North Carolina Permit Practice Test 9 (2026)

Question 1 of 20

Your car has an active passenger air bag and a rear seat. Where must a 4-year-old weighing 35 pounds ride?

1. In the rear seat
2. In the front seat
3. Anywhere, if in a car seat

Question 2 of 20

How can you tell you are probably in another driver's blind spot?

1. You cannot see their inside rearview mirror
2. You can see their license plate
3. They are honking

Question 3 of 20

When is a road most slippery in rain?

1. In the first 10 to 15 minutes
2. After several hours
3. When the rain stops

Question 4 of 20

How fast can an air bag come out of the dashboard?

1. About 5 miles per hour
2. Up to 200 miles per hour
3. About 20 miles per hour

Question 5 of 20

How much longer can stopping distances be on slippery pavement?

1. About the same
2. Half as far
3. Two to 10 times farther than on dry pavement

Question 6 of 20

Your car has air bags. Do all occupants still need seat belts?

1. Only the driver
2. Yes, all occupants must wear them
3. No, air bags replace them

Question 7 of 20

Your light turns green while a pedestrian is still crossing in front of you. What do you do?

1. Honk so they hurry
2. Go around them
3. Let the pedestrian finish crossing safely

Question 8 of 20

At what speed can hydroplaning start?

1. Only above 70 mph
2. Only above 55 mph
3. As low as 30 mph

Question 9 of 20

Which children must ride in a child restraint system suited to their weight?

1. Only babies under 1
2. Children under 12 of any weight
3. Children under 8 who weigh less than 80 pounds

Question 10 of 20

You feel drowsy while driving. What can help temporarily?

1. Turn up the radio
2. Open the window and keep going
3. Stop for a 15 to 45 minute nap and caffeine

Question 11 of 20

A pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog is at an intersection without signals. What does the law require?

1. Give the pedestrian special consideration and yield
2. Honk to warn them
3. Drive around quickly

Question 12 of 20

How much slower should you drive on wet pavement?

1. The same speed
2. At least five to 10 mph slower
3. Exactly half the limit

Question 13 of 20

Can an adult driver text while driving in North Carolina?

1. Yes, at red lights
2. Yes, if under 35 mph
3. No; texting or email while driving is unlawful

Question 14 of 20

There is oncoming traffic on your left and a child on a bicycle on your right. How do you position yourself?

1. Stay closer to the child
2. Give the child more room
3. Stop in the lane

Question 15 of 20

A 17-year-old driver wants to use a cell phone while driving. When is it allowed?

1. Only to call 911 in an emergency
2. With a hands-free device
3. Never, not even in an emergency

Question 16 of 20

On a long trip, how often should you stop and get out of the car?

1. At least every 2 hours
2. Every 6 hours
3. Only for fuel

Question 17 of 20

Which hand signal means you are stopping or slowing down?

1. Arm straight out
2. Arm and hand pointing down, palm facing back
3. Forearm straight up

Question 18 of 20

What daily driving limit does the handbook suggest?

1. 800 to 1,000 miles
2. 300 to 400 miles
3. No limit

Question 19 of 20

You want to turn left; an oncoming car is going straight. Who has the right of way?

1. You, because you signaled
2. Whoever arrived first
3. The car going straight

Question 20 of 20

How do you signal a left turn by hand in North Carolina?

1. Forearm up, palm forward
2. Arm down, palm back
3. Arm and hand straight out, pointing the first finger