North Carolina permit test: right-of-way, intersections and turns

Turning, right-of-way at intersections, roundabouts and railroad crossings. 28 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key right-of-way, intersections and turns rulesShow the rules

For right turns, stay close to the right edge of the road so another vehicle cannot move between you and the curb. (p. 56, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
Back very slowly, no faster than 10 mph. (p. 58, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
Turn so you can see out the rear window over your right shoulder, keeping one hand on the wheel. (p. 58, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
After a complete stop, yield to traffic on the through street. (p. 59, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
Never change lanes while you are moving straight through an intersection. (p. 59, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
Having the right-of-way doesn't excuse you from slowing; North Carolina law requires drivers to reduce speed approaching any intersection. (p. 59, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
When two or more vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right-of-way. (p. 59, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
In a roundabout, go three-quarters of the way around and exit to the right instead of making a traditional left turn. (p. 61, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
Never enter a roundabout while an emergency vehicle is passing through. (p. 61, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
Trains always have the right-of-way, even over police, fire and ambulance vehicles. (p. 62, 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 right-of-way, intersections and turns questions

1.What is the correct order for changing lanes?
- ACheck only the rearview mirror, then move
- BCheck mirrors, check over your shoulder, signal, then change lanes
- CChange lanes, then signal
- DSignal, then check mirrors and blind spot after moving
Show the answer
✓ B. Check mirrors, check over your shoulder, signal, then change lanes
Check your side and rearview mirrors, look over your shoulder to clear the blind spot, signal in advance, then change lanes.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 56
2.Warning lights flash at a railroad crossing ahead. How far from the nearest rail must you stop?
- AAnywhere that you can still see the train
- BBetween 15 and 50 feet from the rail
- CAt least 100 feet back from the tracks
- DRight at the edge of the nearest rail
Show the answer
✓ B. Between 15 and 50 feet from the rail
When a signal warns of a train, stop within 50 feet but not closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail, and go only when it is safe.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62
3.Cars are stopping for a train at a crossing on a two-lane road. How should you line up?
- ASide by side, forming two lanes
- BSingle file, far to the right
- CIn whichever lane moves faster
- DBeside the car ahead to save space
Show the answer
✓ B. Single file, far to the right
When stopping at a railroad crossing, keep as far right as possible and do not form two lanes of traffic unless the road is marked for four or more lanes.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62
4.Your light is green, but a funeral procession is going through the intersection against its red light. What should you do?
- AGo, because your light is green
- BWait, unless you can go without crossing its path
- CHonk and go once there is a gap
- DDrive between the cars in the procession
Show the answer
✓ B. Wait, unless you can go without crossing its path
When a funeral procession goes through a red light, other drivers may not enter the intersection, even on green, unless they can do so safely without crossing the procession's path.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 54