NC Permit Practice Test Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key facts, regulations, penalties, and safe driving definitions from the North Carolina Permit Practice Test.

Driver License Requirement (NC)

A driver license is required for sitting in the driver's seat of a car while the engine is running, as well as steering a car while it is being pushed or towed by another vehicle.

Chemical Test Refusal Penalty

If a driver refuses a legal chemical test, the DMV must revoke their license for at least 12 months, in addition to an immediate 30-day revocation.

Point System (12-Point Threshold)

A driver who accumulates 12 points within 3 years may lose their driver license.

Driver Improvement Clinic Deduction

When a driver reaches a total of 7 points, they can have 3 points deducted upon satisfactorily completing a Driver Improvement Clinic.

Highest Point Traffic Conviction

Passing a stopped school bus unloading children carries the highest number of driver license points.

Speeding License Revocation Threshold

A driver will lose their license if convicted of speeding more than 75 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Revoked License Restoration

To restore a revoked license, a person must obtain permission from the Driver License Section in Raleigh to reapply, go to a driver license office, pay a restoration fee, and reapply.

Alcohol Traffic Fatality Rate

Roughly half (about 50%) of all highway traffic deaths involve a drunken person.

City Pedestrian Fatality Rate

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

Night Pedestrian Safety Rules

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

Safe Eye Movement While Driving

Drivers should avoid looking at any one thing for more than a few seconds and frequently check rear-view and side mirrors.

Open Road Speed Limit (NC)

The default speed limit outside a city in North Carolina is 55 mph unless otherwise posted.

City Speed Limit (NC)

The default speed limit inside a city in North Carolina is 35 mph unless otherwise posted.

Public School Bus Speed Limit

The maximum speed limit for a full-size public school bus in North Carolina is 45 mph.

Vehicle Movement in Curves

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

Downhill Gear Selection

Drivers going downhill on a curve or steep hill (such as trucks or vehicles pulling trailers) should shift into a lower gear to reduce speed.

Passing Signals on Two-Lane Roads

When passing a car ahead on a two-lane road, sound your horn to signal the driver ahead and give a left turn signal for the driver behind.

Passing on the Right

Passing on the right is legal on a 4-lane highway with 2 lanes going in each direction and on one-way streets.

Vehicle Backing Rules

When backing a car, move at no more than 10 mph and keep both hands on the steering wheel.

Most Frequent Accident Location

Traffic and highway accidents occur most frequently at intersections.

Interstate Collision Type

The most frequent type of accident on an interstate highway is a rear-end collision.

Interstate Highway Driving Plan

On long trips on an interstate highway, drivers should plan to stop every 100 miles at a rest area.

Interstate Breakdown Protocol

If forced to the shoulder by a breakdown, raise the hood and tie a white handkerchief to the left door handle (and switch on parking lights at night).

Low-Beam Headlights Use

Low beams should be used at night in the city, in foggy or misty weather, and during heavy snowstorms.

High-Beam Restrictions

High-beam headlights should never be used when following another car.

Slick Road Conditions

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

Hard-Packed Snow Traction

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

Manual Pull-Away on Slippery Surfaces

When pulling away from a slippery surface in a manual transmission car, start in second or high gear.

Brake Failure Action

If brakes fail, shift into a lower gear and use the emergency brake.

Wet Brake Drying Technique

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

High-Speed Blowout Procedure

If a blowout occurs at high speed, grip the steering wheel firmly to keep the car from swerving rather than braking hard immediately.

Flat Tire Changing Safety

When changing a flat tire, always block the wheels.

Off-Road Shoulder Recovery

If your vehicle runs off the road onto the shoulder, take your foot off the gas pedal gradually.

Non-ABS Icy Road Stopping

If stopping on an icy road in a vehicle without ABS brakes, pump the brake pedal lightly.

Skid Recovery Technique

When skidding, turn the steering wheel in the direction the rear end of the car is skidding and reduce pressure on the gas pedal.

Accident Reporting Duties

A driver involved in an accident must make an immediate report to the nearest law enforcement agency and notify their insurance company.

Flashing Yellow Signal

A flashing yellow traffic signal at an intersection warns drivers to slow down and proceed with caution.

Diamond-Shaped Traffic Sign

A diamond-shaped traffic sign is used to warn drivers of hazards (such as deer crossings) and means to slow down and drive with care.

Highway Work Zone Sign Color

Orange is the main color used for warning signs in highway work zones.

Blind Pedestrian Right-of-Way

Blind pedestrians are given special consideration at intersections without traffic lights if they hold out a white cane or have a guide dog with them.

Required Vehicle Equipment (NC)

North Carolina law requires all cars to be equipped with license plate lights, a horn, and a muffler.

Exhaust System

The vehicle system that carries harmful fumes from the engine to the rear of the car and releases them; leaks must be repaired to prevent dangerous fumes from entering the car.

Suspension System Defect Signs

A car that pitches and tosses during normal driving and leans heavily to the side in turns has trouble in its suspension system.

School Bus Stop Rule (Five-Lane Street)

When a school bus stops for passengers in the far right lane of a five-lane street, only traffic in lanes going in the same direction as the bus must stop.

Alcohol Elimination Mechanism

Only the liver can eliminate alcohol from the body; drinking coffee or taking cold showers does not neutralize alcohol.

Alcohol Effect on Visual Field

Alcohol affects a driver's eyes by causing them to stare fixedly at a point rather than actively scanning.

Alcohol Content Equivalency

12 ounces of beer (360 ml), 4 ounces of wine (150 ml), and 1.5 ounces of spirits (45 ml) all contain the same amount of alcohol: 0.6 ounces (18 ml).

Food Effect on Alcohol Absorption

Eating food before drinking alcohol causes alcohol to enter the bloodstream at a slower pace.

Alcohol Concentration Site

In the human body, consumed alcohol tends to concentrate most heavily in the brain.

Underage Driving After Drinking Penalty

A 20-year-old driver convicted of driving after drinking alcohol receives a mandatory 1-year license revocation.

Fourth DWI Conviction Penalty (7 Years)

A person convicted of DWI for the 4th time within 7 years may be imprisoned from 1 to 3 years.