North Carolina: Licensing basics — Part 5 Practice Test
Learner permits, graduated licensing for drivers 15-18, license classes, required documents, REAL ID, renewal, and vehicle registration and inspection. — Part 5
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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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What must an active duty military resident provide when requesting a driver license renewal by mail?
- A discharge form and a copy of a valid passport, front and back
- Military orders only, sent directly by the unit commander
- Military orders and a copy of the military ID card, front and back
- A letter from the commanding officer and a recent photo
Show answer
Correct answer: Military orders and a copy of the military ID card, front and back
The resident must provide military orders and a copy of the military identification card, both front and back.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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When accompanied by military papers showing active duty status, driver license renewal may be made how long before the expiration date?
- No more than 30 days
- More than one year
- Up to six months
- No more than 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: More than one year
With military papers showing active duty status, renewal may be made for more than one year prior to the expiration date.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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For a military mail renewal, DMV must have a photo on file issued within the last how many years?
- Two
- Five
- Ten
- Eight
Show answer
Correct answer: Eight
The military renewal requires a photo on file with DMV issued within the last eight years.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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For whom can a vision waiver be submitted when renewing by mail?
- Any resident temporarily living out of state
- Military spouses and dependents of active duty
- Active duty military currently in a war zone
- Veterans holding a VETERAN designation
Show answer
Correct answer: Active duty military currently in a war zone
A vision waiver can be submitted for active duty military currently in a war zone, with documentation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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How many times may a driver license with a military designation be renewed during the license holder's lifetime?
- No more than two times
- Only once
- No more than five times
- There is no limit
Show answer
Correct answer: No more than two times
A license with a military designation may be renewed no more than two times during the holder's lifetime.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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Who else may renew by mail along with active duty military residents?
- Military veterans
- Retired military members only
- Parents of military members
- Military spouse and dependents
Show answer
Correct answer: Military spouse and dependents
The manual says military spouse and dependents may also renew by mail.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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A dependent holding a full provisional license can upgrade to a Class C license if it has not been expired for more than one year and they are how old?
- 16 years of age
- 18 years of age
- 17 years of age
- 21 years of age
Show answer
Correct answer: 18 years of age
The dependent must be 18 years of age and the license not expired for more than one year.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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When must a military customer who returns to North Carolina next go to a driver license office?
- When it is time to renew their license
- Within 60 days after returning home
- Within 30 days after returning home
- Within six months after returning home
Show answer
Correct answer: When it is time to renew their license
A military customer does not need to visit an office on returning and need not go in until time to renew.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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What designation can qualified North Carolina military veterans carry on their driver licenses and identification cards?
- MILITARY
- RETIRED
- VETERAN
- SERVICE MEMBER
Show answer
Correct answer: VETERAN
Qualified veterans are able to carry the designation VETERAN on their licenses and ID cards.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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Veterans interested in the VETERAN designation should take which discharge form to their local driver license office?
- Form DL-101
- DD-214
- Form DL-123A
- Form I-94
Show answer
Correct answer: DD-214
Veterans should take their DD-214 discharge form to show they have been honorably discharged.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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When can a veteran request the VETERAN designation be added to their license at no additional charge?
- Within 60 days of discharge
- At any time
- Only when they turn 66
- At their next renewal
Show answer
Correct answer: At their next renewal
Veterans can request the designation at their next renewal at no additional charge.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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If a veteran wants the designation added at a time other than renewal, what may they request?
- A new learner permit
- A restoration of the license
- A duplicate license for the usual fee
- An ID card in place of the license
Show answer
Correct answer: A duplicate license for the usual fee
At any other time the veteran may present the discharge form and request a duplicate license for the usual fee.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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How long is a license valid when it is issued to a person aged 18 to 65?
- 8 years
- 4 years
- 5 years
- 10 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 8 years
The duration table shows 8 years for ages 18 to 65 at the time of issuance.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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How long is a license valid when it is issued to a person aged 66 or older?
- 3 years
- 4 years
- 8 years
- 5 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 5 years
The duration table shows 5 years for ages 66 and older at the time of issuance.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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To replace a lost or stolen license, what may you show the examiner?
- Your Social Security card and a utility bill
- Two documents of identification approved by the DMV
- A police report of the loss from your local agency
- Your vehicle registration card and insurance card
Show answer
Correct answer: Two documents of identification approved by the DMV
You may show the examiner two documents of identification approved by the DMV.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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A duplicate license can be obtained online only if you know what?
- Your driver license or identification number
- Your automobile insurance policy number
- The vehicle identification number of your car
- The date of your last license renewal
Show answer
Correct answer: Your driver license or identification number
The online duplicate transaction is available only if you know your driver license or identification number.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Within how many days must you notify the division if your address changes from the address on your driver license, and obtain a duplicate license?
- 10 days
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
You must notify the division of the address change within 60 days and obtain a duplicate license.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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When is a change of the address on your license not a violation of the address-change law?
- If you move within the same county and notify the division after 90 days
- If you do not move, but your address changes due to a governmental action
- If you move less than ten miles from your previous address on the license
- If you move into a relative's home for less than six months
Show answer
Correct answer: If you do not move, but your address changes due to a governmental action
If your address changes due to a governmental action and you did not move, you are not in violation of the law.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Within how many days after a name change must a person notify the division and obtain a duplicate driver license stating the new name?
- 10 days
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
The person must notify the division within 60 days after the change occurs and obtain a duplicate license.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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With what system does the Division of Motor Vehicles confirm your name?
- Social Security Online Verification System
- National Driver Register
- REAL ID Verification System
- National Sex Offender Public Registry
Show answer
Correct answer: Social Security Online Verification System
The Division confirms your name with the Social Security Online Verification System.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Which notarized form, obtained at a DMV office, can be used to complete a name change?
- DL-123
- DL-123A
- DL-214
- DL-101
Show answer
Correct answer: DL-101
A name change can be completed with execution of a notarized DL-101.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Name change documentation must be provided by the appropriate government agency of which places?
- The United States, Mexico, Canada or Puerto Rico
- The United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories or Canada
- North Carolina and the states that border it only
- Any country that has a treaty with the United States
Show answer
Correct answer: The United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories or Canada
All name-change documentation must come from a government agency of the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories or Canada.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Who can be issued a North Carolina state identification card?
- Any resident of North Carolina
- Only residents who do not drive
- Only residents 17 or older
- Only residents with a Social Security card on file
Show answer
Correct answer: Any resident of North Carolina
The manual says any resident of North Carolina can be issued a state identification card.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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What documents does a state ID card require?
- Only proof of identity
- Only a birth certificate and proof of residency
- The same documents as required for a driver license
- Only proof of legal presence
Show answer
Correct answer: The same documents as required for a driver license
You need the same documents as for a driver license: proof of identity and residency plus the Social Security requirements.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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Which resident pays no fee for a state ID card?
- One who is 15 years old
- One who is legally blind
- One who is 16 years old
- One who is 12 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: One who is legally blind
There is no fee for a state ID card for residents who are at least 17, legally blind, or homeless.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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Besides the license application itself, what may you complete when applying for a North Carolina driver license, learner permit or ID card?
- A vehicle registration renewal
- A jury duty questionnaire
- A tax return
- A voter registration application
Show answer
Correct answer: A voter registration application
You may complete a voter registration application or change your voter registration when applying.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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What symbol on the front of a license or ID card shows the holder's consent to be an organ and eye donor?
- A star
- A cross
- A heart
- A red bar
Show answer
Correct answer: A heart
Donors' licenses and ID cards carry a heart symbol representing consent to be an organ and eye donor.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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For a male U.S. citizen or immigrant between which ages does an application for a license or ID card serve as consent to register with the Selective Service System?
- 18 and 25
- 16 and 21
- 18 and 21
- 21 and 30
Show answer
Correct answer: 18 and 25
DMV notifies males between the ages of 18 and 25 that applying serves as consent to be registered with the Selective Service System.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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Where is a sex offender required by law to register?
- The DMV driver license office in their county
- The clerk of superior court in their county
- The State Highway Patrol district office
- The sheriff's office in their county of residence
Show answer
Correct answer: The sheriff's office in their county of residence
The person is required by law to register with the sheriff's office in their county of residence.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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What must a person who is a current registered sex offender in another state submit before DMV will issue a license, permit or ID card?
- A letter from a physician
- Proof of registration with the sheriff's office
- A certified copy of their driving record
- A notarized DL-101
Show answer
Correct answer: Proof of registration with the sheriff's office
DMV will not issue the license, permit or ID card until the person submits proof of registration with the sheriff's office.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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If the national sex offender database is unavailable, what must DMV require the person to do before it may issue the card applied for?
- Sign an affidavit
- Pay an additional fee
- Return in 30 days
- Provide a letter from the sheriff
Show answer
Correct answer: Sign an affidavit
If the database is unavailable, DMV must require the person to sign an affidavit and may issue the card.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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What happens if the person is not registered as a sex offender in another state?
- DMV will not issue the card until a sheriff verifies the record
- DMV issues only a temporary certificate for 60 days
- DMV requires an affidavit and may issue the card
- DMV must refuse to issue a commercial license
Show answer
Correct answer: DMV requires an affidavit and may issue the card
If not registered in another state, DMV must require the person to sign an affidavit and may issue the card applied for.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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Which endorsements will the Division not issue on a Commercial Driver License to a person it verifies is currently registered as a sex offender?
- Hazardous Materials (H) or Tank Vehicle (N)
- Passenger (P) or School Bus (S)
- Motorcycle (M) or Double Trailer (T)
- Tank Vehicle (N) or Combination (X)
Show answer
Correct answer: Passenger (P) or School Bus (S)
The Division shall not issue a CDL with a Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement to a verified registered sex offender.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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For which programs is the Division of Motor Vehicles responsible?
- Driver license, vehicle registration and vehicle inspection programs
- Driver license, vehicle insurance and vehicle towing programs
- Highway construction, vehicle registration and driver education programs
- Driver license, property tax and vehicle insurance programs
Show answer
Correct answer: Driver license, vehicle registration and vehicle inspection programs
The manual says the DMV promotes highway safety through driver license, vehicle registration and vehicle inspection programs.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 96 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 96)
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Which vehicles are excepted from the requirement that every owner register their motor vehicle with the DMV?
- Exempt farm vehicles and exempt road construction equipment
- Vehicles owned by new residents of North Carolina during their first year
- Vehicles that have been owned for less than one year
- Vehicles that are used only for personal errands and short trips
Show answer
Correct answer: Exempt farm vehicles and exempt road construction equipment
Every vehicle owner must register, except owners of exempt farm vehicles and exempt road construction equipment.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 97 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 97)
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Where must the vehicle registration card be kept?
- With the certificate of title at the owner's home
- At the local license plate agency office
- In the vehicle at all times
- With the liability insurance company
Show answer
Correct answer: In the vehicle at all times
The registration card must stay in the vehicle at all times so it can be shown to a law enforcement officer on request.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 97 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 97)
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What does the manual say about plastic license plate covers?
- They are allowed if they are clear
- They are prohibited
- They are allowed only on the front plate
- They are allowed if the plate stays readable
Show answer
Correct answer: They are prohibited
The manual states that plastic license plate covers are prohibited (GS 20-63g).
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 97 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 97)