North Carolina: Licensing basics — Part 6 Practice Test
Learner permits, graduated licensing for drivers 15-18, license classes, required documents, REAL ID, renewal, and vehicle registration and inspection. — Part 6
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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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Which of these does a North Carolina license plate show?
- The name of the vehicle owner
- The county where the owner lives
- The date the vehicle was last inspected
- The expiration date of the registration
Show answer
Correct answer: The expiration date of the registration
The plate shows the vehicle's unique number, the registration expiration date and that the vehicle is registered in North Carolina.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 97 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 97)
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To change the physical address on your vehicle registration online, which information will you need?
- The last five characters of the vehicle title number
- The last five digits of your driver license number
- The date the vehicle was last inspected
- The name of your liability insurance company
Show answer
Correct answer: The last five characters of the vehicle title number
The online address change asks for the license plate number, the last five characters of the title number and a valid email address.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 97 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 97)
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If your vehicle's registration is expired, what must you do to change the address on it?
- Change the address first and renew the registration afterward
- Apply for a new certificate of title before changing the address
- Renew the registration and change the address at the same time
- Wait until the registration has been renewed at an office
Show answer
Correct answer: Renew the registration and change the address at the same time
An expired registration must be renewed and the address changed at the same time.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 97 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 97)
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What is required to title and register a vehicle if you are a new North Carolina resident moving from out-of-state?
- A North Carolina driver license and proof of a previous six months of residence
- Your valid out-of-state driver license and a North Carolina Temporary Driving Certificate
- A North Carolina identification card and the vehicle's previous registration plates
- A notarized letter from your previous state's DMV and your old license plates
Show answer
Correct answer: Your valid out-of-state driver license and a North Carolina Temporary Driving Certificate
A new resident needs the valid out-of-state license together with the North Carolina Temporary Driving Certificate to title and register.
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 process of changing your name with the DMV be completed?
- At a driver license office
- Online at the DMV website
- By mail to DMV headquarters
- At any license plate agency
Show answer
Correct answer: At a driver license office
The manual says a name change must be completed at a driver license office.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
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If you move within North Carolina and also own a vehicle, what else needs to be ordered?
- A new certificate of title
- A duplicate registration card
- A new license plate
- A duplicate inspection certificate
Show answer
Correct answer: A duplicate registration card
Vehicle owners who move need to order a duplicate registration card in addition to the duplicate license or ID.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
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Which document is the official transfer document for a new vehicle?
- The dealer's signed bill of sale to the buyer
- The vehicle inspection report from a station
- The buyer's proof of liability insurance
- The manufacturer's certificate of origin
Show answer
Correct answer: The manufacturer's certificate of origin
For new vehicles, the manufacturer's certificate of origin is the official transfer document.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
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What must you present if you purchase a used vehicle which has already been registered?
- The certificate of title properly assigned by the former owner
- The manufacturer's certificate of origin signed by the dealer
- The former owner's driver license and a copy of the old registration card
- A notarized bill of sale and a vehicle inspection report
Show answer
Correct answer: The certificate of title properly assigned by the former owner
For a used vehicle already registered, you must present the certificate of title properly assigned by the former owner.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
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What must you present to register a used vehicle for the first time in North Carolina?
- A North Carolina certificate of title issued by the county tax office
- The manufacturer's certificate of origin for that model year
- The title from the state where the vehicle was formerly registered
- A vehicle inspection report from the former state
Show answer
Correct answer: The title from the state where the vehicle was formerly registered
The manual says you must present the title from the state where the vehicle was formerly registered.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
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If a used vehicle is from a non-title state, what may you present with the former owner's proof of purchase?
- A certificate of title issued by the North Carolina DMV
- A notarized bill of sale from the former owner
- The manufacturer's certificate of origin and a dealer invoice
- A liability insurance policy from the former owner
Show answer
Correct answer: A notarized bill of sale from the former owner
For a used vehicle from a non-title state, a notarized bill of sale and the former owner's proof of purchase are presented (or the registration card with a notarized transfer on the back).
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
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An owner's out-of-state driver license may be accepted for vehicle registration, with documentation, if the vehicle is garaged in North Carolina for at least how long?
- 30 days
- 90 days
- One year
- Six months
Show answer
Correct answer: Six months
One accepted circumstance is a vehicle garaged in North Carolina for a minimum of six months.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
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If a vehicle is co-owned, what is required regarding a North Carolina driver license or ID?
- One owner must have a North Carolina driver license or ID
- Every co-owner must have a North Carolina driver license
- Neither owner needs a North Carolina driver license or ID
- The co-owner must live in North Carolina for six months
Show answer
Correct answer: One owner must have a North Carolina driver license or ID
For a co-owned vehicle, one owner must have a North Carolina driver license or ID.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
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Which situation allows a valid driver license from another state to be accepted, with documentation, for a vehicle registration?
- Employment by a North Carolina company
- Purchase of the vehicle from a North Carolina dealer
- Military active duty stationed in North Carolina
- Plans to move to North Carolina within one year
Show answer
Correct answer: Military active duty stationed in North Carolina
Military active duty stationed in North Carolina is one of the listed situations that can allow an out-of-state license to be accepted.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
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How does the DMV's staggered vehicle registration system work?
- All renewals are due on the same date each year
- Renewals are divided among four quarterly deadlines
- Each vehicle must be renewed twice a year
- Renewals are spread over the 12 months of the year
Show answer
Correct answer: Renewals are spread over the 12 months of the year
The staggered system spreads registration renewals over 12 months of the year.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 99 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 99)
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In whose presence must the reassignment of ownership on a certificate of title be made for a transfer to be valid?
- A law enforcement officer
- A DMV license examiner
- A Notary Public
- A licensed insurance agent
Show answer
Correct answer: A Notary Public
The reassignment must be made in the presence of a Notary Public.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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Besides a notarized reassignment, what must happen for the transfer of a motor vehicle to be valid?
- The new owner must pay the vehicle property tax first
- The vehicle must be delivered to the new owner
- The seller must cancel the liability insurance on the vehicle
- The vehicle must be re-inspected at a DMV office
Show answer
Correct answer: The vehicle must be delivered to the new owner
The manual requires actual delivery of the vehicle to the new owner for the transfer to be valid.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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Which part of the certificate of title is used to reassign ownership when transferring a vehicle?
- Section “A” on side one
- Section “B” on side two
- Section “C” on side one
- Section “A” on side two
Show answer
Correct answer: Section “A” on side two
Ownership is reassigned using section “A” on side two of the certificate of title.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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A current inspection is required within how many months before the sale if a registration plate will be requested?
- 12 months
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 24 months
Show answer
Correct answer: 12 months
A current inspection is required within the last 12 months prior to the sale if a registration plate will be requested.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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License plates can be transferred from one vehicle to another of the same category if which conditions are met?
- The vehicles have the same model year and the plates are not expired
- The vehicles were purchased from the same dealer and the same insurer
- Ownership is in the same name and insurance coverage has been continuous
- The plates have never been replaced and the vehicle is newly inspected
Show answer
Correct answer: Ownership is in the same name and insurance coverage has been continuous
Plates can move to another vehicle of the same category if ownership is in the same name and insurance coverage has been continuous.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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A duplicate title cannot be issued until how many days after the DMV receives the application and fee?
- 5 days
- 15 days
- 30 days
- 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 days
A duplicate title cannot be issued until 15 days after the application and fee are received.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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What does the “Tag & Tax Together” program require of vehicle owners?
- Separate payments for tag renewal and property tax at different offices
- Property tax payments only, with tags renewed automatically
- A higher registration fee for vehicles with unpaid tax
- One payment for both the tag renewal and the vehicle property tax
Show answer
Correct answer: One payment for both the tag renewal and the vehicle property tax
The program requires one payment for both bills, and both must be paid in full to renew the annual registration.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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Who determines the property tax on a registered vehicle?
- The local county assessment office
- The DMV vehicle registration unit
- The DMV License & Theft Bureau
- The State Treasurer's office
Show answer
Correct answer: The local county assessment office
The DMV is not involved in valuing a vehicle for property tax; the local county assessment office determines the tax.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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Which of these vehicles is NOT covered by the “Tag & Tax Together” law?
- Passenger cars
- Pickup trucks
- Manufactured homes
- Vehicles with an expired registration
Show answer
Correct answer: Manufactured homes
Manufactured homes are among the exceptions to the law, which covers all other motor vehicles.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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What do the yearly combined notices mailed to vehicle owners contain?
- Insurance premium and claims history for the vehicle
- Registration and inspection information plus tax information
- Driving record and points information for the owner
- License renewal dates and a list of nearby offices
Show answer
Correct answer: Registration and inspection information plus tax information
The combined notices contain registration and inspection information about the vehicle as well as tax information.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 100 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 100)
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How quickly are titles processed and issued under the expedited titling service, called an instant title?
- Within three to five business days
- Within one week of the application
- Within 15 days of the application
- The same day or next business day
Show answer
Correct answer: The same day or next business day
An instant title is processed and issued the same day or next business day.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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How often must all motor vehicles registered in North Carolina be inspected?
- Annually
- Every two years
- Every six months
- Only when the vehicle is sold
Show answer
Correct answer: Annually
The manual says all motor vehicles registered in North Carolina must be inspected annually.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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Which DMV unit oversees the vehicle inspection process?
- The Driver License DR Unit
- The Raleigh Central Services office
- The License & Theft Bureau
- The State Treasurer's office
Show answer
Correct answer: The License & Theft Bureau
The DMV License & Theft Bureau oversees the vehicle inspection process.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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What is the objective of vehicle inspections?
- To determine the value of vehicles for property tax purposes
- To ensure vehicles registered in North Carolina are maintained properly
- To verify that vehicle owners carry liability insurance
- To confirm that ownership of each vehicle has been transferred
Show answer
Correct answer: To ensure vehicles registered in North Carolina are maintained properly
The objective is to ensure vehicles registered in North Carolina are maintained properly.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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What must a vehicle pass before it can be registered and the license tag renewed?
- A road test given by a license examiner at a DMV office
- A property tax audit by the county assessment office
- A liability insurance review by the DMV
- The required safety-only or safety and emissions inspection
Show answer
Correct answer: The required safety-only or safety and emissions inspection
A vehicle must pass the required safety-only or safety and emissions inspection before registration and tag renewal.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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Where can a vehicle inspection be performed?
- At any licensed inspection station
- Only at the DMV office nearest the owner's home
- Only at the license plate agency where the vehicle is registered
- Only at stations in the county where the owner lives
Show answer
Correct answer: At any licensed inspection station
The inspection can be performed at any licensed inspection station located throughout the state.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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How long before the registration expiration date may an inspection be performed?
- Up to 30 days
- Up to 60 days
- Up to 90 days
- Up to six months
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to 90 days
Inspections may be performed up to 90 days before the registration (license tag) expiration date.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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A vehicle that fails inspection is entitled to be re-inspected at the same station without paying another inspection fee within how long?
- 10 days
- 60 days
- 30 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
A failed vehicle can be re-inspected at the same station within 60 days without another inspection fee.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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According to the manual, how many emissions counties are there for the emissions inspection exemption of light-duty, gasoline powered vehicles three years old or less?
- 10
- 26
- 45
- 19
Show answer
Correct answer: 19
The exemption applies to vehicles registered in one of the 19 emissions counties.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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Where can you find the model year for your vehicle?
- On your registration card, in the column labeled “YEAR”
- On the license plate near the expiration sticker
- On the declaration page of your insurance policy
- On the vehicle's inspection sticker
Show answer
Correct answer: On your registration card, in the column labeled “YEAR”
The model year is on the registration card under the column labeled “YEAR”.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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Vehicles within the three most recent model years are exempt from emission testing if they have less than how many miles on the odometer?
- 30,000 miles
- 50,000 miles
- 70,000 miles
- 100,000 miles
Show answer
Correct answer: 70,000 miles
The exemption applies to vehicles within the three most recent model years with less than 70,000 miles.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 102 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 102)
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In counties where emissions inspections are required, which vehicles are subject to them?
- All vehicles regardless of model year
- 1996 and newer vehicles
- 1990 and newer vehicles
- 2000 and newer vehicles
Show answer
Correct answer: 1996 and newer vehicles
The manual says emissions inspections are required on 1996 and newer vehicles in those counties.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 102 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 102)
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What is the allowable light transmittance for tinted windows?
- No less than 25%
- No less than 50%
- No less than 70%
- No less than 35%
Show answer
Correct answer: No less than 35%
The allowable light transmittance for tinted windows is no less than 35%.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 102 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 102)