- Alabama: Test 1 / Test 2
- Alaska: Test 1 / Test 2
- Arizona: Test 1 / Test 2
- Arkansas: Test 1 / Test 2
- California: Test 1 / Test 2
- Colorado: Test 1 / Test 2
- Connecticut: Test 1 / Test 2
- Delaware: Test 1 / Test 2
- District of Columbia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Florida: Test 1 / Test 2
- Georgia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Hawaii: Test 1 / Test 2
- Idaho: Test 1 / Test 2
- Illinois: Test 1 / Test 2
- Indiana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Iowa: Test 1 / Test 2
- Kansas: Test 1 / Test 2
- Kentucky: Test 1 / Test 2
- Louisiana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Maine: Test 1 / Test 2
- Maryland: Test 1 / Test 2
- Massachusetts: Test 1 / Test 2
- Michigan: Test 1 / Test 2
- Minnesota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Mississippi: Test 1 / Test 2
- Missouri: Test 1 / Test 2
- Montana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Nebraska: Test 1 / Test 2
- Nevada: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Hampshire: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Jersey: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Mexico: Test 1 / Test 2
- New York: Test 1 / Test 2
- North Carolina: Test 1 / Test 2
- North Dakota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Ohio: Test 1 / Test 2
- Oklahoma: Test 1 / Test 2
- Oregon: Test 1 / Test 2
- Pennsylvania: Test 1 / Test 2
- Rhode Island: Test 1 / Test 2
- South Carolina: Test 1 / Test 2
- South Dakota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Tennessee: Test 1 / Test 2
- Texas: Test 1 / Test 2
- Utah: Test 1 / Test 2
- Vermont: Test 1 / Test 2
- Virginia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Washington: Test 1 / Test 2
- West Virginia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Wisconsin: Test 1 / Test 2
- Wyoming: Test 1 / Test 2
Free North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test 2025
- Perfect for learner’s permit, driver’s license, and Senior Refresher Test
- Based on official North Carolina Driver's manual
- Triple-checked for accuracy
- Updated for January 2025
This North Carolina DMV practice test (commonly known as “DMV practice test NC”) has just been updated for January 2025, offering a comprehensive preparation tool that simulates the actual NC drivers license test. To legally drive in North Carolina, you’ll need to pass what is commonly referred to as the DMV permit test. It’s also known as the DMV permit test, driving test, DMV written test, driver’s license test, or simply the driver’s test. There are 25 questions on the North Carolina learner’s permit test, and you must answer 20 of them correctly to achieve the 80% passing score you need to get your permit. As North Carolina has a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) Program, there are several types of learner’s permits. The youngest age at which you may be eligible to drive a vehicle with a Limited Learner Permit, which will only allow you to drive when supervised, is 15 years old. It will cost $20, and in addition to other requirements, you will need to pass a knowledge test. There are several requirements for each phase of the GDL program, so check the 2025 North Carolina Driver’s Handbook or NCDOT website before you apply. In order to pass the knowledge test, you will need to study the handbook, and it will also help to take DMV practice tests like this one. To help you prepare, we’ve designed this NC DMV practice test -- use it as your first step to prepare for the official exam. Covering 40 essential road signs and rules questions directly from the official 2025 NC Driver Handbook, this practice test is a reliable way to prepare for your NC permit test. And remember: there can never be too much practice. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or looking to renew, our NC permit practice test is designed to mimic the structure and content of the official NC DMV test, setting you up for success.
6 min to complete
Available in EN, ES, RU
Ensuring the accuracy and quality of our program is paramount. Learn more about our rigorous standards in our Commitment to Accuracy article. 
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk,
Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES.
Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES.
Pass the first time,
guaranteed with Premium
guaranteed with Premium
What to expect on the actual NC DMV exam
25
questions
20
correct answers to pass
80%
passing score
15 y/o
minimum age to apply
FAQs
Is it possible to take the permit test online in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the DMV permit test must be taken in person at a DMV office. Online testing is currently not available for the permit test.
How challenging is the NC DMV permit test?
The difficulty of the NC DMV permit test varies for each individual. However, with adequate preparation and study, many applicants find it manageable. It's crucial to thoroughly review the NC Driver's Handbook and practice with sample tests.
Tips for passing the NC DMV permit test
To pass the NC DMV permit test, it's recommended to study the North Carolina Driver's Handbook extensively and take numerous practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you might encounter.
What is the Level 1 Permit Test in North Carolina?
The Level 1 permit test in North Carolina is for applicants under 18, which evaluates their knowledge of road rules and driving safety. It's the first step towards earning a graduated driver's license in the state.
Understanding the new 6-month permit rule in NC
The new 6-month permit rule in North Carolina requires that all learner's permit holders must wait at least six months from the permit issuance date before they can take the driving test for a provisional license.
Requirements for obtaining a NC learner's permit
To obtain a learner's permit in North Carolina, applicants must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test, a road sign recognition test, and a vision test. Also, parental consent is required for applicants under 18.
Timeframe for obtaining a permit in North Carolina
The process to get a permit in North Carolina typically involves a short wait after passing the necessary tests. However, the exact time can vary depending on the DMV office's volume of applications.
Acquiring a driver's license at 18 without a permit in NC
In North Carolina, individuals aged 18 and older can apply for a driver's license without first obtaining a learner's permit. However, they still must pass the written knowledge test, road skills test, and vision exam.
More NC DMV Written Exam Resources
Easy
Hard
Hardest
Simulator
Are you in another state?
List of questions (classic view)
- You can legally drive in the extreme left lane of a multilane highway when you are
- If you double your speed, your vehicle will travel ________ as far to brake to a stop.
- In North Carolina, the maximum speed limit in cities and towns is _______ except where otherwise posted.
- What does this sign indicate?
- When driving on a one-way street with three or more lanes of traffic, you must use
- You are driving on a road where the speed limit is 35 mph. If you want to make a turn, you must start to signal at least ________ before you turn.
- When two or more vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection (i.e., one without signs or signals) at about the same time, which vehicle has the right-of-way?
- This sign is posted on the left side of a roadway. What does it mean?
- To enter an interstate highway, use _________ until your vehicle's speed matches that of highway traffic and then merge safely.
- If an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or sounding a siren approaches you from either direction, you must
- What is the best way to handle a curve?
- What does this sign mean?
- When a school bus is stopped with flashing red lights on a two-lane roadway, drivers approaching from either direction must
- You must not pass on a curve or the crest of a hill if you cannot see at least ________ ahead.
- Before pulling out from a parallel parking space on the right side of the road, you should check for approaching traffic and
- What does this sign indicate?
- A red arrow signal at an intersection indicates that
- This sign is
- In North Carolina, you must use your headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is
- What does this sign mean?
- In North Carolina, you must dim your headlights whenever you are within ________ of an oncoming vehicle.
- In which of the following situations are you NOT allowed to pass another vehicle on the right?
- _________ are the areas near the left and right rear corners of your vehicle that you cannot see in your mirrors.
- What does this sign indicate?
- Which of the following are used as left-edge lines on divided highways?
- When passing a moped, you must stay at least
- Under North Carolina law, which occupants of a vehicle must wear seat belts or suitable child restraints?
- What does this sign mean?
- Hydroplaning can start at speeds as low as
- Under normal driving conditions, use _________ to maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you.
- If you are found to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of _______ or more, your license will be immediately revoked for at least 30 days.
- What does this sign indicate?
- If you are convicted of running a red light, ________ will be added to your driving record.
- You may not park within
- Which of the following statements about using a cell phone while driving is FALSE?
- What does this sign mean?
- Signs with black letters or symbols on an orange background provide
- You are driving through an intersection with a green signal. A pedestrian starts to cross your path against a red signal. What should you do FIRST?
- This sign warns drivers of
- This sign is
Our commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests
Explore our rigorous, multi-tiered verification process that ensures each question mirrors the official manual for unparalleled accuracy.
Written by Andrei Zakhareuski Updated over a week ago
At Driving-Tests.org, we understand the importance of reliable and accurate practice tests to help you prepare for your DMV exam. That's why we've developed a meticulous process to create and continually update our practice questions, ensuring they reflect the most current driving laws and regulations.
Here's an inside look at how we maintain the highest quality in our practice tests.
Content Creation and Verification Process
- Alignment with Official Manuals:
Every question we develop is based on the most recent version of each state's official driving manual. Our team regularly monitors each state DMV's website for the latest updates to ensure our practice tests are always aligned with the most current information. - Community Feedback Integration:
We leverage feedback from our vast community of users to understand which topics are most frequently tested. This helps us focus on the areas that are most relevant and beneficial for your preparation. - Expert Content Creation:
Our in-house editor, Steven, who has extensive experience in driver education, crafts each question with precision. He conducts a thorough review of each question against the official manuals to ensure accuracy. - Rigorous Review Process:
Once Steven has finalized a set of questions, our team conducts a joint review session. This second level of scrutiny involves content accuracy, proofreading, and fact-checking to eliminate any errors. - User Feedback Mechanism:
After a question goes live on our site, we keep the lines of communication open. Each question features a feedback button, inviting users to report any issues or errors. This continuous feedback loop allows us to address and rectify any concerns promptly. - Responsive Updates:
In line with our commitment to accuracy, we quickly update our practice questions to reflect any changes in the DMV manuals. Additionally, we update the free electronic copy of the state's driver's license manuals on our site, typically within a few days after the DMV publishes them.
Our thorough quality control process ensures that you have access to practice tests that are as accurate and up-to-date as possible. We believe in the power of well-prepared drivers and are dedicated to providing you with the best study tools to help you succeed on your DMV exam.