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North Carolina permit test: learner permits, provisional licenses and points

Graduated licensing levels for drivers under 18, provisional license limits, losing a license for school discipline, driver license and insurance points, and suspensions. 24 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key learner permits, provisional licenses and points rulesShow the rules
  1. To move up a level, you must have no convictions for moving violations, seat belt infractions or cell phone infractions in the six months before. (p. 14, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  2. The approved driver education course must include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. (p. 14, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  3. You must hold the Level One permit for nine months before applying for the Level Two Limited Provisional License. (p. 14, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  4. The Level One driving log must show at least 60 hours of driving, including at least 10 hours at night, signed by your supervising driver. (p. 14, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  5. With a Level One permit, only you and your supervising driver may sit in the front seat, and every passenger must be buckled up. (p. 14, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  6. You may apply for a Level One Limited Learner Permit at 15, once you have completed an approved driver education course. (p. 14, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  7. Collecting 12 points within three years can lead to suspension. (p. 36, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  8. Passing a stopped school bus carries 5 points, one of the highest values on the point schedule for non-commercial drivers. (p. 36, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  9. A first point-system suspension can last 60 days, a second 6 months, and a third 12 months. (p. 36, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  10. Driving more than 15 mph over the limit while going faster than 55 mph brings a revocation of at least 30 days. (p. 38, 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 learner permits, provisional licenses and points questions

  1. 1.A 16-year-old student is suspended from school for 12 days in a row for discipline. What can happen to the student's driving privilege?

    • AThe license can be lost for 12 months
    • BThe license is suspended for 10 days
    • CThe student must retake the road test
    • DNothing; school discipline does not affect licenses
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. The license can be lost for 12 months

    Under the Lose Control/Lose Your License rule, a school suspension of more than 10 consecutive days for discipline can cost a student the license for 12 months.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 17

  2. 2.How much driver education must a driver under 18 complete before taking the test for a learner permit?

    • A30 hours in class and 60 hours behind the wheel
    • B30 hours in class and 6 hours behind the wheel
    • C20 hours in class and 10 hours behind the wheel
    • D6 hours in class and 30 hours behind the wheel
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. 30 hours in class and 6 hours behind the wheel

    The approved driver education course must include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 14

  3. 3.Your suspended license is being restored. When can you avoid the $50 service fee?

    • AYou paid the restoration fee within 30 days
    • BYou took a defensive driving class first
    • CYou were suspended for less than 60 days
    • DYou turned in your license before the suspension began
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. You turned in your license before the suspension began

    A $50 service fee is due when a suspended or revoked license is restored, unless the license was surrendered to the court or mailed to the DMV before the suspension took effect.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 41

  4. 4.How many license points are given for passing a stopped school bus in a regular car?

    • A4
    • B2
    • C3
    • D5
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. 5

    Passing a stopped school bus carries 5 points, one of the highest values on the point schedule for non-commercial drivers.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 36