Practice test 1 of 10 — North Carolina permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: C. Check for cars and bikes behind you

   Look for cars and bikes before you open your door, so you do not open it in someone's path.

   Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Leaving a parked car

2. Question 2: D. An overpass or bridge with limited space above

   A low clearance sign shows how much space there is under an overpass or bridge, so tall vehicles can avoid it.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

3. Question 3: B. Drinking quickly on an empty stomach

   Drinking quickly on an empty stomach raises blood alcohol faster, since nothing slows its uptake.

   Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — How alcohol affects you

4. Question 4: C. The police officer

   A police officer directing traffic overrides signs and signals, so follow the officer.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

5. Question 5: C. Stops the car if alcohol is on your breath

   An ignition interlock is a breath tester that stops the car from starting if it finds alcohol on your breath.

   Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Penalties

6. Question 6: A. Wait until they have crossed

   People who are still in the crosswalk when your light turns green have the right-of-way. Wait for them to cross.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

7. Question 7: D. Breath, blood, or urine tests

   Implied consent laws generally cover breath, blood and urine tests for alcohol or drugs.

   Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Testing and implied consent

8. Question 8: C. 60 hours, with 10 at night

   The Level One driving log must show at least 60 hours of driving, and at least 10 of those hours must be at night.

   Handbook: Chapter 1: Your License — Graduated Licensing: Limited Learner Permit

9. Question 9: B. No, treat it like other traffic

   You must pull over for an emergency vehicle using its siren and lights. Without them, it is treated like other traffic.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Emergency vehicles

10. Question 10: C. The start of a no-passing zone

    The pennant sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. Do not begin to pass from this point on.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

11. Question 11: A. On the outside edge of a sharp curve

    Chevron signs are placed on the outside of a sharp curve and point the way to steer.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

12. Question 12: A. A sharp right turn that needs a low speed

    The bent arrow means a sharp turn to the right, which needs a much lower speed than a gentle curve.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

13. Question 13: A. It may roll back when it starts to move

    A large truck may roll back a little as it starts on a hill, so leave extra space in front of you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Large trucks and buses

14. Question 14: B. 35%

    The allowed light transmittance for tinted windows in North Carolina is no less than 35%.

    Handbook: Chapter 7: How DMV Serves You — Vehicle Emissions & Safety Inspection: Window Tinting

15. Question 15: D. In rain, fog, or at night

    Leave more space when it is wet, foggy or dark, since you need more time to see hazards and to stop.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Following distance

16. Question 16: A. Blue and white

    Signs showing a nearby hospital, Highway Patrol station or telephone are blue and white.

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings — Traffic Signs: Guide/Informational Signs

17. Question 17: A. Diamond

    The handbook says "North Carolina route markers are diamond shaped," while U.S. highway markers are shields.

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings — Traffic Signs: Guide/Informational Signs

18. Question 18: A. Gently and smoothly

    Use the gas and brakes gently and smoothly on snow so the tires keep their grip.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Skids and slippery roads

19. Question 19: A. Reaction distance plus braking distance

    Total stopping distance is the distance covered while you see and react plus the distance covered while braking.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Stopping distance

20. Question 20: C. A steep downhill grade ahead

    The truck on a downward slope warns of a steep downhill grade. Check your speed and use a lower gear.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

21. Question 21: D. A fire hydrant or water supply is near

    In some areas, blue reflective pavement markers show where a fire hydrant or water supply is near for fire crews.

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings — Pavement Markings

22. Question 22: C. 200 feet

    Signal at least the last 100 feet before a turn, or at least the last 200 feet where the limit is 45 mph or more.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Your Driving — Flashing Turn Signals

23. Question 23: B. You may turn left; oncoming cars must stop

    A green arrow gives you a protected turn in that direction. Oncoming traffic should be stopped, but still watch for people in the crosswalk.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

24. Question 24: B. Proof of insurance

    In most states you must carry proof of insurance or financial responsibility and show it when asked.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Licensing rules

25. Question 25: B. Lanes of traffic moving the same way

    White lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings