North Carolina Permit Practice Test: Lanes, Turns and Passing (2026)

Question 1 of 20

How should you position your car for a right turn?

1. In the center of the lane
2. Close to the right edge, so no one can get between you and the curb
3. Swing wide to the left first

Question 2 of 20

Before changing lanes, after checking your mirrors, what else must you do?

1. Nothing; mirrors show everything
2. Honk twice
3. Look over your shoulder to check the blind spot

Question 3 of 20

On a multi-lane highway, which lanes should you check before changing lanes?

1. The lane you are moving into and the lane beyond it
2. Only the lane you are in
3. Only the lane to your left

Question 4 of 20

How far to the left of the vehicle you are passing must you stay?

1. At least six inches
2. At least two feet
3. At least 20 feet

Question 5 of 20

On a hill or curve, how far ahead must you be able to see before passing?

1. At least 100 feet
2. At least 50 feet
3. At least 500 feet

Question 6 of 20

In North Carolina, what does tapping the horn before passing do?

1. Legally obliges the driver ahead to help you pass
2. It is illegal
3. Means you want them to speed up

Question 7 of 20

When is passing on the right allowed on a two-way street?

1. Whenever the shoulder is wide
2. When the vehicle ahead is in the left-turn lane
3. Never

Question 8 of 20

A driver behind you honks to pass. What should you do?

1. Speed up so they cannot pass
2. Move to the left
3. Move toward the right edge and do not speed up

Question 9 of 20

On a three-lane highway, where may you pass?

1. Only in the center lane, where it is marked for passing in your direction
2. In any lane
3. On the shoulder

Question 10 of 20

How far before a turn must you signal in town?

1. At least 10 feet
2. At least the last 100 feet
3. Only at the corner

Question 11 of 20

The speed limit is 45 mph. How far before turning must you signal?

1. At least 50 feet
2. 100 feet is enough
3. At least the last 200 feet

Question 12 of 20

Which hand signal means a right turn?

1. Left arm out, forearm and hand straight up
2. Left arm straight out, pointing
3. Left arm down, palm back

Question 13 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 14 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

Question 15 of 20

In a single-lane roundabout, how do you make the equivalent of a left turn?

1. Go three-quarters of the way around and exit right
2. Turn left against the flow
3. Go a quarter of the way around

Question 16 of 20

In a multi-lane roundabout, which lane do you use to turn left?

1. The right lane
2. The left lane
3. Either lane, changing lanes inside

Question 17 of 20

In a traffic circle with two lanes, where should you be before exiting?

1. In the inside lane
2. On the center island
3. In the outside lane

Question 18 of 20

You are in the wrong lane for the turn you want. What should you do?

1. Continue to the next intersection and turn there
2. Cut across lanes at the last moment
3. Stop and wait for a gap

Question 19 of 20

On a one-way street with several lanes, which lanes are for going straight?

1. The outside lanes
2. The center lane(s)
3. Only the far left lane

Question 20 of 20

What may you NOT use a two-way center left-turn lane for?

1. Turning left
2. Waiting to turn left
3. Passing or merging into traffic