Fable Tests

North Carolina practice tests

North Carolina gives two written tests at an NCDMV driver license office: a computer knowledge test on traffic laws and safe driving, which you pass by answering 80 percent of the questions correctly, and a separate traffic signs test, where you identify signs by color and shape and must get 9 of 12 right. NCDMV does not publish how many questions the knowledge test has. Teens can get a Level 1 limited learner permit from age 15 after driver education; adults can get a learner permit from 18. Because the real count is not published, our free North Carolina practice sets use 30 questions each, 18 on the rules of the road and 12 sign questions with pictures, with 24 correct (80 percent) to pass, all written from the North Carolina Driver Handbook.

  • 30 questions
  • 80 to pass

The test in North Carolina

Every figure links to the page it was read from, with the date it was checked. Formats change; the source wins over this table.

WhatFigureSource · checked
Knowledge testAutomated computer test; number of questions not publishedThe state rule describes the knowledge examination as an automated computer test of the rules of the road, with an audio part so applicants who have trouble reading can listen to the questions through earphones. Neither the rule, the NCDMV pages nor the handbook gives the number of questions. Our practice sets use 30 questions, 18 knowledge and 12 sign questions; that size is our own choice.North Carolina Administrative Code, 19A NCAC 03B .0201: Driver's License Examination and Online Renewal, PDFchecked 2026-11-01
To pass (knowledge test)80 percent of the questions correctThe rule says eighty percent of the questions must be answered correctly. Our sets use the same mark: 24 of 30.North Carolina Administrative Code, 19A NCAC 03B .0201: Driver's License Examination and Online Renewal, PDFchecked 2026-11-01
Traffic signs testSeparate road sign examination: identify 9 of 12 road signs for a regular Class C licenseApplicants for Class A or B licenses must identify all the road signs. Our sets include 12 sign questions to match, but our engine scores the overall mark only.North Carolina Administrative Code, 19A NCAC 03B .0201: Driver's License Examination and Online Renewal, PDFchecked 2026-11-01
What the signs test coversRegulatory and warning signs, identified by color and shapeThe Driver License Tests page says the applicant identifies each sign by its color and shape and gives an explanation of each.NCDMV: Driver License Testschecked 2026-11-01
Passing the testsEach driver license test must be passed separatelyThe handbook says all the information on the traffic signs test is in the handbook, and that the road test is taken after all the other tests are passed.North Carolina Driver Handbook (revised May 2025), PDFchecked 2026-11-01
Time limitNot statedNCDMV does not publish a time limit for the knowledge or signs test. Our sets have no time limit.NCDMV: Driver License Testschecked 2026-11-01
RetakesRetake in seven calendar daysApplicants who do not pass the knowledge test or the driving test for a regular Class C license may retake it in seven calendar days.NCDMV: Driver License Testschecked 2026-11-01
LanguagesOffered in different languages; oral tests on requestThe Driver License Tests page says the written knowledge test is offered in different languages and that oral tests are available on request, but it does not list the languages.NCDMV: Driver License Testschecked 2026-11-01
Online testingNone describedNCDMV says first-time applicants apply in person at a driver license office and complete the knowledge, road sign, vision and driving tests there. No online knowledge test is described on the pages checked.NCDMV: New Adult Driverschecked 2026-11-01
Minimum age15 for a Level 1 limited learner permitApplicants must be 15 to 17 and have a Driver's Education Certificate from an approved course (30 hours of classroom instruction and at least 6 hours behind the wheel). Students may enroll from 14 1/2. From 1 October 2026 a Driving Eligibility Certificate is no longer required for a limited learner permit (SL 2026-46).NCDMV: Level 1 Limited Learner Permitchecked 2026-11-01
Level 1 permit rulesSupervised driving, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., for the first six monthsThe supervising driver must be a parent, legal guardian, grandparent or an adult approved by a parent or guardian, must be licensed and have been licensed for five years, and must sit next to the driver. Mobile devices may not be used. A parent or guardian must be present for the written, sign and vision tests.NCDMV: Level 1 Limited Learner Permitchecked 2026-11-01
Practice hours and time heldHold Level 1 for 9 months; log at least 60 hours, at least 10 at nightThe driving log must be signed by the supervising driver. Six months after the permit is issued you may drive at any time with a supervising driver. Before moving to Level 2 you must have no convictions for moving violations, seat belt or cell phone infractions in the preceding six months.North Carolina Driver Handbook (revised May 2025), PDFchecked 2026-11-01
Level 2 limited provisional licenseAges 16 to 17; unsupervised 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; one under-21 non-household passengerUnsupervised driving is also allowed to and from work or volunteer fire, rescue or emergency medical service. From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. a supervising driver is required. One more under-21 non-household passenger is allowed when that passenger is a student being driven directly to or from school; the limit does not apply if all passengers are household members, and under-21 household members may not ride with under-21 non-household members. No mobile devices. At 18, a Level 2 license can be upgraded straight to Class C online.NCDMV: Level 2 Limited Provisional Licensechecked 2026-11-01
Level 3 full provisional licenseAfter six months at Level 2: unsupervised at any timeYou must be 16 or 17 with no moving violation, seat belt or mobile phone convictions in the last six months. The upgrade can be done online with a parent or guardian. Mobile devices are still prohibited. Upgrade to a regular Class C license online at 18.NCDMV: Level 3 Full Provisional Licensechecked 2026-11-01
Adult learner permit rulesA licensed adult must ride in the front passenger seatApplicants must be at least 18 and pass the knowledge, road sign recognition and vision tests. Proof of liability insurance is not required for a learner permit. Permits are issued centrally and mailed within 20 days.NCDMV: Getting a License or Learner Permitchecked 2026-11-01
Fee: Level 1 limited learner permit$25.50The fee shown on the NCDMV Level 1 page.NCDMV: Level 1 Limited Learner Permitchecked 2026-11-01
Fee: Level 2 limited provisional license$25.50The fee shown on the NCDMV Level 2 page.NCDMV: Level 2 Limited Provisional Licensechecked 2026-11-01
Fee: Level 3 full provisional license$32.50 at age 16; $26 at age 17The fee depends on your age at the Level 3 upgrade; the license expires at age 21.NCDMV: Level 3 Full Provisional Licensechecked 2026-11-01
Fee: learner permit and Class C licenseLearner permit $25.50; Class C license $6.50 per yearFrom the handbook's schedule of fees, which it says is subject to change. NCDMV's Licenses and Fees web page loads its fee table from a list that could not be read, so these figures come from the handbook only.North Carolina Driver Handbook (revised May 2025), PDFchecked 2026-11-01
What to bring (adult)Proof of identity and date of birth, Social Security number, N.C. address and, for a license, liability insuranceOne document for identity and date of birth; a Social Security card or one document proving your number; one document showing your N.C. physical address (two for a REAL ID); proof of legal presence if not born in the U.S.; proof of liability insurance from a company licensed in North Carolina (not required for a learner permit); and a copy of the vehicle registration if a road test is needed. Names must match or you need proof of a name change.NCDMV: New Adult Driverschecked 2026-11-01
What to bring (Level 1 permit)Identity and date of birth, Social Security number, N.C. residency and Driver's Education CertificateA parent or guardian must be present for the tests, or anyone else must bring written consent from a parent or guardian.NCDMV: Level 1 Limited Learner Permitchecked 2026-11-01
Vision standard20/40 or better in at least one eye for an unrestricted licenseA license is restricted to require corrective lenses if acuity is less than 20/40 in either eye or both eyes together.North Carolina Administrative Code, 19A NCAC 03B .0201: Driver's License Examination and Online Renewal, PDFchecked 2026-11-01
Manual editionNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, revised May 2025The PDF on NCDMV's Handbooks page carries the line Revised May 2025 and a print date of 09/25. Where the handbook and newer NCDMV pages differ (for example, the handbook says a new license arrives by mail within 60 days, the current pages say 20 business days), we follow the newer pages.North Carolina Driver Handbook (revised May 2025), PDFchecked 2026-11-01
License validity8 years if issued at 18 to 65; 5 years at 66 and olderThe license arrives by mail within 20 business days; a Temporary Driving Certificate is issued in the meantime.NCDMV: New Adult Driverschecked 2026-11-01

Full tests

  1. Test 130 questions · untimed · pass 24difficulty 1 of 6
  2. Test 230 questions · untimed · pass 24difficulty 2 of 6
  3. Test 330 questions · untimed · pass 24difficulty 3 of 6
  4. Test 430 questions · untimed · pass 24difficulty 4 of 6
  5. Test 530 questions · untimed · pass 24difficulty 5 of 6
  6. Test 630 questions · untimed · pass 24difficulty 6 of 6

Handbook chapters

  1. Chapter 1: Your license and the testsHow North Carolina licensing works: the four tests (knowledge, traffic signs, vision and road), the adult learner permit, license classes, documents to bring, renewal, duplicates and the fee schedule.
  2. Chapter 2: Graduated licensing for drivers under 18North Carolina's three-level graduated licensing system: the Level 1 limited learner permit, Level 2 limited provisional license and Level 3 full provisional license, with hours, curfews, passenger limits, the cell phone ban and supervising driver rules.
  3. Chapter 3: Alcohol and the lawNorth Carolina's Driving While Impaired (DWI) law: BAC limits, chemical test refusal, revocation periods for each conviction, BAC restrictions after restoration, ignition interlock and the rules for drivers under 21.
  4. Chapter 4: Points, suspensions and restorationHow North Carolina's driver license point system works, the point values for common violations, suspensions for speeding and serious offenses, failure to appear or pay, and how to restore a license.
  5. Chapter 5: Driver safety and protecting passengersDriver condition, drowsy and distracted driving, North Carolina's cell phone rules, seat belts, child seats and booster seats, air bags, helmets, children in pickup beds and the danger of hot cars.
  6. Chapter 6: Pedestrians, school buses and emergency vehiclesYielding to pedestrians, North Carolina's school bus stopping rules for every road layout, emergency vehicles and the Move Over law, what to do in a traffic stop, farm equipment and funeral processions.
  7. Chapter 7: Basic driving skills and rules of the roadNorth Carolina speed limits, stopping distance, curves, turning, the two-second rule, changing lanes, passing rules, backing, parking distances, intersections and right of way, roundabouts, railroad crossings, interstates and vehicle equipment.
  8. Chapter 8: Defensive driving, hazards, emergencies and crashesScanning and signaling, hand signals, work zones, night driving and headlight rules, rain, hydroplaning, floods, fog, snow and ice, wildlife, vehicle emergencies, skids and what North Carolina law requires after a crash.
  9. Chapter 9: Signals, signs and pavement markingsNorth Carolina traffic signals and arrows, flashing yellow arrows, ramp meters, hybrid beacons, the shapes and colors of regulatory, warning and guide signs, route markers, pavement lines and colored markers, and traffic officers.
  10. Chapter 10: Sharing the road, insurance and registrationBicycles, pedestrians, trucks and their No-Zones, RVs and trailers, motorcycles and mopeds, littering fines, North Carolina's minimum liability insurance, vehicle registration and inspection, and driver records.