North Carolina DMV Test Study Guide

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key rules, statistics, and procedures from the North Carolina DMV study guide.

Driver's license requirements

Required for sitting in the driver's seat while the engine is running or steering a car while it is being pushed or towed by another vehicle.

Chemical test refusal penalty

The Division of Motor Vehicles must revoke the driver's license for $12$ months if a law enforcement officer swears to the refusal.

License loss (Point System)

A driver who accumulates $12$ points within $3$ years may lose his or her license.

Driver Improvement Clinic

A program a driver can satisfactorily complete to have $3$ points deducted once they have reached a total of $7$ points.

Passing a stopped school bus

The specific conviction that carries the highest number of points according to the NC point system.

Speeding revocation threshold

A driver will lose his or her license if convicted of speeding more than $75\text{ mph}$ in a $55\text{ mph}$ zone.

Alcohol-involved traffic fatalities

Roughly half of all traffic fatalities involve a drunken person.

Drunken person highway death percentage

The percentage of highway deaths caused by a drunken person is approximately $38\%$.

City pedestrian fatalities

In cities, $2$ out of $5$ people killed in motor vehicle accidents are pedestrians.

Night walking safety

When walking at night along a road without sidewalks, you should walk on the left facing traffic and wear or carry something white.

Safe mirror checking

A safe driver frequently checks the rear view and side mirrors.

Sleepiness while driving

If you begin to feel sleepy on a long trip, you should open a window or vent to let in fresh air.

Slow drivers

Studies have shown that slow drivers are considered a serious traffic hazard.

Open road speed limit (NC)

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit outside a city is $55\text{ mph}$.

City speed limit (NC)

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit inside a city is $35\text{ mph}$.

Curvature physics

When rounding a curve, a car tends to move to the outside of the curve.

Downhill truck driving

The driver of a truck going downhill with a curve should use a low gear.

Passing on the right

Legal on a four-lane highway with two lanes going in each direction or on a one-way street.

Backing speed

When backing your car, you should move at no more than $10\text{ mph}$.

Intersection accidents

The location where accidents occur most frequently.

Unmarked intersection visibility

If trees or buildings make it hard to see in all directions, you should stop at the intersection and move forward slowly.

Interstate accident type

Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of accident on an interstate highway.

Interstate trip planning

On a long trip, you should plan to stop every $100\text{ miles}$ at a rest area.

Interstate breakdown signal

Raise the hood and tie a white handkerchief to the left door handle.

Low beam usage

Should be used at night in the city, in foggy or misty weather, or when following another car at night.

Drizzle road condition

Roads are especially slick just after it begins to drizzle because rain loosens oil and gravel.

Snow traction

The best way to get good traction on hard-packed snow is to put chains on your tires.

Brake failure procedure

A driver should shift into a lower gear and use the emergency brake.

Wet brake recovery

To dry wet brakes, slow down and press the gas pedal while keeping light pressure on the brake pedal.

Blowout recovery

The driver should grip the steering wheel firmly to keep the car from swerving.

Skidding recovery

Reduce pressure on the gas pedal and turn the steering wheel in the direction in which the rear end of the car is skidding.

Flashing yellow signal

Indicates that a driver should slow down and proceed with caution.

Diamond shaped sign

Used to warn drivers of hazards, such as reaching a deer crossing, and means to slow down and drive with care.

Highway work zone sign color

The main color for these signs is orange.

Exhaust system

The system that carries harmful fumes from the engine to the rear of the car and releases them.

Suspension system failure

Indicated by a car that pitches and tosses in normal driving and leans heavily to the side in turns.

Public school bus speed limit (NC)

The maximum speed for a full-size public school bus in North Carolina is $45\text{ mph}$.

Alcohol elimination

Only the liver can eliminate alcohol from the body; coffee cannot neutralize its effects.

Alcohol concentration

Alcohol tends to concentrate most in the brain.

Multiple DWI penalties

A 4th DWI conviction within $10$ years may result in imprisonment for $1$ to $3$ years.