North Carolina Permit Practice Test: Safe Driving (2026)

Question 1 of 20

What following distance does the two-second rule call for?

1. Two seconds behind the vehicle ahead
2. Two car lengths at any speed
3. Two feet per mph

Question 2 of 20

How far ahead should you look while driving?

1. Only at the car in front
2. 10 to 15 seconds ahead (about one city block)
3. One second ahead

Question 3 of 20

How often should you check your mirrors?

1. Once a minute
2. Only when changing lanes
3. About every 10 seconds

Question 4 of 20

Where are a car's blind spots?

1. Near the left and right rear corners
2. Directly in front of the hood
3. Inside the car

Question 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 of 20

Where should children age 12 and under ride?

1. In the front seat with an air bag
2. On an adult's lap
3. Buckled up in a rear seat

Question 16 of 20

May a 14-year-old ride in the open bed of a pickup truck?

1. Generally no; children under 16 are prohibited
2. Yes, on any road
3. Yes, if under 35 mph

Question 17 of 20

How much hotter than outside can a parked car get in the sun?

1. About 2 degrees
2. About 40-50 degrees hotter
3. It stays the same with a window open

Question 18 of 20

Police lights are behind you but there is no safe place to stop. What should you do?

1. Stop immediately in the lane
2. Speed up to find an exit
3. Turn on the flashers, slow about 10 mph and stop at the nearest safe place

Question 19 of 20

An unmarked car signals you to stop and you doubt it is a real officer. What may you do?

1. Call 9-1-1 before pulling over to verify
2. Ignore it and keep driving
3. Speed away

Question 20 of 20

After a police stop, what should you do with your seat belt?

1. Take it off right away
2. Keep it on unless the officer asks you to remove it
3. Take it off and get out