North Carolina NCDMV permit practice test 2026

You need 80% correct to pass the North Carolina NCDMV knowledge test. Our 325 practice questions are written from the North Carolina Driver Handbook (May 2025), and every answer tells you where to find the rule in the handbook. Free, with no sign-up.

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All 13 North Carolina practice tests

Each test mixes questions from every part of the handbook. Work through them in order, then use the simulator.

The North Carolina NCDMV knowledge test

–questions (not published)

–correct answers to pass

80%passing score

15 (Level 1 Limited Learner Permit, ages 15-17); 18+ for the adult learner permitminimum age for a permit

Automated computer test on rules of the road, taken at an NCDMV driver license office.

Separate road sign recognition test on regulatory and warning signs: applicant identifies signs by color and shape and explains each. Regular Class C applicants must correctly identify 9 of 12 signs; Class A or B applicants must identify all signs.

Source: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (N.C. Department of Transportation), checked 2026-10-27.

What the test covers

Our questions follow the handbook's chapters. The number of practice questions on each topic:

Topic	Practice questions
Licensing laws and penalties	50
Safe and defensive driving	34
Signals and pavement markings	25
Road signs	25
Right of way	25
Sharing the road	25
Hazards, weather and night driving	25
Alcohol and drugs	20
Turns and intersections	20
Emergencies	19
Lanes, highways and freeways	17
Following and passing	16
Speed limits	14
Parking	10

North Carolina learner's permit rules

Minimum age: 15 (Level 1 Limited Learner Permit, ages 15-17); 18+ for the adult learner permit
Hold the permit for at least Level 1 permit must be held 9 months before applying for the Level 2 Limited Provisional License (minimum age 16) before the road test
60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
You must have completed an approved driver education course: 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel
First 6 months: drive only 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the supervising driver. After 6 months, you may drive at any time with a supervising driver
Supervising driver: a parent, grandparent, guardian, or responsible adult approved by the parent or guardian. They must hold a valid license, have been licensed at least 5 years, and sit beside you
All passengers must wear a seat belt or be in a child safety seat
No one except the driver and supervising driver in the front seat
No cell phone or related technology while driving, except emergency calls to 911 or emergency responders, a hospital or doctor, ambulance, fire, police, or a parent, legal guardian or spouse
A driving log of at least 60 hours (at least 10 at night), signed by the supervising driver, is submitted when you apply for Level 2
No moving violation, seat belt or cell phone convictions in the 6 months before moving to Level 2
Adult (18 and older) learner permit: you must be accompanied by a person licensed for that vehicle, seated beside you
Since October 1, 2026, the Driving Eligibility Certificate is no longer required for a limited learner permit

Fees: Level 1 Limited Learner Permit $25.50; Learner permit (18+) $25.50; Learner permit replacement $16.75.

What to bring to the NCDMV · The road test

The official handbook

Everything on the test comes from the North Carolina Driver Handbook, also available in Spanish. Read it alongside the practice tests. Our chapter-by-chapter guide.

Renewing your license

There is no special age-based test. Licenses issued at age 66 or older are valid for 5 years (8 years for ages 18-65). In-person renewals require the vision test and road signs test, and a road test may be required. Renewal by mail (a temporary license for residents out of state 30 days or more, including military) is not available to applicants older than 72. Eligible drivers can renew online; non-REAL ID licenses can be renewed online two times in a row.

Questions

How many questions are on the North Carolina permit test?

The North Carolina NCDMV doesn't publish the number of questions. You need 80% correct to pass.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in North Carolina?

15 (Level 1 Limited Learner Permit, ages 15-17); 18+ for the adult learner permit. You then hold the permit for at least Level 1 permit must be held 9 months before applying for the Level 2 Limited Provisional License (minimum age 16) before the road test and 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.

What happens if I fail the North Carolina permit test?

You can retake it: Applicants who do not pass the knowledge test or driving test for a regular Class C license may retake the test in seven calendar days.

Can I take the North Carolina permit test in Spanish or another language?

Tests are offered in different languages. Language and ASL interpreters can be requested in advance. Ask NCDMV whether your language is offered.

What do I need to bring for the North Carolina permit test?

One document proving identity and date of birth (full name); Social Security card or one document proving your SSN; Proof of NC residency (one document; two if you are getting a REAL ID). Check with NCDMV before you go; If not born in the U.S., one document proving legal presence; Under 18: Driver Education Certificate (30 hours classroom plus 6 hours behind the wheel) and a parent or guardian present for testing (or written consent); and more (see the full list).

What is the vision requirement in North Carolina?

20/40 or better in at least one eye for an unrestricted license; a corrective-lens restriction is required if acuity is less than 20/40 in either eye or both eyes together. Corrective lenses must then be worn at all times while driving; driving without them is treated the same as driving without a license.

Independent practice tests, not affiliated with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (N.C. Department of Transportation). Questions written by us from the official handbook and checked against it.