North Carolina Permit Practice Test: Weather, Breakdowns and Emergencies (2026)

Question 1 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 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 of 20

Your car starts to hydroplane. What should you do?

1. Ease off the gas, do not brake and keep the wheel straight
2. Brake hard
3. Turn the wheel sharply

Question 6 of 20

When should you not use cruise control?

1. On dry interstates
2. When it is raining or after rain
3. During the day

Question 7 of 20

How much fast-moving water can float a car or turn it over?

1. About 3 feet
2. About 5 feet
3. About 12 inches

Question 8 of 20

Which headlights should you use in fog?

1. Low beams
2. High beams
3. No lights

Question 9 of 20

The fog is so thick you can barely see. What should you do?

1. Stop in your lane
2. Pull far off the road, turn on the flashers, exit on the passenger side and stay away
3. Follow the car ahead closely

Question 10 of 20

Which parts of the road freeze first?

1. Sunny straight stretches
2. Toll plazas
3. Shady spots, bridges and overpasses

Question 11 of 20

On snowy or icy roads, how much stopping distance should you allow?

1. At least three times normal
2. The same as normal
3. Half of normal

Question 12 of 20

Your brakes fail in a car with an automatic transmission. What should you do?

1. Turn off the engine
2. Apply the emergency brake and shift into low range
3. Shift into park while moving

Question 13 of 20

Your brakes are wet after driving through water. How can you dry them?

1. Pump them hard at high speed
2. Wait an hour
3. Drive a short distance pressing the brake lightly

Question 14 of 20

Your gas pedal sticks. What should you do?

1. Shift to neutral and brake firmly without locking the wheels
2. Turn off the ignition and remove the key
3. Pump the gas pedal hard

Question 15 of 20

A tire blows out. What should you do?

1. Brake hard immediately
2. Grip the wheel, keep straight and ease off the gas; brake only when slowed
3. Swerve to the shoulder at full speed

Question 16 of 20

Your car breaks down and you need help. How can you signal it?

1. Stand in the travel lane and wave
2. Turn on the high beams
3. Tie a white cloth to the left door handle or antenna and raise the hood

Question 17 of 20

An oncoming car crosses the center line into your path. What should you do?

1. Slow down, sound the horn and keep right, even off the road
2. Swerve left
3. Speed up

Question 18 of 20

Your right wheels drop off the pavement onto the shoulder. What should you do?

1. Brake hard and jerk back on
2. Ease off the gas, steer straight, and return when slowed and clear
3. Accelerate back onto the road

Question 19 of 20

Your car starts to skid. Which way do you steer?

1. Opposite to the skid
2. Do not steer at all
3. In the direction the rear of the car is skidding

Question 20 of 20

Your car stalls on railroad tracks. What should you do first?

1. Get everyone out immediately and move away
2. Try to restart the engine
3. Stay inside and call for help