Sample Emergencies questions
You are already crossing North Carolina tracks when the warning lights begin flashing. What should you do?
Stop on the tracks Back up right away Keep moving across Show the answer
Keep moving across
The warning signals allow enough time for you to finish driving through the crossing.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Railroad Crossing Safety (pp. 59-62)
Your car runs off the pavement onto the shoulder in North Carolina. What should you do?
Speed up and steer back at once Ease off the gas and steer straight ahead Brake hard and steer back at once Show the answer
Ease off the gas and steer straight ahead
Let the engine slow the car. When stopped or nearly stopped and it is safe, gradually drive back onto the road.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Emergencies (pp. 75-77)
The far-side gate comes down before you get across North Carolina tracks. What should you do?
Back up across the tracks Drive through the gate Stop and wait on the tracks Show the answer
Drive through the gate
The gate is flexible and will not trap you. Stopping to back up could stall your vehicle.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Railroad Crossing Safety (pp. 59-62)
Blue lights appear behind you in North Carolina but there is no safe place to stop. What should you do?
Turn on flashers and slow by about 10 mph Stop in your lane right where you are now Speed up to reach the next exit more quickly Show the answer
Turn on flashers and slow by about 10 mph
This shows the officer you are aware. Keep obeying traffic laws until you reach the nearest safe area.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: What Motorists Should Do When Stopped by Law Enforcement (pp. 49-50)
At which distance from the nearest rail does North Carolina law have you stop when a train is signaled?
Between 100 feet and 200 feet Between 5 feet and 10 feet Between 15 feet and 50 feet Show the answer
Between 15 feet and 50 feet
State law sets this range, and you may not proceed until it is safe.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Railroad Crossing Safety (pp. 59-62)
Your car stalls on North Carolina railroad tracks. What should you do after you get out and clear the tracks?
Wait in the car for a tow truck Go back and try to restart it Call the number on the blue sign Show the answer
Call the number on the blue sign
Get out immediately and get away from the car and tracks, then use the blue sign to report the emergency.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Railroad Crossing Safety (pp. 59-62)
A fire hose lies across a North Carolina street. What should you do?
Drive over it with flashers Do not drive over it Drive over it at low speed Show the answer
Do not drive over it
The handbook says never to drive a motor vehicle over a fire hose.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Emergency and Law Enforcement Vehicles (pp. 48-49)
Your car breaks down in North Carolina and you need help. How can you signal for it?
Tie a white cloth on the left door handle and raise the hood Leave the driver's door open with your interior lights on Stand behind the car in the lane and wave both of your arms Show the answer
Tie a white cloth on the left door handle and raise the hood
Stay off the road and away from the car. At night, also use parking lights or emergency flashers.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Emergencies (pp. 75-77)
What is the blue sign at a North Carolina railroad crossing for?
Marking a safe place to park your vehicle Reporting emergencies directly to the railroad Showing the time of the next train due Show the answer
Reporting emergencies directly to the railroad
It lists the crossing number, railroad name and an emergency phone number to report problems directly.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Railroad Crossing Safety (pp. 59-62)
You are about to be hit from behind in North Carolina and nothing is ahead of you. What should you do?
Press the brake pedal as hard as you can Press the accelerator and move away Turn around to see the other driver Show the answer
Press the accelerator and move away
Be ready to brake if you run out of room, brace yourself and press your head against the head rest.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Crashes (pp. 77-78)
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Full practice test All topics, as in the knowledge test Road Signs What signs mean and what to do when you see them Right-of-Way Who goes first at intersections, crosswalks and roundabouts Traffic Signals Lights, arrows and pedestrian signals Lanes & Turns Lane markings, turns, passing and merging Speed Limits Limits and how to adjust your speed Parking Curb colors, hills and where you can't park Safe Driving Following distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road Alcohol & Drugs Blood alcohol limits, DUI rules and medication License Rules Permits, restrictions for new drivers and points Insurance & Collisions Required coverage and what to do after a crash Phones & Distraction Phone rules and other distractions
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025 (printed 09/25; PDF file updated September 2026) edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
