North Carolina Driver Handbook Flashcards

Flashcards based on the North Carolina Driver Handbook to help study for the driver's exam.

DMVdirectAccess

Automated information by telephone for driver licenses and vehicle registration, available 24/7 by dialing 919-715-7000.

MyNCDMV.gov

The official website of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, providing online services and information for motorists.

Duplicate Driver License/Identification Card Online

Can be requested online at MyNCDMV.gov if DMV has your last image on file and a valid social security number or proof of legal presence; a fee of $16.75 is charged.

Online Driver License Renewal

Available every other time you renew, up to six months before expiration, at MyNCDMV.gov; requires identity verification, address confirmation, and payment by credit or debit card.

Public Transportation Options

Alternatives to driving include walking, bicycling, carpooling, and using public transportation, with information available by calling N.C. Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division at 919-707-4670.

Learner Permit

Authorizes the permit holder (age 18 and older) to drive a specified vehicle class while accompanied by a licensed driver; requires vision, traffic signs, and knowledge of motor vehicle laws testing.

Motorcycle Learner Permit

Authorizes a person to operate a motorcycle without passengers; if under 18, requires a full provisional license, parent/guardian signature, and completion of a motorcycle safety course.

Vision Test Requirements

Whether applying for a learner permit, an original license or a renewal license in person, your vision must be checked to see that you meet certain standards. If you need corrective lenses to bring your vision up to the required standards, you must wear the lenses at all times while driving and your license will indicate a restriction that you must wear corrective lenses. The penalty for driving without the proper corrective lenses is the same as driving without a license.

Traffic Signs Test

Requires identifying traffic signs by color and shape and explaining their meanings; all information is in the driver handbook.

Knowledge Test

Covers traffic laws and safe driving practices; audio tests are available for those with reading difficulties.

Driving Skills Test

An on-the-road demonstration of driving ability, required for the first license application and potentially for renewals.

Health Requirements for Licensing

Individuals may not be licensed if they suffer from a mental or physical condition that might keep them from driving safely. A person with a disability may be issued a restricted license provided the condition does not keep them from driving safely.

Regular Class A License

Required to operate a combination of vehicles that is exempt from CDL requirements when the towed unit has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.

Regular Class B License

Required to operate any single vehicle that is exempt from CDL requirements with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Regular Class C License

Required to operate any noncommercial single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds; and a vehicle towing a vehicle which has a combined GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds operated by a driver 18 years old or older. Most drivers need only a Regular Class C license to operate personal automobiles and small trucks.

Class A Motor Vehicle (CDL)

A vehicle that has a combined GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds and includes as part of the combination a towed unit that has a GVWR of at least 10,001 pounds.

Graduated Licensing

A three-stage licensing process for drivers aged 15-18 including a Limited learner permit, limited provisional license, and full provisional license.

Level One Limited Learner Permit Restrictions

Authorizes driving between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. with a supervising driver during the first six months; requires holding the permit for nine months before applying for a Limited Provisional License.

Level Two Limited Provisional License Restrictions

Allows unsupervised driving from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. and anytime when driving directly to or from work or any volunteer fire, rescue or emergency medical service.

Level Three Full Provisional License

Removes restrictions on time of driving, supervision, and passenger limitations but still prohibits cell phone use under age 18.

DWI

Driving While Impaired. Driving while impaired can be proven in one of two ways: • By proving the driver's physical or mental fitness are appreciably impaired by alcohol, drugs or a combination of both; or • By proving the driver's blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or more, or 0.04 or more, if you are driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Restriction

Required when a license is restored following a suspension for DWI; .04 on first restoration, .00 on subsequent restoration.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger and bystander safety. These types of distractions include: Texting Using a cell phone Eating and drinking Talking to passengers Grooming Reading, including maps Using a navigation system Watching a video Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

Protecting Yourself and Your Passengers

No one can be completely protected from being in a crash. You cannot predict what other drivers will do. Seat Belts The driver and all passengers in a motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts shall have a seat belt properly fastened about their body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this state. Children under age 16 should be in an age and weight appropriate restraint. Under the seat belt law, all occupants MUST wear seat belts even if the vehicle is equipped with air bags. If the vehicle is equipped with automatic shoulder harnesses, the lap belt MUST also be worn.

Roundabouts

Travel through a roundabout is easy to travel through once you understand how it works. As you approach it, you’ll see a yellow roundabout ahead sign, indicating you should slow down. Drivers yield to any vehicles or bicyclists already in the roundabout. Everyone using the roundabout moves in a counterclockwise direction, and those already in it do not yield to approaching vehicles. Drivers should use turn signals when exiting and yield to pedestrians using the crosswalk at the roundabout.

Traffic Signals

A circular green signal means you are permitted to proceed cautiously straight through or make a turn. Turning vehicles must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A circular yellow signal means “caution” and indicates that the signal is about to turn red. Stop for a yellow signal unless you are too close to the intersection to stop safely — in that case, drive cautiously through the intersection. Never speed up for a yellow signal to “beat” the red signal.

Railroad Crossing Safety

A railroad crossing sign indicates you are approaching a railroad crossing and you must: Approach with caution Prepare to stop and be alert for a train Proceed with caution after a train has passed Never stop on train tracks for any reason

Traffic Officers

Under special circumstances, an officer may be directing the flow of traffic. If so, obey the officer’s hand signals instead of the normal traffic signals or signs.

Bicycles on the Road

Because bicycles are vehicles, bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as other drivers, this includes DWI laws. Bicyclists, like any other vehicle, are entitled to use the full lane. Like drivers, bicyclists must: Ride on the right side of the road; Stop for stop signs and red lights; and Give hand signals. LEFT TURN RIGHT TURN STOP

No-Zones

Many motorists falsely assume that truckers can see the road better because they sit twice as high as the driver of a car. However, truckers still have serious blind spots or NO-ZONES into which a car can disappear from view — up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the tractor-trailer, particularly alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet in the rear .

Littering Fine

In North Carolina, littering is illegal. When litter is thrown from or blown from a vehicle, the driver of the vehicle is held responsible. If convicted, the minimum fine is $250, and the maximum fine is $1,000.