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North Carolina permit test: lanes, highways and passing

Changing lanes, passing and being passed, city and rural roads, interstates and work zones. 21 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key lanes, highways and passing rulesShow the rules
  1. Never pass at an intersection or crosswalk where a vehicle has stopped to let people cross the street. (p. 57, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  2. North Carolina sets a minimum side gap of two feet between you and the car you are passing. (p. 57, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  3. On a three-lane highway, pass only in the center lane, and only where that lane is marked for passing in your direction. (p. 57, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  4. Passing is always unsafe and usually illegal on any curve or hill where you cannot see at least 500 feet ahead. (p. 57, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  5. Passing is always unsafe and usually illegal at intersections in cities and towns and at railroad crossings. (p. 57, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  6. Signal your turn well in advance and, without slowing down, enter the deceleration lane. (p. 66, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  7. Stop at indicated rest areas frequently, preferably at least once every 100 miles. (p. 66, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  8. On an interstate, keep to the right and use the left lane or lanes for passing. (p. 66, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  9. If you miss an exit, don't slow down, back up or try to turn around. (p. 67, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  10. The Flagger sign warns of construction or maintenance where a flagger in an orange vest uses a STOP/SLOW paddle. (p. 72, 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 lanes, highways and passing questions

  1. 1.What does this orange sign tell you?

    • AA school crossing is just ahead
    • BA flagger is ahead; be ready to stop
    • CThe road ahead is closed for good
    • DA railroad crossing is coming up
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. A flagger is ahead; be ready to stop

    The Flagger sign warns of construction or maintenance where a flagger in an orange vest uses a STOP/SLOW paddle. Stay alert and be prepared to stop.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 72

  2. 2.How should you leave an interstate at your exit?

    • ASignal early and slow in the deceleration lane
    • BSlow down in the travel lane, then turn off
    • CCross the gore area at the last second
    • DBrake hard just before you reach the exit
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Signal early and slow in the deceleration lane

    Signal your turn well in advance and, without slowing down, enter the deceleration lane. Then slow to the posted exit speed.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 66

  3. 3.Your car breaks down on the interstate. What should you do?

    • AStop in the travel lane and wait there for help
    • BLeave the hood down so that no stranger stops
    • CWalk along the travel lane to find help
    • DPull far off, raise the hood and tie a white cloth on
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Pull far off, raise the hood and tie a white cloth on

    If a breakdown forces you to stop, get far off the road, tie a white cloth on the antenna or left door handle and raise the hood. At night, use your flashers or parking lights.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 66

  4. 4.On a long interstate trip, how often does the handbook suggest you stop at a rest area?

    • AAbout every 50 miles of driving
    • BAt least once every 100 miles
    • CAbout every 300 miles of driving
    • DOnly when you need to buy fuel
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. At least once every 100 miles

    Stop at indicated rest areas frequently, preferably at least once every 100 miles.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 66