Study Guide for the NC DMV exam
To obtain a North Carolina
driver's license you must pass a written exam consisting of 25 poorly-written
multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 20 questions
correctly. There are several different versions of the test, but they all use
the same basic pool of questions.
Many of the questions asked are so insipid that they fly in the face of common sense, and reading through the 108-page driver's handbook offered at the DMV will not necessarily help you to pass. Memorize the brief list of facts below, especially the bold parts, and you should do fine. This is not a complete list of questions or a cheat-sheet, just an aide to help you when the right answer is an arbitrary choice among several common-sense responses.
- In densely packed snow you should...use chains or snow tires.
- If you must drive during heavy snow or fog, use your... low-beam headlights.
- Alcohol-related highway deaths account for... 38% of all traffic fatalities.
- If you accumulate 7 or more points on your traffic record you may... attend a Driver Improvement Clinic to deduct three points from your driving record.
- The traffic conviction that adds the highest number of points (5) to your driving record is... passing a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children.
- "Secondary roads" are roads where... hills are more likley to be more steep and curves are likely to be more sharp than on primary roads.
- Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in cities and towns is... 35 miles per hour.
- To have a revoked driver license restored, you must... visit a driver license office, pay a restoration fee, and reapply for a license.
- When three vehicles reach a 4-way stop at the same, the right of way belongs to... the car on the right.
- If a vehicle sways freely, leans heavily to one side during a turn or seems to bounce continuously, there may be a problem with the... suspension system.
- If you experience a breakdown, you should... pull over to the side of the road and raise the hood of your car.
- To maintain a safe driving distance between your car and the car in front of you, you should... use the two-second rule.
- If you take any medication before you drive, you should... find out what effect the medicine has.
- If you are planning a long road trip, you should... stop and rest every 100 miles.
- Before passing another vehicle, you should... look ahead to ensure that there is enough room for you to pass.
- When driving down a very steep hill, you should... shift into a lower gear to control your speed.
- If you run off the side of the road, you should... gradually take your foot off the gas pedal.
- When travelling on rural highways, farm equipment usually... travels at its maximum speed of 15-20 mph.
- If you are driving into a circle you should... yield to cars already in the circle.
- If you are in a crash, you should... move your car off of the road.
- School buses are required to... stop at all railroad crossings.
- In city traffic, you should... be alert for drivers who make quick stops.
- Truckers have serious blind spots into which cars can disappear from view.
- Unless there is a sign indicating no turn on red, you can turn right on red... after stopping and making sure that the turn can be made safely.
- For any underage person who aids or abets another attempting to purchase any alcoholic beverage, the law requires... a one-year driver license revocation.
- Your license will be revoked immediately if your blood alcohol concentration is at least... 0.08 percent.
- When aproaching a road that is blocked from view you should... stop and proceed with caution.
- Defensive drivers check their rear view mirror and side mirrors roughly... every 10 seconds.
- If going 45 miles per hour, how far ahead should you signal before turning?.. 200 ft.
- If you plan to turn and are not in the proper lane to do so, you should... continue to the next intersection, then turn.
- The most common type of accident on a highway is a rear-end collision
- When driving behind someone... you should not use your high beams
- To dry wet brakes, gently apply the brakes
- "Don't hang out in the No zone" refers to not being... in truckers' blind spots
- When approaching a railroad crossing... slow down and prepare to stop
- If you pull up to a red arrow, the turning lane is the only lane that should stop
- if you are a pedestrian walking along side the road at night, you should carry or wear something white
- Use high beams When driving on a highway and no car is approaching
- Slippery roads are most likely to occur when It has just begun to drizzle or rain
- When traveling behind a farm vehicle on a two-lane road Wait until the farm vehicle has the chance to pull over to the side, then pass with caution
- Large trucks (tractor trailers) Have large blind spots to the side and rear
- When preparing to make a right-hand turn Turn on your turn signal and approach the right-hand side of the road
- A "shoulder check" is A quick glance over your shoulder on the side in which you intend to turn or change lanes
- When you get tired on a long trip, you should Stop and rest
- When taking a long trip, you should Plan to stop and rest every 100 miles
- Q: If you are following a car at night, how do you know if the road is bumpy?
A: You watch the tail-lights.
There is also a visual test where you will be asked to identify common traffic signs by their shape and color only. For example, they show you a red octagon and you must identify it as a stop sign. Crazy. Here are a few other examples:
- A blank white square with black border: Speed Limit
- An orange triangle on its side, pointing to the right: No passing sign
- A yellow circle with a large X in it extending to the sides of the circle: Railroad crossing
- Inverted red triangle with a white center: Yield
Please post your BrainDumps!
If you're a veteran of the North Carolina exam and happen to remember a particularly inane question, please scroll to the bottom of this page and use the form to add your comments.
Comments
Which of the followinf is true about pedestrians? In the city, 2 out of 5 people killed in a car crash are pedestrians.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 3, 2006 11:18 AM
Jay,
Thank you for compiling this. I shared this with a a few friends at work who moved here like me.
Everyone loves you for this.
Thanks again.
- Ajay
Posted by: Ajay Sadey | October 10, 2006 03:30 PM
thanks this helps for learners
Posted by: anm | October 11, 2006 03:34 PM
what documents is necessery to obtain a north caroline'drivers license?
Posted by: elisangela carmo | October 11, 2006 05:27 PM
Hi just got my license by just reading your post. I did not open the "big" book they gave me. Everybody around me just uses your tips and does just fine.
Posted by: JG | October 12, 2006 04:38 PM
What should you do while entering in curve...? You should apply brake before entering curve.
Posted by: Nag | October 13, 2006 07:45 PM
While parking the car in down hill where will you place the front wheel? Towards the curb.
Posted by: nag | October 13, 2006 07:48 PM
While driving in the downhill...? Shift to lower gear.
Posted by: Nag | October 13, 2006 07:51 PM
Signal test -- if you see any sign of circular orange color then tell them "CAUTION, Signal is about to turn RED"
Posted by: Nag | October 13, 2006 07:58 PM
what documents is necessery to obtain a north caroline'drivers license?
SSN number/if you are in dependent visa like H4 then get letter from nearest SSN office that you are not eligible for SSN.
Two form of Photo Id - can be state ID/expired license/Passport, etc.,
Proof of address in the state you apply for , can be lease agreement/utility bill.
32$ for getting license renewal [my case ]
do not know for new license might be lesser
Posted by: Anonymous | October 13, 2006 08:04 PM
hi jay i got my learners after studying your after looking at your site now i am about to get my license my question is however is do i have to take the written test again even though i got my permit in december?
p.s. don't for get to have your proof of financial responsibility (i.e. sr22 form) with you for first timers
Posted by: desi | October 16, 2006 06:00 PM
Can't believe all the paperwork, expense and test that is required to obtain an NC driver's license. After living here in NC for over (l) year, I don't believe all this makes the people better drivers. Few ever follow the rules on the roads!!!!
Posted by: Jean E. | October 17, 2006 10:06 PM
Two questions on my test that were not on the list.
Which of the following is true. Speed limit unless posted on highways 75 MPH
Speed limit unless posted in city 25 MPH
Speed limit unless posted outside city 55 MPH .
Speed limit outside city is correct.
At an intersection without traffice lights who has the right of way. The pedestrian
Posted by: JustPassed | October 27, 2006 08:28 AM
Jay, the dump was very helpful. I didn't miss a question. BUT, when I took the motorcycle test, I failed. Do you have a dump for that part. They really try to trick you up on the cycle test.
Regards,
Posted by: Craig | November 1, 2006 02:43 PM
Thanks millions for this. I failed the NC test the first time I took it and someone referred me to this study guide and I passed easily.
Posted by: Chuck | November 3, 2006 12:22 AM
Hey!!! Thanks for the CheatSheet. I agree that after reading 121 pages I could not pass, but just looking at your cheatsheet for less than 5 mins could get me my driver's license. You are the Best!!! Thanks A Million.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 3, 2006 03:51 PM
Hi all,
I passed the test today and this site helped me a lot. I wd like to add two more questions "If the car u are travelling meets with an accident "we have to call the law enforcement immediately" even before pulling the car off the road.In bad weather "we have to keep a safe distance while following car".
Now could anyone give me address of affordable driving schools at 2826 area?
Thanks
Posted by: sam | November 6, 2006 12:12 PM
does this apply to greensboro dmv?
Posted by: el | November 12, 2006 08:39 PM
thanks jay! this site is wonderful! i'm taking the test tomorrow.. wish me luck, all!
EMF
Posted by: edmund marshall fitzgerald | November 13, 2006 06:19 PM
Where would it be dangerous to drive very slow?........Answer: When you have just passed the crest of a hill!
Posted by: Auj | November 14, 2006 10:20 PM
Thanks for the information. You are so right on about the test. I studied the handbook online prior to going in to the DMV earlier this week. I read it thoroughly and believed I was prepared seeing I'd passed the CA DMV test, which is unbelievably technical and hard. The questions on the NC DMV test are unbelievable impossible to think they'd be on the test. For ex: what should you do when backing up? Check your mirrors and honk; put your left hand on the steering wheel, your right arm over the passenger's chair and turn around; or (something else-can't remember question). All seemed partially correct and ridiculous that this was even a test question. I have printed out your cheat sheet and feel confident this time, I'll pass!
Posted by: Sharon | November 15, 2006 08:18 PM
One more question.. On a freeway if u miss an exit what would u do?? Take the next exit.
Posted by: Ritesh | November 16, 2006 08:42 PM
Jay, This is going to save us on the exam. We just moved here from NY and I gotta say... for having such a comprehensive test, NC drivers are HORRIBLE! No offense, I'm sure you'd agree. Everyone should be paying you for this. Except me, since I brought up the idea. Thanks!
Posted by: Brian | November 17, 2006 08:09 AM
Under the point system... a driver who gets 12 points within 3 years may lose his/her license.
A driver will lose his or her license if he or she is convicted of... speeding more than 70 mph in a 55 mph zone.
In cities, 2 of every 5 people killed in motor vehicle crashes are... pedestrians.
Posted by: Scott | November 22, 2006 01:27 PM
if a person refuses to take the chemical test...the license may be immediately revoked for TWELVE months...(another option was 6 months..so jus be careful)
if the solid yellow line is on ur side of the road and there is a dotted yellow next to it on the other side it means....that u are not allows to cross to the left...
Posted by: Divya | November 22, 2006 05:05 PM
hey..thanks..
i cleared the test with 100% in the first attempt..jus by memorizing the cheat sheet..hehe...
Posted by: Divya | November 22, 2006 05:12 PM
This site is wonderful
Posted by: Moni paul | November 25, 2006 08:39 AM
my daughter was so sad when she failed the test the first try. then after finding and studying your site she passed the next day with flying colors. thanks!
Posted by: jh | November 25, 2006 05:13 PM
What do you do if you have break failure? Correct answer is: Shift into a lower gear, release the clutch pedal (for manual transmissions) and apply the emergency brake. Another answer is to shift into neutral and that IS NOT CORRECT. Answer is lower gear.
Posted by: Glenn | November 29, 2006 11:36 AM
Who has the right of way at an intersection? Correct answer: When crossing with a green signal, pedestrians have the right-of-way over all vehicles, including those turning across the paths of the pedestrians.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 29, 2006 11:38 AM
As you approach a railroad crossing, you must:
slow your speed;
keep alert; and
watch for the railroad crossing signal.
Posted by: Glenn | November 29, 2006 11:40 AM
When driving on the interstate how to you merge onto the highway:
When entering the interstate, use the acceleration lane until your vehicle's speed matches that of the other traffic and then merge safely.
Posted by: Glenn | November 29, 2006 11:41 AM
There is a question about faulty mufflers and exhaust systems. The correct answer is: A leak in the exhaust system can allow poisonous carbon monoxide gas to enter the passenger compartment of the car.
Posted by: Glenn | November 29, 2006 11:43 AM
There is a question about why you need to check your tires. The correct answer is: For safe driving and fuel economy, tires should have the right amount of air.
Posted by: Glenn | November 29, 2006 11:44 AM
Where do most bicycle accidents occur? ...IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
What do you do if your car begins to skid? ...TURN YOUR STEERING WHEEL IN THE SAME DIRECTION THAT THE REAR-END OF YOUR CAR IS GOING
Posted by: SG | November 30, 2006 01:35 PM
Hi Jay:
It must have took me five years to get to your site but I wished I would have came across you sooner if it was there at the time! I moved here from Florida and I was in totally shock mode trying to understand why I couldn't pass my first two exams after reading NC's DMV book (like a brain) to obtain a license. Some things in NC are like fictional story telling like "Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, but ultimately did pass on the third charm! Jay, you could be an enterpreuner out there saving all soon to be NC residents.
Posted by: Cha-Cha | December 2, 2006 09:29 AM
Jay,
Like most people, I stressed over taking the test. The test took me just over 5 minutes and I aced it. Most of what was on my test can be found in the Brain Dumps. I found the test straight forward and, for the most part, merely common sense. Almost all questions were found on your site.
Some additional Brain Dumps: What best characterizes a bike rider? He is likely to sustain severe injuries when struck by a car. A blind person ready to cross the road has the right of way: if he has a white cane with a red tip or a guide dog.
I'm glad I found your site. Thanks a million.
With best regards,
Rich
Posted by: Rich | December 11, 2006 04:23 PM
if you are walking at night what should you do?....wear a white shirt
Posted by: charlotte | December 13, 2006 02:53 PM
Couple more questions
1. The flashing red signal has the same meaning a the stop sign ... Stop and do not proceed to move until you can enter the intersection without interfering with approaching traffic.
2. When entering the interstate,.... use the acceleration lane until your vehicle’s speed matches that of the other traffic and then merge safely.
Posted by: Dinara | January 22, 2007 10:39 AM
One more
if you refuse to submit to a blood or breath test your driver's licence will be suspended for ... 1 year
Posted by: Dinara | January 22, 2007 10:43 AM
Q: When a car is approaching you with full beam headlights on, what should you do?
A: Look straight in front of you, avoid looking at the car.
Q: How can a truck driver see blind spots?
A: By looking over the shoulder.
Q: What should you do when you are approaching a railroad crossing?
A: Slow down and prepare to stop if you see a train.
Q: What should you do if your car is involved in a crash?
A: "Notify the police" NOT "pull over to the side".
Posted by: Ushma | January 30, 2007 10:37 AM
A North Carolina driver's license is required if you... are sitting in the driver's seat of a vehicle with the motor running.
If you are caught driving while under the influence... your license will be suspended.
Posted by: Gerald Diller | February 1, 2007 11:14 PM
Hello There!
My Husband and I both just moved from New York to North Carolina. We have a 19 year old son, who doesn't know how to drive.
This afternoon, all three of us took the North Carolina Drivers Exam, and we all did GREAT!
There was nothing on my test that wasn't on this site. I got 100%, my son got 100% and my Husband got 95% (he is still disputing to himself whether you should move your car from the site of an accident or call the police first) He opted for calling the Police first and that was the one he got wrong. So, remember. . MOVE YOUR CAR FIRST. . is the answer.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Getting a permit is a BIG THING for my son. He has been waiting a while. . .but where and what was he going to drive in NEW YORK.. and who could pay those horrendous insurance rates!
We are all on our way, and had a wonderful experience today. . thanks to YOU!
Thank you.
Love,
Connie
Posted by: Connie | February 7, 2007 07:25 PM
what is the most commmon accident on the highway/interstate?
...rear end collision
Posted by: tina | February 20, 2007 10:16 PM
Hey Jay,
Thanks a lot!
Both my roomie n I got our learners today only by reading your points .. :)
My two cents to the list ..
1. When you are entering a curved road what would you do ?
Answer is slow down before entering the curve. There was another option which said - gradually reduce speed or something.
2.Registration of vehicles for NC state is checked for every ..
1.6 months 2.12 months 3.Two years.
I skipped this question but I think the answer is 12 months .. do check it!
Thanks once again!
Posted by: Div | February 27, 2007 11:52 PM
I've got one that probably tops them all and is not mentioned. Here goes-
When you get into an accident what should you do?
a. Move your vehicle off the road.
b. Notify the state police.
c. Notify your insurance.
answer: b, even though you should do all of these,keep in mind they never specify how severe the accident is (i.e. can your car move or not?) nor do they ask "in which order you should do these things".
Posted by: Nate | April 16, 2007 12:26 PM
I took the test yesterday and got a perfect score mainly because of this website, took about five minutes of memorizing, bless you. One question that was on the test that I didn't see here was, Speedlimit inside of city unless otherwise posted is 35 MPH
Posted by: Peggy | April 18, 2007 11:08 AM
Took the test back in Jan and got 100% with your help!
On my signs test. There was a blank round yellow sign. It's actually the railroad crossing sign but they took out the X. Sneaky sneaky.
Posted by: Sue | April 21, 2007 09:03 PM
I really wish I'd had this before I took the test the first time. I moved to NC and have been driving for 20 years, so I was pissed when I failed, especially since the ones I missed had nothing to do with driving!
Here is one to add to the bad question list: What's the most likely time to have a bicycle accident?
A: Saturday at dusk (and yes, it's that specific).
Thanks for the list (as I still need to retake my test:-)
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa | May 14, 2007 03:24 PM
The answer on what to do if in an accident, is notify the police. Tried pull the car off to the side of the road today, and it was scored wrong.
When approaching a traffic light, if it changes to yellow, proceed through cautiously.
Posted by: Brian | May 17, 2007 07:30 PM
There was a question about littering on my test today. The answer was a minimum of $250 and maximum of $1,000 fine. Thanks to you, I got the test perfect.
Posted by: Kristin | September 20, 2007 04:13 PM