North Carolina permit test FAQ 2026: how many questions, pass mark, cost
North Carolina permit test in brief: 80% on the knowledge test and 9 of 12 road signs on the signs test to pass, per NCDMV, which does not publish the number of questions.
You need 80% on the knowledge test and 9 of 12 road signs on the signs test to pass the North Carolina written knowledge test and traffic signs test (Level 1 Limited Learner Permit), per NCDMV; it has a traffic signs section and a knowledge (traffic laws and safe-driving practices) section, and questions come from the official North Carolina Driver Handbook (revised May 2025).
Practice format (commonly reported): NCDMV does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 25 questions with 20 correct (80%) to pass, and our practice tests use that format.
The North Carolina written knowledge test and traffic signs test in brief
How many questions are on the North Carolina permit test?
NCDMV does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 25 questions with 20 correct (80%) to pass, and our practice tests use that format.
What is the pass mark for the North Carolina permit test?
You need 80% on the knowledge test and 9 of 12 road signs on the signs test to pass, per NCDMV. Our practice tests mark 20 of 25 (80%), the commonly reported format. See how North Carolina compares with every state.
How many questions can you get wrong on the North Carolina permit test?
On the signs test you can miss up to 3 of the 12 road signs (9 of 12 needed), under the state rule. NCDMV does not publish the number of knowledge-test questions; in the commonly reported 25-question format with 20 correct needed (not official), you can get up to 5 wrong.
Is the North Carolina permit test hard?
You need 20 of 25 (80%) to pass, so in the commonly reported 25-question format you can get at most 5 wrong. The best preparation is to study the official North Carolina Driver Handbook (revised May 2025) and take practice tests until you pass them comfortably.
How much does the North Carolina permit test cost?
$25.50 — Level 1 Limited Learner Permit (ages 15-17), per NCDMV.
Is there a free North Carolina permit practice test for 2026?
Yes. This site has 2 free North Carolina written knowledge test and traffic signs test practice tests for 2026, each with 25 questions and the commonly reported pass mark of 20 of 25 (80%), plus a free road-sign quiz.
Time limit, retakes, age and ID
How long is the North Carolina permit test?
NCDMV does not publish a time limit for the North Carolina written knowledge test and traffic signs test.
Can I retake the North Carolina permit test if I fail?
'Applicants who do not pass the knowledge test or driving test for a regular Class C license may retake the test in seven calendar days.' (Stated for a regular Class C license; no separate rule is published for the limited learner permit.) No attempt limit stated on the pages read.
How old do you have to be to take the North Carolina permit test?
The minimum age is 15, per NCDMV.
What do I need to bring to the North Carolina permit test?
One document verifying identity and date of birth; Social Security card or one document proving an SSN; one document proving North Carolina residency; Driver's Education Certificate from the driver education school (30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind the wheel). A parent or guardian must be present for the tests (anyone else needs written consent from the parent/guardian). Non-US citizens: proof of legal presence. Vision test at the office.
Which handbook is the North Carolina permit test based on?
The official North Carolina Driver Handbook (revised May 2025). You can read it on the official site.
Official source: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), N.C. Department of Transportation. Handbook: North Carolina Driver Handbook.
Start the free North Carolina written knowledge test and traffic signs test practice test 1 · Road-sign quiz
Last updated October 22, 2026.