North Carolina Lanes & Turns practice test
Practice lane markings, turns, passing and merging: 32 questions based on the North Carolina Driver Handbook, 17 of them on North Carolina's own rules.
Key North Carolina facts: Lanes & Turns
Sample Lanes & Turns questions
Under the North Carolina handbook's passing steps, how do you alert the driver you are about to pass?
Flash your high beams twice Move up close behind them Signal, then blow the horn Show the answer
Signal, then blow the horn
The horn signal puts the driver being passed under a legal duty to help you pass.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Passing (p. 55)
A driver passing you on a North Carolina road blows the horn. What should you do?
Speed up to keep them behind Move toward the center line Move right, to the road's edge Show the answer
Move right, to the road's edge
North Carolina expects you to help the other driver get by, so give way to the right and never increase your speed.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Passing (p. 55)
On a North Carolina curve or hill, how far ahead must you be able to see to consider passing?
At least 50 feet At least 100 feet At least 500 feet Show the answer
At least 500 feet
Passing is unsafe and usually illegal if your view ahead on a curve or hill is shorter than 500 feet.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Passing (p. 55)
Farm equipment is holding up traffic in a North Carolina no-passing zone. May you pass it?
No, that is illegal Yes, if you use your horn Yes, if it goes slowly Show the answer
No, that is illegal
It is illegal and very dangerous. Be patient: the equipment may use both lanes and may hide oncoming traffic.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Safe Driving Around Farm Equipment (pp. 51-52)
On a North Carolina one-way street, which lanes should you use for going straight through?
The outside lanes Any lane at all The center lanes Show the answer
The center lanes
Center lanes are for through travel, while outside lanes are for turning.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: City Driving (p. 63)
May you use a North Carolina two-way left-turn lane to merge into traffic?
No, it is not for merging Yes, if you signal first Yes, for up to 500 feet Show the answer
No, it is not for merging
It is reserved for left turns in both directions, not for passing or merging.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 5, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings: Pavement Markings (p. 88)
May you change lanes while inside a North Carolina roundabout?
Yes, if you signal in advance No, choose your lane before entering Yes, whenever a gap opens up Show the answer
No, choose your lane before entering
Signs and markings help you pick the right lane before you enter, and you should not change lanes once inside.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Roundabouts (pp. 58-59)
North Carolina lets you pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone on what condition, among others?
You sound your horn and stay within the lane You leave four feet or fully enter the left lane You keep your speed and pass within two feet Show the answer
You leave four feet or fully enter the left lane
This narrow exception also requires that the rider isn't turning left and that you meet the other passing rules.
Source: North Carolina General Statutes, G.S. 20-150(e)
How far to the left of a vehicle must you stay when passing it in North Carolina?
At least twenty feet At least six inches At least two feet Show the answer
At least two feet
The law sets two feet as the minimum clearance on the left.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Passing (p. 55)
You speed up while being passed in North Carolina, and a crash with injury results. What can you be charged with?
A misdemeanor A parking violation No offense at all Show the answer
A misdemeanor
Increasing speed and failing to give way can lead to a misdemeanor charge if a crash results in injury or property damage.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Passing (p. 55)
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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.
