North Carolina motorcycle permit practice tests

60 free questions written from the North Carolina Motorcyclists' Handbook, each with an explanation and a link to its page.

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North Carolina motorcycle tests

The simulator: North Carolina does not publish the count or pass mark; we use 30 questions at 80%.

North Carolina motorcycle rules to know

  • North Carolina requires a regular or commercial license with a motorcycle endorsement, or a motorcycle learner permit, before you may operate a motorcycle on public roads. The endorsement shows you passed the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests; the learner permit is a temporary step for riders not yet ready for the skills test. North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 13
  • To get the endorsement you pass a knowledge test that includes motorcycling questions and an off-street motorcycle skills test. One checks what you know about safe riding; the other checks that you can actually control the bike. North Carolina Motorcyclists' Handbook, page 2
  • North Carolina's DMV may not require a written test or road test when you renew a license that has not expired, unless you have been convicted of a traffic violation since it was last issued or have a condition that impairs your driving. You took the knowledge test when the endorsement was first added. North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (N.C. Department of Transportation) website
  • A 16- or 17-year-old applying for a motorcycle learner permit must already hold a full provisional license and needs a parent's or guardian's signature. Applicants under 18 must also complete a Basic Rider Course. Applicants 18 or older must hold a license issued by the DMV. North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 10
  • To get the motorcycle learner permit you must pass the knowledge test, road sign identification and a vision test. The skills test comes later, when you are ready for the full endorsement. North Carolina Motorcyclists' Handbook, page 2
  • North Carolina has a universal helmet law: the operator and all passengers must wear a helmet. Head and neck injuries cause most serious and fatal motorcycle injuries, and a proper helmet greatly reduces them. North Carolina Motorcyclists' Handbook, page 4

Questions

How many questions are on the North Carolina motorcycle permit test?

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (N.C. Department of Transportation) does not publish the number of questions. Our simulator uses 30 questions at 80%.

What is the North Carolina motorcycle knowledge test based on?

The North Carolina Motorcyclists' Handbook. Every practice question here is written from it and links to the page it comes from.

North Carolina car permit tests (many states require the car knowledge test too)