North Carolina: Licensing basics — Part 4 Practice Test
Learner permits, graduated licensing for drivers 15-18, license classes, required documents, REAL ID, renewal, and vehicle registration and inspection. — Part 4
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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
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According to the NO FEE IDs table, what must a legally blind applicant present?
- A letter from a physician
- A letter from the shelter where they live
- A letter from a school counselor
- A copy of their driving record
Show answer
Correct answer: A letter from a physician
The No Fee IDs table says a legally blind applicant must present a letter from a physician.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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To get a no-fee ID card because of a developmental disability, what must you present?
- A letter from a school counselor
- A letter from the shelter in which you reside
- A letter from your primary care provider
- A copy of your NC Driving Record
Show answer
Correct answer: A letter from your primary care provider
The No Fee IDs table says a developmental disability requires a letter from the primary care provider.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What must a homeless applicant present to obtain a no-fee identification card?
- A letter from a licensed physician
- A letter from the shelter in which they reside
- A letter from their primary care provider
- A letter from their county sheriff's office
Show answer
Correct answer: A letter from the shelter in which they reside
The No Fee IDs table says a homeless applicant must present a letter from the shelter in which they reside.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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To obtain a no-fee ID card as a medically cancelled driver, what must your NC Driving Record reflect?
- That your license was surrendered voluntarily
- That you have no points on your record
- That your driving privilege is suspended
- That your driving status is medically cancelled
Show answer
Correct answer: That your driving status is medically cancelled
The No Fee IDs table requires the driving record to reflect that the driving status is medically cancelled.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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According to the NO FEE IDs table, which applicant needs no additional documentation?
- One who is legally blind
- One who is homeless
- One who is 70 years of age or older
- One who is medically cancelled
Show answer
Correct answer: One who is 70 years of age or older
In the No Fee IDs table, the 70 years of age or older row says no additional documentation is needed.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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How can you tell that a driver license, learner permit or identification card is a REAL ID?
- It has a heart symbol
- It has a red color bar
- It has a star
- It has a vertical layout
Show answer
Correct answer: It has a star
The manual says a REAL ID is a driver license, learner permit or identification card with a star.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What wording is displayed on the face of a non-REAL ID license or identification card?
- NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
- NOT VALID FOR DOMESTIC AIR TRAVEL
- FOR IN-STATE IDENTIFICATION ONLY
- LIMITED FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
Show answer
Correct answer: NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
Federal law requires non-REAL ID licenses and ID cards to display NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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In what year was the REAL ID Act, which requires increased security standards for state-issued licenses and ID cards, enacted?
- 2001
- 2010
- 2017
- 2005
Show answer
Correct answer: 2005
The manual refers to the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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When did the NCDMV begin issuing REAL ID and “Not for Federal Identification” driver licenses, learner permits and identification cards?
- May 2005
- May 2017
- January 2015
- October 2020
Show answer
Correct answer: May 2017
The NCDMV began issuing both kinds of cards in May 2017.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What does the manual say about the cost of a North Carolina REAL ID compared with a regular license?
- There is no additional cost
- It costs a small extra fee for the star
- It costs double the regular fee
- It is free only for applicants over 70
Show answer
Correct answer: There is no additional cost
The manual says there is no additional cost for a North Carolina REAL ID.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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How can a customer get a REAL ID at a driver license office?
- Only with an appointment made online
- Only with an appointment made by phone
- Walk in; an appointment is not necessary
- Only by mailing an application
Show answer
Correct answer: Walk in; an appointment is not necessary
The manual says an appointment is not necessary and walk-ins are accepted all day or until capacity is reached.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What must residents do before they are eligible to obtain a REAL ID issuance?
- Hold a North Carolina license for a full year
- Meet all requirements for a license, permit or ID card
- Pass a second knowledge test
- Apply through the Department of Homeland Security
Show answer
Correct answer: Meet all requirements for a license, permit or ID card
Residents must first meet all necessary requirements for a driver license, permit, or identification card.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What can residents without a REAL ID do at federal facilities where identification is required?
- Nothing; they are barred from all federal facilities
- Enter only with a military escort
- Enter only after mailing a request 30 days ahead
- Still enter by presenting additional documentation
Show answer
Correct answer: Still enter by presenting additional documentation
Residents without a REAL ID can still access these federal facilities but must present additional documentation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Where must those wishing to obtain a REAL ID go?
- A Department of Homeland Security office
- A Transportation Security Administration office
- A local NCDMV Driver License Office
- A county courthouse
Show answer
Correct answer: A local NCDMV Driver License Office
The manual says those wishing to obtain a REAL ID must visit a local NCDMV Driver License Office.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Which of these travelers will the REAL ID Act directly impact?
- Travelers on domestic commercial airlines
- Drivers crossing state lines by car
- Drivers passing through toll booths
- Customers renewing a vehicle registration
Show answer
Correct answer: Travelers on domestic commercial airlines
The manual says the REAL ID Act will directly impact travelers on domestic commercial airlines.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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How long does a new resident have after establishing residence to obtain a North Carolina license or learner permit?
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 6 months
- 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
A new resident has 60 days after establishing residence to obtain a North Carolina license or learner permit.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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A new resident holds a commercial driver license from another jurisdiction and wants to keep a commercial license. Within how long after becoming a resident must the person get a North Carolina commercial license?
- 60 days
- 30 days
- 90 days
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
Such a resident must apply for and receive a North Carolina commercial license within 30 days after becoming a resident.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Before DMV issues a license or ID card to an applicant who has resided in North Carolina for less than 12 months, what must the division complete?
- A search of the National Sex Offender Public Registry
- A review of the applicant's out-of-state driving record
- A credit check through the Social Security Administration
- A check of the applicant's insurance history
Show answer
Correct answer: A search of the National Sex Offender Public Registry
DMV must complete a search of the National Sex Offender Public Registry before issuing to an applicant with less than 12 months of residence.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Which test may a new resident applying for a Class C License be given only if the examiner deems it necessary?
- Knowledge test
- Vision test
- Driving skills test
- Traffic signs recognition test
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving skills test
The driving skills test is listed as required only if the examiner deems it necessary.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Which person is an example of a nonresident?
- A person who has moved to NC for a new job and plans to stay
- An out-of-state college student who intends to return to their home state
- A person who owns a home in NC and lives there year-round
- A person who moved to NC permanently and works for a local company
Show answer
Correct answer: An out-of-state college student who intends to return to their home state
The manual lists out-of-state college students who intend to return to their home states as nonresidents.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Which group of people counts as nonresidents when stationed in North Carolina?
- All members of the armed forces stationed in NC, regardless of intent
- Only members of the North Carolina National Guard on active duty
- Military veterans who retired and settled in North Carolina
- Members of the armed forces who intend to return to their home states
Show answer
Correct answer: Members of the armed forces who intend to return to their home states
Armed forces members stationed in North Carolina who intend to return to their home states are nonresidents.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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How does the manual define a nonresident?
- A person who has lived in NC less than 12 months
- A person who holds an out-of-state driver license
- A person whose legal residence is outside North Carolina
- A person who is visiting NC for over 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: A person whose legal residence is outside North Carolina
A nonresident is any person whose legal residence is in another state, territory, jurisdiction or a foreign country.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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How long is the temporary driving certificate valid that customers receive after taking required tests and having their photo made at a local driver license office?
- 60 days
- 10 days
- 30 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
The temporary driving certificate is valid for 60 days.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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What may customers do with their current license or ID card until the new license arrives?
- Turn it in at the local office
- Keep it to use as a photo ID
- Exchange it for a paper permit at the office
- Return it to DMV by mail
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep it to use as a photo ID
Customers may keep their current license or ID card as a photo ID until the new license is delivered.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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What is digital imaging used for when a customer applies for a license or ID card?
- To obtain and store customer photos and signatures
- To scan and verify a customer's fingerprints
- To store customers' insurance records
- To record the results of knowledge tests
Show answer
Correct answer: To obtain and store customer photos and signatures
The manual says digital imaging is used to obtain and store customer photos and signatures.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Which applicants receive a vertical license/ID card?
- Applicants over 65
- Applicants with a Class A license
- Applicants under the age of 21
- Applicants who are new residents
Show answer
Correct answer: Applicants under the age of 21
DMV issues a vertical license/ID card to applicants under the age of 21.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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What do the two color bars, red and yellow, next to the photo on a license or ID card of an applicant under age 18 indicate?
- Their learner permit and provisional stages
- Their 18th and 21st birthdays
- Their vision and hearing restrictions
- Their 16th and 18th birthdays
Show answer
Correct answer: Their 18th and 21st birthdays
Applicants under 18 receive two color bars, red and yellow, indicating their 18th and 21st birthdays.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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What does the one red color bar on the license of an applicant under age 21 indicate?
- The date the license expires
- The date they reach the age of 18
- The date the vision test is due
- The date they reach the age of 21
Show answer
Correct answer: The date they reach the age of 21
The manual says applicants under age 21 receive one red color bar indicating the date they reach the age of 21.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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About how long before expiration does DMV mail a reminder card listing the number of years the renewed license will be valid?
- About one month
- About three months
- About six months
- About one year
Show answer
Correct answer: About six months
DMV mails a reminder card about six months before expiration of your license.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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What test is required when you visit a Driver License office for your renewal?
- Vision test
- Knowledge test
- Driving skills test
- Traffic signs recognition test
Show answer
Correct answer: Vision test
The manual says the vision test is required if you must visit a Driver License office for renewal.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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What does the manual say about needing the reminder card in order to renew your driver license?
- It must be presented at the office
- It is needed only for renewals by mail
- It is needed only for expired licenses
- It is not necessary
Show answer
Correct answer: It is not necessary
The reminder card is not required to renew a driver license.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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If you do not have your current or expired license at renewal, what must you show the examiner?
- A signed statement from your insurance agent
- Two documents of identification
- A certified copy of your driving record
- One document of identification and a Social Security card
Show answer
Correct answer: Two documents of identification
Without the current or expired license, you must show the examiner two documents of identification.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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How long must a North Carolina resident have been residing outside the state to renew their license by mail?
- At least 30 continuous days
- At least 60 continuous days
- At least six months
- At least one year
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 30 continuous days
A resident who has been outside the state for at least 30 continuous days may renew by mail.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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When does a temporary license issued by a renewal by mail expire?
- 30 days after returning to NC or on the printed expiration date, whichever comes first
- 60 days after returning to NC or on the printed expiration date, whichever comes later
- 60 days after returning to NC or on the printed expiration date, whichever comes first
- Six months after returning to NC, regardless of the printed expiration date
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days after returning to NC or on the printed expiration date, whichever comes first
The temporary license expires 60 days after the person returns to North Carolina or on the expiration date shown on the license, whichever comes first.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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To renew by mail, a North Carolina Class C driver license can have been expired for no more than how long?
- Six months
- Two years
- One year
- Five years
Show answer
Correct answer: Two years
Renewal by mail requires a Class C license that has not expired for more than two years.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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Which license cannot be renewed by mail?
- A Class C license expired for one year
- A commercial license
- A license held by an active duty member of the military
- A license of a resident living out of state
Show answer
Correct answer: A commercial license
The manual says a commercial or a full provisional license cannot be renewed by mail.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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An active duty military resident has no permanent North Carolina verifiable residence address. To renew by mail, what address may the resident provide?
- The address of a verifiable North Carolina host family
- The address of a military base commanding officer
- The address of any relative living in another state
- The address of a local sheriff's office or courthouse
Show answer
Correct answer: The address of a verifiable North Carolina host family
Without a permanent verifiable address, the resident may provide the address of a verifiable North Carolina host family.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)