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.
Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.
Numbers flashcards
46 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.
Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.
See 3 of the cards
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.
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.
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.
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
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | ncleg.govQuoteAfter 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 vehicle | ncleg.govQuoteAfter having consumed sufficient alcohol that he has, at any relevant time after the driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more. |
| 30-day | Drunk driving (DUI)Immediate 30-day civil revocation at arrest (0.08+ or refusal) | ncleg.govQuoteYour 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 year | Drunk driving (DUI)On conviction the license is revoked for one year, and the judge sentences at one of six levels | ncleg.govQuoteWhen 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 21 | Drunk driving (DUI)Drivers under 21 may not drive with any alcohol in their body | ncleg.govQuoteIt 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 percent | For 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 more | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 33QuoteBy 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 year | A 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 year | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 35QuoteIf 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-month | A 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 revocation | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 33QuoteRefusal 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 year | What is the license penalty for a first DWI conviction in North Carolina?Answer: Mandatory revocation for 1 year | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 34QuoteFirst conviction: Mandatory revocation of your driver license for a period of one year. |
Fines, points & penalties
11 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | Phone useTexting while driving: $100 fine plus court costs, no license points or insurance surcharge | ncleg.govQuoteAny 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. |
| $250 | Move Over lawFine $250 | ncleg.govQuoteviolation of this section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). |
| 12 feet | Move 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 safely | ncleg.govQuoteis 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: |
| $500 | School busesViolation is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a minimum $500 fine | ncleg.govQuoteany person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall pay a minimum fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00). |
| 7 | In North Carolina, accumulating how many driver license points may get you assigned to a driver improvement clinic?Answer: 7 | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 36QuoteIf you accumulate seven points, you may be assigned to a driver improvement clinic. |
| 12 | How many driver license points within a three-year period can lead to a license suspension in North Carolina?Answer: 12 | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 36QuoteIf you accumulate as many as 12 points within a three-year period, your license may be suspended. |
| $50,000 | What is the minimum liability insurance a North Carolina vehicle owner must carry for property damage in one crash?Answer: $50,000 | North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (N.C. Department of Transportation) websiteQuoteand fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident |
| $100,000 | What is North Carolina's minimum liability coverage for all personal injuries in a single crash?Answer: $100,000 | North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (N.C. Department of Transportation) websiteQuoteone hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident |
| 30 days | A 17-year-old provisional licensee is convicted of a second moving violation within 12 months. What can happen?Answer: License suspended for 30 days | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 41Quote30 days, upon conviction of a second moving violation occurring within a 12-month period; |
| $100, $500 | While 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 $500 | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 82QuoteFailure to yield to a pedestrian under these circumstances will result in a penalty of not more than $500 and not less than $100. |
| $1,000 | In 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: $1,000 | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 80Quotethe total damage to vehicles and other property appears to amount to $1,000 or more. |
Speed limits
9 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 35 mph | Speed limits: Business & residence districts35 mph inside municipal corporate limits | ncleg.govQuoteThirty-five miles per hour inside municipal corporate limits for all vehicles. |
| 20 mph | Speed limits: School zonesNot below 20 mph | ncleg.govQuoteLimits 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 mph | Speed limits: Rural highways55 mph outside municipal corporate limits | ncleg.govQuoteFifty-five miles per hour outside municipal corporate limits for all vehicles except for school buses and school activity buses. |
| 70 mph | Speed limits: Interstates70 mph (maximum the DOT may post on interstates and controlled-access highways) | ncleg.govQuoteA speed limit set pursuant to this subsection may not exceed 70 miles per hour. |
| 35 mph | Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in North Carolina cities and towns?Answer: 35 mph | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55QuoteUnless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 35 mph in cities and towns. |
| 55 mph | Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit on North Carolina roads outside cities and towns?Answer: 55 mph | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55QuoteOutside cities and towns 55 For interstates 70 |
| 70 mph | What is the highest maximum speed limit the North Carolina handbook lists for interstates?Answer: 70 mph | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55QuoteOutside cities and towns 55 For interstates 70 |
| 45 mph | What is the maximum speed limit for a school bus in North Carolina?Answer: 45 mph | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 49QuoteThe maximum speed limit for a school bus is 45 mph. |
| 30 mph | Under North Carolina law, what is the highest top speed a moped can have and still be legal?Answer: 30 mph | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 95QuoteLegally, a moped's top speed cannot exceed 30 miles per hour. |
Distances & following gaps
9 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| two-second | What following distance rule does the North Carolina handbook teach?Answer: The two-second rule | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 56Quoteyou 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 feet | Under ideal conditions, about how far does a car traveling 55 mph need to come to a complete stop?Answer: About 211 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55Quoteif you are traveling 55 miles per hour your vehicle requires approximately 211 feet to stop completely. |
| 200 feet | You 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 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 71QuoteIf the speed limit is 45 mph or more, signal at least the last 200 feet before turning. |
| 2 feet | When you pass another vehicle in North Carolina, how far to its left does the law require you to stay?Answer: At least 2 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 57QuoteThe law requires the passing driver to pass at least two feet to the left of the vehicle being passed. |
| 500 feet | Passing on a curve or hill is unsafe and usually illegal if you cannot see at least how far ahead?Answer: 500 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 57QuoteOn any curve or hill where the driver cannot see at least 500 feet ahead; |
| 15 and 50 feet | A 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 rail | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 62Quoteshall stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad |
| 400 feet | North Carolina law requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and also whenever visibility is:Answer: 400 feet or less | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 73QuoteThe law requires use of headlights from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is 400 feet or less. |
| 6 inches | According to the handbook, how deep must fast-moving water be to sweep a car off the highway?Answer: As little as 6 inches | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 75Quotesix inches of fast moving water can sweep a car off the highway |
| 200 feet | According 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 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 94Quote20 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
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 15 feet | In North Carolina, how close to a fire hydrant may you legally park?Answer: No closer than 15 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 58QuoteWithin 15 feet of a fire hydrant or entrance to a fire station; |
| 25 feet | On a street with curbs, how close to the curb line of an intersecting street may you park?Answer: No closer than 25 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 58QuoteWithin 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 feet | When 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 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 58Quoteparking 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 feet | Outside city limits, how close may you park to a fire or a fire truck at a fire?Answer: No closer than 400 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 58QuoteWithin 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 feet | An emergency vehicle has stopped to help at a crash. How close may you park to it?Answer: No closer than 100 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 50QuoteDo 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
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 80% | Passing score | reports.oah.state.nc.usQuote19A 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. |
| $25.5 | Fee | ncdot.govQuoteLevel 1 - Driving with a limited learner permit............................................ $25.50 |
| Under 18 | Phone useUnder 18: no use of a mobile phone (handheld or hands-free) or associated technology while the vehicle is in motion | ncleg.govQuoteno 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 hours | Before 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 wheel | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14Quotean approved driver education course consisting of at least 30 hours classroom instruction and six hours behind-the wheel instruction |
| 9 months | How long must a teen hold a Level 1 limited learner permit before applying for a Level 2 limited provisional license?Answer: 9 months | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14QuoteYou must hold this permit for nine months prior to applying for a Limited Provisional License. |
| 60 hours, 10 hours | What must the driving log submitted with a Level 2 application show?Answer: At least 60 hours of driving, including 10 hours at night | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14Quotedetailing a minimum of 60 hours of operation. At least 10 hours must occur during nighttime hours. |
| 5 years | Which 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 years | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14QuoteA supervising driver must hold a valid driver license and must have been licensed for at least five years. |
| 6 months | To 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 months | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 15QuoteBefore 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 days | You move to a new address in North Carolina. How soon must you notify DMV and get a duplicate license?Answer: Within 60 days | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 30Quoteyou must notify the division of the change within 60 days and obtain a duplicate license. |
| 30 days | DMV 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 days | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 101Quotethe vehicle's license plate could be revoked for 30 days unless proof of continuous insurance coverage is provided. |
| under 18 | A 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 technology | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 43QuoteDrivers 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
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | CrashesReportable crash = death or injury, or total property damage of $1,000 or more | ncleg.govQuoteTotal 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 hours | CrashesHitting an unattended parked vehicle: report to its owner within 48 hours (any amount of damage) | ncleg.govQuoteThe report may be made orally or in writing, must be made within 48 hours of the accident |
| 30 days | You 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 days | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 38QuoteYour 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 minutes | When are roads most slippery during a rainstorm?Answer: In the first 10 to 15 minutes after rain starts | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 74QuoteFor 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 hours | To prevent drowsy driving on a long trip, how often should you stop and get out of the car?Answer: At least every 2 hours | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 42QuoteGet out of the car at least every 2 hours to stretch and walk briskly. |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
7 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 8 years, 80 lb | Seat beltsUnder 8 years and under 80 lb: weight-appropriate child restraint | ncleg.govQuoteA 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 lb | Seat 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.govQuotea 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 16 | In North Carolina, who must wear an approved bicycle helmet?Answer: All bicycle riders and passengers under age 16 | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 92QuoteAll bicycle riders and passengers under age 16 must wear an approved protective bicycle helmet |
| 80 pounds | Under 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 pounds | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 46QuoteA child under age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds must be properly secured in a weight appropriate child passenger restraint system. |
| 40 pounds | Your 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 pounds | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 46Quotea child under age 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds must be properly secured in the rear seat |
| 16 inch | In North Carolina, a tire is considered unsafe when its tread depth is less than:Answer: 1/16 inch | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 68Quotevisible tread separation, chunking or less than 1/16-inch-tread depth |
| 200 feet | Under North Carolina's equipment rules, from how far away must a vehicle's horn be heard?Answer: At least 200 feet | North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 69QuoteThe 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.