North Carolina License Rules practice test

Key North Carolina facts: License Rules

• A Level One limited learner permit requires an applicant at least 15 and under 18 who lives in North Carolina and finished approved driver education. Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)
• Applicants under 18 need a certificate for driver education of at least 30 classroom hours and 6 behind-the-wheel hours before the permit test. Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)
• For the first six months, a Level One permit allows driving from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a supervising driver. Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)
• A Level One permit must be held for nine months before applying for a Limited Provisional License. Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)
• The driving log for a Level One permit must record at least 60 hours of driving. Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)

Sample License Rules questions

What is the youngest age for a Level One limited learner permit in North Carolina?

• 15 years old
• 16 years old
• 14 years old

Show the answer

15 years old

You must be at least 15 and under 18, live in North Carolina and have finished an approved driver education course.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)

How many hours must a North Carolina Level One driving log show at minimum?

• 60 hours
• 30 hours
• 100 hours

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60 hours

The log must detail at least 60 hours of driving, and your supervising driver signs it.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)

How long must a North Carolina supervising driver have been licensed?

• At least six months
• At least 21 years
• At least five years

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At least five years

The supervising driver needs a valid license and at least five years of licensed driving.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)

What is the minimum age for a North Carolina Level Two Limited Provisional License?

• 15 years old
• 16 years old
• 17 years old

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16 years old

Level Two drivers must be at least 16 and younger than 18.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)

How many road signs must a regular Class C applicant identify correctly on the North Carolina signs test?

• 12 of 12
• 6 of 12
• 9 of 12

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9 of 12

The signs test is separate, and a regular Class C applicant must identify 9 of 12 signs.

Source: 19A NCAC 03B .0201, NCDOT rule text, Driver's License Examination and Online Renewal

Who may ride in the front seat with a North Carolina Level One permit holder?

• Anyone aged 16 or older
• Only the supervising driver
• Any passenger wearing a seat belt

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Only the supervising driver

No one except the driver and supervising driver may be in the front seat.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)

During the first six months, when may a North Carolina Level One permit holder drive?

• From 6 a.m. to midnight, with a supervising driver
• From 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a supervising driver
• At any hour, with a supervising driver

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From 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a supervising driver

The first six months are limited to 5 a.m. through 9 p.m., and a supervising driver must be along.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)

How long is a North Carolina license valid if issued when you are 40?

• 5 years
• 12 years
• 8 years

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8 years

Licenses issued between ages 18 and 65 last 8 years and expire on your birthday.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 1, Your License: Duration and Renewal of License (p. 28)

Driving alone at Level Two in North Carolina, how many under-21 passengers from outside your household may you normally carry?

• None
• One
• Three

Show the answer

One

The limit is one. A second is allowed only if that person is a student being driven directly to or from school.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 1, Your License: Graduated Licensing (pp. 12-13)

A North Carolina driver under 18 is convicted of a second moving violation within 12 months. How long can the suspension last?

• Two years
• 30 days
• 3 days

Show the answer

30 days

A second conviction in 12 months can bring 30 days, a third 90 days and a fourth six months.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 3, Your Driving Privilege: Provisional Licensee (p. 39)

Take this topic's test

More North Carolina practice

• Full practice testAll topics, as in the knowledge test
• Road SignsWhat signs mean and what to do when you see them87 questions, 9 on North Carolina rules
• Right-of-WayWho goes first at intersections, crosswalks and roundabouts31 questions, 18 on North Carolina rules
• Traffic SignalsLights, arrows and pedestrian signals33 questions, 11 on North Carolina rules
• Lanes & TurnsLane markings, turns, passing and merging32 questions, 17 on North Carolina rules
• Speed LimitsLimits and how to adjust your speed23 questions, 10 on North Carolina rules
• ParkingCurb colors, hills and where you can't park18 questions, 8 on North Carolina rules
• Safe DrivingFollowing distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road64 questions, 18 on North Carolina rules
• Alcohol & DrugsBlood alcohol limits, DUI rules and medication26 questions, 8 on North Carolina rules
• EmergenciesBreakdowns, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings28 questions, 10 on North Carolina rules
• Insurance & CollisionsRequired coverage and what to do after a crash21 questions, 8 on North Carolina rules
• Phones & DistractionPhone rules and other distractions17 questions, 6 on North Carolina rules

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.