North Carolina Permit Test FAQ

The North Carolina knowledge test has 25 questions, and you need 20 right (80%) to pass. The North Carolina Driver Handbook also describes a separate road sign test. Our full practice exam uses the same size and pass mark. Always confirm the current test with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).

Vision, traffic signs and a knowledge test of driving laws, plus an on-road driving test for a first license. Each test is passed separately. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, p. 8–9)

You identify signs by their color and shape and explain what each one means. Everything on the test is in the handbook. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, p. 9)

15, after finishing driver education with at least 30 hours of class and 6 hours behind the wheel. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, p. 12)

For the first six months you may drive only from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with your supervising driver; then any time with a supervisor. Only you and the supervisor ride in front, and phones are off limits. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, p. 12)

A parent, grandparent or guardian, or a responsible person they approve, who has held a valid license for at least five years. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, p. 12)

Driving unsupervised, one passenger under 21 who isn't in your household (plus one more who's a student going to or from school); no limit if all are household members. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, p. 13)

Learner permits are available at 18 and older; you pass vision, signs and knowledge tests and drive only with a licensed driver seated beside you. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, p. 8)

For an emergency or service vehicle stopped within 12 feet of the road with lights on, change to a lane not next to it; on a one-lane-each-way road, slow down until you're past. (North Carolina Driver Handbook, p. 49)