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North Carolina permit test: alcohol, drugs and dwi

Driving while impaired, blood alcohol limits for adults, commercial and under-21 drivers, the young driver rules, and medications. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key alcohol, drugs and dwi rulesShow the rules
  1. North Carolina DWI laws prohibit carrying an open container of any alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of the car. (p. 33, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  2. For drivers of commercial motor vehicles, a BAC of 0.04 or more proves driving while impaired. (p. 33, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  3. A BAC of 0.08 percent or more leads to an immediate revocation of at least 30 days, before any court conviction. (p. 33, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  4. Refusing a required chemical test brings an immediate revocation of at least 30 days and an additional DMV revocation of at least 12 months. (p. 33, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  5. A first DWI conviction brings a mandatory license revocation of one year. (p. 34, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  6. On the first restoration after a DWI, your license carries a 0.04 alcohol concentration restriction. (p. 34, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  7. A DWI conviction with a BAC of 0.15 or more, or another DWI conviction within seven years, requires an ignition interlock device on the vehicle. (p. 34, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  8. A driver under 21 convicted of driving with any amount of alcohol or drugs in their body has the license revoked for one year. (p. 35, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  9. The legal age to purchase any alcoholic beverage in North Carolina is 21. (p. 35, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  10. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can affect your driving. (p. 44, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample alcohol, drugs and dwi questions

  1. 1.An officer charges you with DWI and asks you to take a breath test. You refuse. What happens?

    • AA fine, but no loss of your driving privilege
    • BAn immediate 30-day revocation, then a 12-month DMV revocation
    • CNothing, because the breath test is voluntary
    • DA six-month suspension, and then the case is dropped
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. An immediate 30-day revocation, then a 12-month DMV revocation

    Refusing a required chemical test brings an immediate revocation of at least 30 days and an additional DMV revocation of at least 12 months. The refusal can also be used as evidence in court.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 33

  2. 2.You are 20 and lend your ID to a 19-year-old friend so they can buy beer. If you are convicted, what happens to your license?

    • AIt is suspended for 30 days
    • BYou get 2 license points
    • CIt is revoked for one year
    • DNothing, because you did not buy the beer
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. It is revoked for one year

    Letting your driver license or ID be used by an underage person to buy alcohol brings a one-year license revocation on conviction.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 35

  3. 3.What BAC proves impaired driving for someone driving a commercial motor vehicle?

    • A0.04 or more
    • B0.00 or more
    • C0.02 or more
    • D0.08 or more
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. 0.04 or more

    For drivers of commercial motor vehicles, a BAC of 0.04 or more proves driving while impaired.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 33

  4. 4.Why is alcohol especially dangerous for drivers, according to the handbook?

    • AIt slows brain functions and gives false confidence
    • BIt speeds up reaction time but blurs vision
    • CIt affects balance only, not judgment
    • DIt only affects drivers who look drunk
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. It slows brain functions and gives false confidence

    Alcohol is a depressant. It slows brain functions and reaction time, hurts your judgment of speed and distance, and gives you false confidence.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 44