North Carolina Permit Practice Test: Your Car, Signals and Headlights (2026)

Question 1 of 20

With high beams at night, how far away should you be able to see a person?

1. 200 feet
2. 50 feet
3. 1,000 feet

Question 2 of 20

With low beams, how far away should you be able to see someone?

1. 200 feet
2. 75 feet
3. 10 feet

Question 3 of 20

What are the legal requirements for taillights?

1. White and visible for 100 feet
2. Any color, any distance
3. Red and visible for at least 500 feet

Question 4 of 20

From how far must the rear license plate be readable at night?

1. At least 50 feet, lit by a white light
2. 10 feet
3. It does not need a light

Question 5 of 20

When pressed all the way down, how far from the floor should the brake pedal stay?

1. It should touch the floor
2. At least one-third of its original distance
3. One inch

Question 6 of 20

How should you brake in an emergency with anti-lock brakes (ABS)?

1. Pump the pedal quickly
2. Brake gently and release
3. Brake hard with firm, steady pressure

Question 7 of 20

Below what tread depth is a tire unsafe in North Carolina?

1. Less than 1/16 inch
2. Less than 1 inch
3. Tread depth does not matter

Question 8 of 20

How often should you check tire pressure?

1. Once a year
2. At least once a month, when the tires are cool
3. Only when a tire looks flat

Question 9 of 20

From what distance must your horn be heard?

1. At least 20 feet
2. At least one mile
3. At least 200 feet

Question 10 of 20

Why does the handbook suggest keeping a window open about one inch while driving?

1. In case an exhaust leak lets carbon monoxide into the car
2. To keep the windshield clean
3. To hear trains better

Question 11 of 20

How should the side mirrors be adjusted?

1. To show mostly the side of your own car
2. To show the left and right rear, barely reflecting the side of the car
3. Pointed at the ground

Question 12 of 20

What simple habit helps prevent auto theft?

1. Leave the engine running
2. Park with the windows down
3. Never leave the key in the ignition of an unattended car

Question 13 of 20

How often must a vehicle registered in North Carolina be inspected?

1. Every year
2. Every five years
3. Only when sold

Question 14 of 20

How early can you get the annual inspection before your registration expires?

1. Up to one year before
2. Up to 90 days before
3. Only on the expiration day

Question 15 of 20

What is the minimum light transmittance allowed for tinted windows?

1. 5%
2. 90%
3. 35%

Question 16 of 20

Where must you keep your vehicle registration card?

1. In the vehicle at all times
2. At home in a safe place
3. With your insurance agent

Question 17 of 20

May you put a plastic cover over your license plate?

1. Yes, if it is clear
2. No; plastic plate covers are prohibited
3. Yes, if it is tinted

Question 18 of 20

It starts to rain and you turn on the wipers. What else does North Carolina law require?

1. Turn on the hazard flashers
2. Nothing else
3. Turn on your headlights

Question 19 of 20

When must headlights be on?

1. From sunset to sunrise and when visibility is 400 feet or less
2. Only after midnight
3. Only on interstates

Question 20 of 20

On a dark open road, when should you switch from high to low beams?

1. Never
2. When approaching or following another vehicle
3. Only in fog