer
Correct answer: Using equipment necessary to safely operate the vehicle
The manual says a license may be restricted to using equipment necessary to safely operate the motor vehicle.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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If your license is restricted and you drive outside the limits of the restriction, you are considered to be:
- Driving with a suspended license
- Committing a minor equipment violation
- Driving without a license
- Driving with an expired license
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving without a license
The manual says driving outside the limits of a restriction is considered driving without a license.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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What may the Division of Motor Vehicles do with documents you present?
- Keep them permanently in the applicant's file
- Return them only after 30 days have passed
- Send the originals to the applicant's employer
- Copy them or hold them briefly to verify authenticity
Show answer
Correct answer: Copy them or hold them briefly to verify authenticity
The manual says DMV may copy the documents or hold them for a brief period of time to verify authenticity.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Which documents will the DMV not accept?
- Any document issued by another state
- Any document reflecting alteration
- Any document older than five years
- Any document written in a language other than English
Show answer
Correct answer: Any document reflecting alteration
The manual says any document reflecting alteration will not be accepted.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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What must you provide the first time you apply for a license, learner permit or ID card in North Carolina?
- Proof of your employer's name and your yearly income
- Proof of the title and registration of your vehicle
- Proof of your full name, date of birth and NC residence address
- Proof of your high school graduation and grade average
Show answer
Correct answer: Proof of your full name, date of birth and NC residence address
The manual says first-time applicants must provide proof of full name, date of birth, NC residence address, and SSN or legal presence.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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A North Carolina license, permit or ID card that includes the notation “Not for Federal Identification” is:
- A valid state-issued license, permit or ID card
- Valid only inside the county where it was issued
- A temporary license valid for 30 days
- Not valid for driving in North Carolina
Show answer
Correct answer: A valid state-issued license, permit or ID card
The manual says such a card is a valid state-issued driver license, learner’s permit or ID card.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Beginning May 7, 2025, a license with “Not for Federal Identification” means you need additional documentation to do what?
- Drive on interstate highways outside North Carolina
- Register a vehicle in your name at a tag office
- Fly on a commercial airline or enter a federal facility
- Buy liability insurance from a North Carolina agent
Show answer
Correct answer: Fly on a commercial airline or enter a federal facility
The manual says you will need additional documentation to fly on a commercial airline and enter federal facilities that require identification.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Which of these is NOT acceptable as proof of identity and date of birth?
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)
- A laminated copy of a birth certificate
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport
- A Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS
Show answer
Correct answer: A laminated copy of a birth certificate
The identity table says a birth certificate may not be a laminated copy or plastic replica.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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A driver license from North Carolina or another state can be used as proof of identity if it is valid or expired less than:
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 5 years
- 2 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 2 years
The identity table says the license, permit or ID card must be valid or expired less than 2 years.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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To use a REAL ID driver license or identification card as proof of identity to obtain a REAL ID, the card must be:
- Expired less than 2 years
- Expired less than 1 year
- Unexpired
- Certified by the issuing state
Show answer
Correct answer: Unexpired
The identity table says the REAL ID card must be unexpired to obtain a REAL ID.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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A Limited Driving Privilege issued by a NC court can be used as proof of identity if it is not expired for more than:
- 1 year
- 6 months
- 2 years
- 5 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 1 year
The identity table says the Limited Driving Privilege cannot be expired for more than 1 year.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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An unexpired immigration document may be valid as proof of identity if it is accompanied by what?
- A letter from your employer
- A notarized statement from the applicant's employer
- A letter from a school official
- A letter from USCIS extending the expiration date
Show answer
Correct answer: A letter from USCIS extending the expiration date
The identity table says an immigration document may be valid with a letter from USCIS extending the expiration date.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, what must you provide?
- A sworn statement of your residence in North Carolina
- Documents indicating your legal presence in the U.S.
- A signed statement from a parent or guardian
- Proof of vehicle registration in North Carolina
Show answer
Correct answer: Documents indicating your legal presence in the U.S.
The SSN table says to provide documents indicating legal presence in the U.S. if not eligible for an SSN.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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What does the SSN table say about a Social Security card used as proof of your number?
- Laminated cards are accepted
- No photocopies and no laminated cards
- Photocopies are accepted if signed by the applicant
- Only cards issued in the last five years are accepted
Show answer
Correct answer: No photocopies and no laminated cards
The SSN table says a Social Security card must not be a photocopy or a laminated card.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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A W-2 form used as proof of your Social Security number must:
- Show only the last four digits of the Social Security number
- Be dated within the past 30 days of the application
- Be signed by the employer and stamped by the payroll office
- Not be redacted and contain the full Social Security number
Show answer
Correct answer: Not be redacted and contain the full Social Security number
The SSN table says the form must not be redacted and must contain the full Social Security number.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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Which of these is listed as an acceptable proof of N.C. residency?
- A gym membership card
- A restaurant receipt
- A handwritten letter from a neighbor
- An NC Voter Precinct Card
Show answer
Correct answer: An NC Voter Precinct Card
The residency table lists the NC Voter Precinct Card as acceptable proof.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 19 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 19)
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Which of these is listed as an acceptable proof of N.C. residency?
- A receipt for a meal at a North Carolina restaurant
- A receipt for real property taxes paid to a NC locality
- A ticket stub from a North Carolina sporting event
- A store loyalty card from a local grocery chain
Show answer
Correct answer: A receipt for real property taxes paid to a NC locality
The residency table lists a receipt for real property taxes paid to a North Carolina locality.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 19 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 19)
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A contract for an apartment or house counts as proof of N.C. residency when it has:
- Any address in the United States and is signed by a witness
- A North Carolina address and is signed by the landlord only
- A North Carolina address and is signed by the applicant
- A North Carolina address and is notarized
Show answer
Correct answer: A North Carolina address and is signed by the applicant
The residency table lists a contract with a North Carolina address signed by the applicant.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 19 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 19)
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To obtain a driver license, learner permit or identification card, what must you show proof of?
- Ownership of a registered motor vehicle
- Enrollment in a driver education course
- Legal presence in the United States
- Completion of military service
Show answer
Correct answer: Legal presence in the United States
The manual says you need to show proof of legal presence in the United States to obtain a driver license, learner permit or identification card.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
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Which of these documents is listed in the manual as proof of legal presence?
- A hunting or fishing license issued in NC
- Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- A preprinted bank statement with an address
- A magazine subscription in your name
Show answer
Correct answer: Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
The Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) is the first document listed in the proof of legal presence table.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
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For Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applicants, the Employment Authorization Document must reflect which category?
- Category C09
- Category A12
- Category C08
- Category C33
Show answer
Correct answer: Category C33
The DACA table lists an Employment Authorization Document reflecting Category C33.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)