North Carolina DMV written test
North Carolina DMV Cheat Sheet
The North Carolina knowledge test facts in one place, checked against North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
North Carolina DMV test numbers to memorize
The North Carolina knowledge test has 25 questions and you need 20 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 5. The test is given by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
25
Questions on the test
20
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
5
Questions you can miss
15
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $20. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at NCDMV driver license office. Includes a separate road signs test (8 questions).
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Not required. Appointments available online and recommended. Walk-ins accepted but wait times can be long.
Before you go
Documents to bring in North Carolina
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- 2 proofs of North Carolina residency
- Proof of liability insurance
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: North Carolina retake rules
If you fail the knowledge test or the driving test for a regular Class C license, you can retake it after 7 calendar days. NCDMV does not publish an attempt limit or a retest fee. The 7-day rule covers Class C only: no retake interval is published for the CDL or motorcycle knowledge tests, and the motorcycle skills test allows just 1 attempt per day.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
Some retake details for North Carolina are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with NCDMV before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in North Carolina
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15. Must have parental consent. Must complete a state-approved driver education course. Limited provisional license with nighttime and passenger restrictions.
- Permit versus license
- A limited learner permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for 12 months before taking the road test for a limited provisional license.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for North Carolina: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and French. This list is flagged for verification because the agency does not clearly say which languages the exam itself is given in (a handbook can be published in more languages than the exam), so confirm with NCDMV before you rely on it.
The study source is the North Carolina Driver Handbook (2025 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed North Carolina practice questions
These free North Carolina questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 4
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 5
On a multi-lane road, which lane should you use for normal driving?
The right lane, except when passing or avoiding hazards
About 55% get it right
- 6
If you move to a new address, you must notify the DMV within:
A time set by your state
About 60% get it right
Your plan
Free North Carolina study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the North Carolina questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1