North Carolina permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 66 North Carolina numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 46 number questions in our North Carolina bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

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Numbers flashcards

46 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

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  • Alcohol & drugs

    For a driver 21 or older in a regular car, what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by itself proves driving while impaired in North Carolina?

    0.08 percent or more

    North Carolina can prove DWI either by showing your faculties are appreciably impaired or by a BAC of 0.08 or more.

    North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 33

  • Fines, points & penalties

    In North Carolina, accumulating how many driver license points may get you assigned to a driver improvement clinic?

    7

    At seven points you may be sent to a driver improvement clinic, and finishing it removes three points.

    North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 36

  • Speed limits

    Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in North Carolina cities and towns?

    35 mph

    North Carolina's default speed limit in cities and towns is 35 mph unless a different limit is posted.

    North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55

Every North Carolina number, by topic

Official test facts and North Carolina laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversncleg.gov
Quote
After having consumed sufficient alcohol that he has, at any relevant time after the driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehiclencleg.gov
Quote
After having consumed sufficient alcohol that he has, at any relevant time after the driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more.
30-dayDrunk driving (DUI)Immediate 30-day civil revocation at arrest (0.08+ or refusal)ncleg.gov
Quote
Your driving privilege will be revoked immediately for at least 30 days if you refuse any test or the test result is 0.08 or more, 0.04 or more if you were driving a commercial vehicle, or 0.01 or more if you are under the age of 21.
one yearDrunk driving (DUI)On conviction the license is revoked for one year, and the judge sentences at one of six levelsncleg.gov
Quote
When a license is revoked under subdivision (2) of G.S. 20-17, and the period of revocation is not determined by subsection (d) or (e) of this section, the period of revocation is one year.
under 21Drunk driving (DUI)Drivers under 21 may not drive with any alcohol in their bodyncleg.gov
Quote
It is unlawful for a person less than 21 years old to drive a motor vehicle on a highway or public vehicular area while consuming alcohol or at any time while he has remaining in his body any alcohol or controlled substance previously consumed
0.08 percentFor a driver 21 or older in a regular car, what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by itself proves driving while impaired in North Carolina?Answer: 0.08 percent or moreNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 33
Quote
By proving the driver's blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or more, or 0.04 or more, if you are driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle.
1 yearA 19-year-old is convicted of driving with any amount of alcohol in their body. What happens to their license?Answer: It is revoked for 1 yearNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 35
Quote
If a driver who is less than 21 years old is convicted for an offense of driving with any amount of alcohol or drugs in their body, their license will be revoked for one year.
30 days, 12-monthA driver charged with DWI refuses to take a breath or blood test. What does North Carolina law impose?Answer: Immediate revocation for at least 30 days plus a 12-month DMV revocationNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 33
Quote
Refusal to perform any required test will result in the immediate revocation of your driver license for at least 30 days and an additional, minimum 12-month revocation by the DMV.
1 yearWhat is the license penalty for a first DWI conviction in North Carolina?Answer: Mandatory revocation for 1 yearNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 34
Quote
First conviction: Mandatory revocation of your driver license for a period of one year.

Fines, points & penalties

11 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$100Phone useTexting while driving: $100 fine plus court costs, no license points or insurance surchargencleg.gov
Quote
Any other violation of this section shall be an infraction and shall be punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) and the costs of court.
$250Move Over lawFine $250ncleg.gov
Quote
violation of this section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
12 feetMove Over lawWhen an emergency vehicle or public service vehicle is stopped within 12 feet of the road with warning lights on, move out of the lane next to it if you have two or more lanes and can do so safelyncleg.gov
Quote
is parked or standing within 12 feet of a roadway and giving a warning signal by appropriate light, the driver of every other approaching vehicle shall, as soon as it is safe and when not otherwise directed by an individual lawfully directing traffic, do one of the following:
$500School busesViolation is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a minimum $500 finencleg.gov
Quote
any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall pay a minimum fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00).
7In North Carolina, accumulating how many driver license points may get you assigned to a driver improvement clinic?Answer: 7North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 36
Quote
If you accumulate seven points, you may be assigned to a driver improvement clinic.
12How many driver license points within a three-year period can lead to a license suspension in North Carolina?Answer: 12North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 36
Quote
If you accumulate as many as 12 points within a three-year period, your license may be suspended.
$50,000What is the minimum liability insurance a North Carolina vehicle owner must carry for property damage in one crash?Answer: $50,000North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (N.C. Department of Transportation) website
Quote
and fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident
$100,000What is North Carolina's minimum liability coverage for all personal injuries in a single crash?Answer: $100,000North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (N.C. Department of Transportation) website
Quote
one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident
30 daysA 17-year-old provisional licensee is convicted of a second moving violation within 12 months. What can happen?Answer: License suspended for 30 daysNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 41
Quote
30 days, upon conviction of a second moving violation occurring within a 12-month period;
$100, $500While turning right on red, a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian starting to cross in front of them. What is the penalty?Answer: Not less than $100 and not more than $500North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 82
Quote
Failure to yield to a pedestrian under these circumstances will result in a penalty of not more than $500 and not less than $100.
$1,000In North Carolina, you must immediately report a crash to law enforcement if anyone is hurt or killed, or if property damage appears to be at least:Answer: $1,000North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 80
Quote
the total damage to vehicles and other property appears to amount to $1,000 or more.

Speed limits

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
35 mphSpeed limits: Business & residence districts35 mph inside municipal corporate limitsncleg.gov
Quote
Thirty-five miles per hour inside municipal corporate limits for all vehicles.
20 mphSpeed limits: School zonesNot below 20 mphncleg.gov
Quote
Limits set pursuant to this section may be enforced only on days when school is in session, and no speed limit below 20 miles per hour may be set under the authority of this section.
55 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways55 mph outside municipal corporate limitsncleg.gov
Quote
Fifty-five miles per hour outside municipal corporate limits for all vehicles except for school buses and school activity buses.
70 mphSpeed limits: Interstates70 mph (maximum the DOT may post on interstates and controlled-access highways)ncleg.gov
Quote
A speed limit set pursuant to this subsection may not exceed 70 miles per hour.
35 mphUnless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in North Carolina cities and towns?Answer: 35 mphNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55
Quote
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 35 mph in cities and towns.
55 mphUnless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit on North Carolina roads outside cities and towns?Answer: 55 mphNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55
Quote
Outside cities and towns 55 For interstates 70
70 mphWhat is the highest maximum speed limit the North Carolina handbook lists for interstates?Answer: 70 mphNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55
Quote
Outside cities and towns 55 For interstates 70
45 mphWhat is the maximum speed limit for a school bus in North Carolina?Answer: 45 mphNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 49
Quote
The maximum speed limit for a school bus is 45 mph.
30 mphUnder North Carolina law, what is the highest top speed a moped can have and still be legal?Answer: 30 mphNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 95
Quote
Legally, a moped's top speed cannot exceed 30 miles per hour.

Distances & following gaps

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
two-secondWhat following distance rule does the North Carolina handbook teach?Answer: The two-second ruleNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 56
Quote
you should allow two seconds between the time the vehicle ahead of you passes a given point and the time your vehicle reaches the same point.
211 feetUnder ideal conditions, about how far does a car traveling 55 mph need to come to a complete stop?Answer: About 211 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55
Quote
if you are traveling 55 miles per hour your vehicle requires approximately 211 feet to stop completely.
200 feetYou plan to turn on a road where the speed limit is 50 mph. How far ahead must you signal?Answer: At least the last 200 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 71
Quote
If the speed limit is 45 mph or more, signal at least the last 200 feet before turning.
2 feetWhen you pass another vehicle in North Carolina, how far to its left does the law require you to stay?Answer: At least 2 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 57
Quote
The law requires the passing driver to pass at least two feet to the left of the vehicle being passed.
500 feetPassing on a curve or hill is unsafe and usually illegal if you cannot see at least how far ahead?Answer: 500 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 57
Quote
On any curve or hill where the driver cannot see at least 500 feet ahead;
15 and 50 feetA railroad crossing signal is flashing to warn of a train. Where does North Carolina law require you to stop?Answer: Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest railNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 62
Quote
shall stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad
400 feetNorth Carolina law requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and also whenever visibility is:Answer: 400 feet or lessNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 73
Quote
The law requires use of headlights from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is 400 feet or less.
6 inchesAccording to the handbook, how deep must fast-moving water be to sweep a car off the highway?Answer: As little as 6 inchesNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 75
Quote
six inches of fast moving water can sweep a car off the highway
200 feetAccording to the handbook, how far behind a tractor-trailer can a car be hidden in the truck driver's blind spot?Answer: Up to 200 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 94
Quote
20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the tractor-trailer, particularly alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet in the rear

Parking

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 feetIn North Carolina, how close to a fire hydrant may you legally park?Answer: No closer than 15 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 58
Quote
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or entrance to a fire station;
25 feetOn a street with curbs, how close to the curb line of an intersecting street may you park?Answer: No closer than 25 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 58
Quote
Within 25 feet of the curb line of an intersecting street or within 15 feet of the intersecting right of way lines if there is no curb;
200 feetWhen is it legal to park on the shoulder of a North Carolina highway?Answer: When approaching drivers from both directions can see the car from at least 200 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 58
Quote
parking on the shoulder is also against the law unless the parked vehicle can be seen by approaching drivers from both directions for a distance of at least 200 feet;
400 feetOutside city limits, how close may you park to a fire or a fire truck at a fire?Answer: No closer than 400 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 58
Quote
Within one block of a fire or fire truck in city limits or within 400 feet of a fire or fire truck outside the city;
100 feetAn emergency vehicle has stopped to help at a crash. How close may you park to it?Answer: No closer than 100 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 50
Quote
Do not park within 100 feet of an emergency vehicle that has stopped to investigate an accident or to give assistance;

Ages, permits & the test

11 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
80%Passing scorereports.oah.state.nc.us
Quote
19A NCAC 03B .0201 DRIVER'S LICENSE EXAMINATION AND ONLINE RENEWAL ... The Knowledge Examination, which is an automated computer examination that tests the applicant's knowledge of rules of the road. ... Eighty percent of the questions shall be answered correctly to pass.
$25.5Feencdot.gov
Quote
Level 1 - Driving with a limited learner permit............................................ $25.50
Under 18Phone useUnder 18: no use of a mobile phone (handheld or hands-free) or associated technology while the vehicle is in motionncleg.gov
Quote
no person under the age of 18 years shall operate a motor vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area while using a mobile telephone or any additional technology associated with a mobile telephone while the vehicle is in motion.
30 hours, 6 hoursBefore a 15-year-old in North Carolina can test for a learner permit, what driver education must be completed?Answer: 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheelNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14
Quote
an approved driver education course consisting of at least 30 hours classroom instruction and six hours behind-the wheel instruction
9 monthsHow long must a teen hold a Level 1 limited learner permit before applying for a Level 2 limited provisional license?Answer: 9 monthsNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14
Quote
You must hold this permit for nine months prior to applying for a Limited Provisional License.
60 hours, 10 hoursWhat must the driving log submitted with a Level 2 application show?Answer: At least 60 hours of driving, including 10 hours at nightNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14
Quote
detailing a minimum of 60 hours of operation. At least 10 hours must occur during nighttime hours.
5 yearsWhich person may serve as the supervising driver for a North Carolina Level 1 permit holder?Answer: A grandparent who has been licensed for at least 5 yearsNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14
Quote
A supervising driver must hold a valid driver license and must have been licensed for at least five years.
6 monthsTo move up from Level 2 to a Level 3 full provisional license, a driver must have no moving-violation, seat belt or cell phone convictions in the preceding:Answer: 6 monthsNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 15
Quote
Before graduating to level three, you must have no convictions of motor vehicle moving violations, seat belt or cell phone infractions within the preceding six months.
60 daysYou move to a new address in North Carolina. How soon must you notify DMV and get a duplicate license?Answer: Within 60 daysNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 30
Quote
you must notify the division of the change within 60 days and obtain a duplicate license.
30 daysDMV learns that a car was driven without the required liability insurance. What can happen to the vehicle's license plate?Answer: It can be revoked for 30 daysNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 101
Quote
the vehicle's license plate could be revoked for 30 days unless proof of continuous insurance coverage is provided.
under 18A 17-year-old with a full provisional license wants to make a hands-free call to a friend while driving. Is this allowed in North Carolina?Answer: No; drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or related technologyNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 43
Quote
Drivers less than 18 years of age are not permitted to use a cell phone or any additional technology associated with a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle

Time limits & deadlines

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$1,000CrashesReportable crash = death or injury, or total property damage of $1,000 or morencleg.gov
Quote
Total property damage of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more, or property damage of any amount to a vehicle seized pursuant to G.S. 20-28.3.
48 hoursCrashesHitting an unattended parked vehicle: report to its owner within 48 hours (any amount of damage)ncleg.gov
Quote
The report may be made orally or in writing, must be made within 48 hours of the accident
30 daysYou are convicted of driving 72 mph in a 55 mph zone. What happens to your driving privilege?Answer: It is revoked for at least 30 daysNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 38
Quote
Your driving privilege will be revoked for at least 30 days if you are convicted of: Driving any vehicle more than 15 miles per hour over the speed limit
10 to 15 minutesWhen are roads most slippery during a rainstorm?Answer: In the first 10 to 15 minutes after rain startsNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 74
Quote
For the first 10 to 15 minutes, rain combines with oil from asphalt and vehicles, and with dirt, dust and rubber to create a slick surface.
2 hoursTo prevent drowsy driving on a long trip, how often should you stop and get out of the car?Answer: At least every 2 hoursNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 42
Quote
Get out of the car at least every 2 hours to stretch and walk briskly.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

7 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
8 years, 80 lbSeat beltsUnder 8 years and under 80 lb: weight-appropriate child restraintncleg.gov
Quote
A child less than eight years of age and less than 80 pounds in weight shall be properly secured in a weight-appropriate child passenger restraint system.
5 years, 40 lbSeat beltsUnder 5 years and under 40 lb: rear seat if the vehicle has an active passenger air bag and a rear seat (unless the seat is designed for air bags)ncleg.gov
Quote
a child less than five years of age and less than 40 pounds in weight shall be properly secured in a rear seat, unless the child restraint system is designed for use with air bags.
under age 16In North Carolina, who must wear an approved bicycle helmet?Answer: All bicycle riders and passengers under age 16North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 92
Quote
All bicycle riders and passengers under age 16 must wear an approved protective bicycle helmet
80 poundsUnder North Carolina law, which child must ride in a weight-appropriate child passenger restraint system?Answer: A child under 8 who weighs less than 80 poundsNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 46
Quote
A child under age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds must be properly secured in a weight appropriate child passenger restraint system.
40 poundsYour car has an active passenger-side air bag and a back seat. Which child must ride in the rear seat (unless the seat is designed for air bags)?Answer: A child under 5 who weighs less than 40 poundsNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 46
Quote
a child under age 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds must be properly secured in the rear seat
16 inchIn North Carolina, a tire is considered unsafe when its tread depth is less than:Answer: 1/16 inchNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 68
Quote
visible tread separation, chunking or less than 1/16-inch-tread depth
200 feetUnder North Carolina's equipment rules, from how far away must a vehicle's horn be heard?Answer: At least 200 feetNorth Carolina Driver Handbook, page 69
Quote
The horn must be loud enough to be heard for at least 200 feet

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the North Carolina permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 66 of them for North Carolina, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the North Carolina Driver Handbook, North Carolina statutes or DMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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