North Carolina permit test: distracted & drowsy driving
Phone and texting laws, other distractions and fatigue. 4 questions.
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?
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Sample distracted & drowsy driving questions
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?
- A Yes, as long as the call uses a hands-free device
- B Yes, once they have a full provisional license
- C Yes, if the vehicle is going under 25 mph
- D No; drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or related technology
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D. No; drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or related technology
Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or any added technology tied to a cell phone while driving on a public road or vehicle area, even hands-free. The only exceptions are emergency calls (for example to 911, a hospital or the police) and calls with a parent, legal guardian or spouse.
Which cell phone use is illegal for drivers of every age in North Carolina?
- A Using a phone's GPS app while legally parked
- B Texting or emailing while driving
- C Letting a passenger make a call
- D Calling 911 to report a crash
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B. Texting or emailing while driving
It is unlawful for any driver to use a cell phone for text messages or email while driving on a public street, highway or public vehicular area. Texting takes your eyes, hands and mind off driving.
A 16-year-old Level 1 permit holder is driving with a supervising driver. Which phone call does North Carolina law allow the teen to make while the car is moving?
- A A call to a friend who is a licensed driver
- B A call to their parent, legal guardian or spouse
- C A call to their driver education instructor
- D A call to their school's front office
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B. A call to their parent, legal guardian or spouse
Drivers under 18 may not use a phone while the car is moving, even hands-free. The law allows only emergency calls (to an emergency operator, a hospital or doctor's office, an ambulance service, a fire department or law enforcement) and calls with the driver's parent, legal guardian or spouse.
To prevent drowsy driving on a long trip, how often should you stop and get out of the car?
- A Once every 300 miles
- B Only when you feel sleepy
- C At least every 4 hours
- D At least every 2 hours
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D. At least every 2 hours
Get out of the car at least every 2 hours to stretch and walk briskly, and try to limit driving to 300-400 miles a day. If you become tired, stop; a short nap and caffeine help only temporarily.