Sample Speed Limits questions
What is the maximum speed limit for a school bus in North Carolina?
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45 mph
School buses are limited to 45 mph, so expect them to move slower than other traffic.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: School Buses (pp. 47-48)
When should you slow down for a curve in North Carolina?
Before you enter it In the middle of it After you have left it Show the answer
Before you enter it
Slowing beforehand means you won't need to brake in the curve.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Rounding a Curve (pp. 53-54)
What maximum interstate speed does the North Carolina handbook list?
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70 mph
The handbook's maximum speed table gives 70 mph for interstates.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions (pp. 52-53)
What is the fastest the North Carolina handbook says you should back up?
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10 mph
A vehicle is harder to control and to stop while backing, so go very slowly.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Backing (p. 56)
What does the North Carolina handbook name as a major cause of rear-end crashes in work zones?
Using the lane shown on the orange signs Following the posted work zone speed limit Driving slower than the surrounding traffic Show the answer
Driving slower than the surrounding traffic
Space can be tight in a work zone, leaving no escape route when a vehicle comes up on a slow one.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Work Zones (pp. 70-71)
Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit in North Carolina cities and towns?
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35 mph
The limit in cities and towns is 35 mph unless a sign says otherwise.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions (pp. 52-53)
You are convicted of driving more than 15 mph over the limit, at above 55 mph, in North Carolina. What follows?
A one-time fine and no other consequences A warning letter with no further action Revocation of your license for at least 30 days Show the answer
Revocation of your license for at least 30 days
The handbook lists a revocation of at least 30 days for speeds more than 15 mph over a limit, above 55 mph.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 3, Your Driving Privilege: Suspensions (pp. 36-37)
Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed outside North Carolina cities and towns?
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55 mph
The handbook lists 55 mph outside cities and towns.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions (pp. 52-53)
How much slower does the North Carolina handbook say to drive on wet pavement than on dry?
Only 1 to 2 mph At least 5 to 10 mph At least 40 to 50 mph Show the answer
At least 5 to 10 mph
Slow by at least 5 to 10 mph, and leave at least twice the normal following distance.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Rain (p. 72)
What does the North Carolina handbook recommend for your speed on packed snow?
Reduce it by about 5 mph Reduce it by more than half Keep it steady at the limit Show the answer
Reduce it by more than half
Reduce speed by more than half on packed snow and slow to a crawl on ice.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4, Your Driving: Snow and Ice (pp. 73-74)
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More North Carolina practice
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 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 Emergencies Breakdowns, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings 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.
