North Carolina Driver License Permit Practice Test

Flashcard practice set consisting of 100 question-and-answer pairs based on North Carolina permit driving rules and regulations transcript.

Under North Carolina law, for which of the following activities is a driver license required?

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

What must the Division of Motor Vehicles do if a law enforcement officer swears that a driver refused a legal chemical test?

Revoke the driver's license for at least 12 months.

What action may occur regarding points accumulated under the North Carolina point system?

A driver who gets 12 points within 3 years may lose his/her license.

When a driver accumulates a total of 7 points, what option is available to reduce points?

The driver can have 3 points deducted if he/she satisfactorily completes a Driver Improvement Clinic.

Conviction for which driving violation carries the highest number of points?

Passing a stopped school bus unloading children.

A driver will lose his/her license if convicted of which speed violation?

Speeding more than 75 mph in a 55 mph zone.

To get a revoked driver license restored, what steps must a person complete?

Obtain permission from the Driver License Section in Raleigh to reapply, go to a driver license office, pay a restoration fee, and reapply for a license.

Roughly half of all traffic fatalities involve which of the following?

A drunken person.

What is the percentage of highway deaths caused by drunken persons?

About 38%.

Which statement regarding pedestrian deaths in motor vehicle accidents is correct?

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

When walking at night along a road without sidewalks, where should you walk?

Walk on the left, facing traffic.

If you approach an intersection with no traffic lights or signs and a pedestrian is attempting to cross, who has the right-of-way?

The pedestrian.

What safety measure should you take if walking along a road at night?

Wear or carry something white.

What mirror checking habit does a safe driver maintain?

Frequently checks the rear-view and side mirrors.

When approaching an intersection to make a right turn, should you steer toward the center of the road or signal with your arm straight out?

Neither; you should simply turn on your right turn signal and execute the turn properly without steering into the center or putting your arm straight out.

If you begin to feel sleepy while driving on a long trip, what should you do?

Open a window or vent to let in fresh air.

Where should your visual focus be when driving on a long trip?

Avoid looking at any one thing for more than a few seconds.

To avoid being hit in the rear by another vehicle, what driving habit should you practice?

Check your rear-view mirrors often.

Studies have shown which category of drivers to be a serious traffic hazard?

Slow drivers.

In which specific roadway situations is very slow driving especially dangerous?

Just after passing the crest of a hill and just after rounding a curve.

Are the general speed limits on NC open roads 65 mph for passenger cars or 35 mph for school activity buses unless posted?

Neither statement is correct.

Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit for cars outside a city in North Carolina?

55 mph.

Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit inside a city in North Carolina?

35 mph.

When rounding a curve, in which direction does a car tend to move?

Move to the outside of the curve.

Should you stay far left in your lane or brake in the sharpest part when rounding a sharp curve?

Neither.

What should the driver of a truck going downhill with a curve do?

Use a lower gear.

What should you do to reduce speed while going down a steep hill?

Use a lower gear.

If you wish to pass the car ahead on a two-lane road, what actions should you take?

Sound your horn to signal your intention to the driver ahead and give a left turn signal to let the driver behind know your intention.

On which types of roads is passing on the right legal?

A 4-lane highway with 2 lanes going in each direction and a one-way street.

What is the maximum speed you should move when backing your car?

Move at no more than 10 mph.

At which location do accidents occur most frequently?

Intersections.

Four vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop intersection simultaneously: Car B (ahead of A, going straight), Car C (opposite B, going straight), and Car D (right of B, turning right). Which car must yield?

Car D.

Where on the road system do highway accidents occur most frequently?

At intersections.

At an uncontrolled intersection, Car A is to the right of Car B, and Car C is to the left of Car B. In what order should they pass?

Car A, Car B, Car C.

Car 1 goes straight, Car 2 turns left across from Car 1, and a pedestrian crosses in Car 1's direction at an uncontrolled intersection. Who has the right-of-way?

Driver of Car 1 and the pedestrian.

At an uncontrolled intersection, Car A wants to turn left and is across from Car B (followed by Car C) going straight. Who has the right-of-way?

To Car B.

How should you handle an unmarked intersection where visibility is obstructed by trees or buildings?

Stop at the intersection and move forward slowly.

When driving on a city street, what hazards should you watch out for?

Traffic coming from side streets as well as animals or small children darting from between parked cars.

What action should you take when driving in heavy traffic?

Watch out for drivers who make quick stops.

What should you do if you are in the wrong lane for making a left turn at an intersection?

Go to the next intersection and turn there.

What is the most frequent type of accident on interstate highways?

A rear-end collision.

When taking a long trip on an interstate highway, how often should you plan to rest?

Stopping every 100 miles at a rest area.

If a vehicle breakdown forces you onto the shoulder of an interstate highway, what should you do?

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

Under normal conditions, a car is more likely to be involved in an accident on an interstate highway if the driver does what?

Travels considerably below the posted speed limit.

What should you do if you miss your exit on an interstate highway?

Go on to the next exit.

What sources of light can temporarily blind a driver at night?

Glare from headlights of other cars and the flame from a match struck to light a cigarette.

In which driving conditions should you use your low-beam headlights?

At night in the city and in foggy or misty weather.

If an oncoming driver fails to dim their high beams, what actions should you take?

Watch the road ahead to avoid looking at the lights and flick your headlight beams high and low once or twice.

When driving on a highway at night, when must you NEVER use high-beam headlights?

Following another car.

What precautionary measures should you take if it starts to drizzle while driving?

Slow down because rain loosens oil and gravel, and allow at least twice the normal following distance.

When are road surfaces likely to be especially slick during rainfall?

Just after it has begun to rain or drizzle.

What speed action should you take when driving through heavy fog?

Slow down.

Which headlight setting should be used when driving in a heavy daytime snowstorm?

Low-beam headlights.

What is the best way to get good traction on hard-packed snow?

Put chains on your tires.

How should you attempt to pull away from a slippery surface in a manual transmission car?

Start in second or high gear.

What two precautions should you take when pulling a trailer down a long steep hill?

Drive in a lower gear and keep in the right lane.

What steps should you take if your brakes fail completely while driving?

Shift into a lower gear and use the emergency brake.

How can wet brakes be dried out while driving?

Slow down and then press the gas pedal as you keep a light pressure on the brake pedal.

If you experience a tire blowout while traveling at high speed, what should you do?

Grip the steering wheel firmly to keep the car from swerving.

What procedure should be followed regarding the wheels when changing a flat tire?

Block the wheels.

Where should you park your vehicle if it breaks down on the highway at night?

Park the car completely off the road.

What distress signals should you display if your vehicle breaks down on a highway at night?

Raise the hood, tie a white handkerchief to the left door handle, and switch on the parking lights.

What technique should you use if your vehicle runs off the pavement onto the road shoulder?

Take your foot off the gas pedal gradually.

On what specific road condition are skids most likely to occur?

One on which snow has become packed.

If stopping on an icy road in a car without ABS brakes, how should you apply the brakes?

Pump the brake pedal lightly.

What actions should you take immediately when your car begins to skid?

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

What two notifications must a driver involved in an accident make?

Make an immediate report to the nearest law enforcement agency and notify his/her insurance company.

What does a flashing red traffic signal at an intersection indicate?

It requires a complete stop (equivalent to a stop sign) before proceeding when safe.

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal at an intersection mean?

Slow down and proceed with caution.

A diamond-shaped traffic sign is used to warn drivers of which hazard?

A deer crossing.

What is the general meaning of a diamond-shaped traffic sign?

Slow down and drive with care.

When are you permitted to disregard a signal given by a police officer directing traffic?

Never; you must obey a police officer directing traffic regardless of traffic signals or emergency vehicles.

What is the primary color for signs located in highway work zones?

Orange.

When does the law give a blind pedestrian special right-of-way consideration at unsignaled intersections?

If he holds out a white cane or has a guide dog with him.

Which fact regarding bicycle riders is correct?

They are likely to be seriously injured in almost any collision with a car.

Which lighting feature is mandatory on all cars operating in North Carolina?

License plate lights.

What audible warning indicates that a vehicle's brakes need checking?

There is a squeaking noise when you step on the brake pedal.

What rules apply to horns and sirens on motor vehicles in North Carolina?

Every licensed motor vehicle must have a horn, and only law enforcement and emergency vehicles may have sirens.

Every motor vehicle in North Carolina must be equipped with which exhaust item?

A muffler.

What vehicle system carries harmful fumes from the engine to the rear and releases them?

Exhaust system.

Why is it vital to repair a leaky exhaust system immediately?

It may allow dangerous fumes to enter the car.

Trouble in which vehicle system causes a car to pitch/toss during normal driving and lean heavily in turns?

Suspension.

On a five-lane street, which traffic lanes must stop for a school bus making a passenger stop in the far right lane?

Lanes going in the same direction as the school bus.

What is the maximum speed limit for a full-size public school bus in North Carolina?

45 mph.

Which statement regarding alcohol absorption and body weight is FALSE?

A heavier person needs to drink more than a lighter person because alcohol mixes with the body fluids; a heavier person has more body fluids.

If a person has been drinking but maintains a BAC under 0.08, is it safe for them to drive?

No, because even smaller amounts can affect judgment.

What occurs when alcohol and medication are taken simultaneously?

Both may combine and have unpredictable effects.

What action should you take if prescribed medication by a doctor while needing to drive?

Ask the doctor whether you can drive or not.

Can a driver be criminally prosecuted for driving under the influence of prescribed medication?

Yes, the law requires you to be in full control of yourself when you drive.

Can drinking coffee neutralize or reverse the effects of alcohol?

No, only the liver can eliminate alcohol.

How does alcohol consumption specifically affect a driver's vision?

The eyes tend to stare at a point.

Which drink contains the largest total volume of pure alcohol: 12 oz beer (360 ml), 4 oz wine (150 ml), or 1.5 oz spirits (45 ml)?

They all contain the same amount; 0.6 of an ounce (18 ml) of alcohol.

How does eating food prior to consuming alcohol impact the body?

If you eat before drinking, alcohol enters the bloodstream at a slower pace.

Where in the human body does consumed alcohol tend to concentrate most?

In the brain.

What minimum revocation period is mandated by the DMV if a driver refuses a legal chemical test?

Revoke the driver's license for at least 12 months.

What penalty does a 20-year-old driver face if convicted of driving after consuming alcohol?

He/She gets a 1 year revocation.

What combined license revocations occur if a driver refuses a chemical test?

An immediate 30 day revocation plus an additional 12 months revocation from the DMV.

What consequences exist for a driver convicted of DWI while their license is already revoked for a prior DWI?

This person's car may be seized and sold, and he/she may be imprisoned.

What are the penalties for a driver convicted of DWI who had a second DWI conviction 3 years prior?

A permanent revocation and imprisonment from 14 days to 24 months.

What is the prison sentence for a driver convicted of DWI for the 4th time within 7 years?

This person may be imprisoned from 1 to 3 years.