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North Carolina permit test: safe driver habits

Driver condition, drowsy and distracted driving, cell phone rules, seat belts, child seats and boosters, air bags, helmets and riding in pick-up truck beds. 20 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key safe driver habits rulesShow the rules
  1. If you become tired while driving, stop. (p. 42, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  2. When driving long distances, stop regularly and get out at least every 2 hours to stretch and walk briskly. (p. 42, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  3. To help prevent drowsy driving, try to limit yourself to 300-400 miles of driving per day. (p. 43, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  4. Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention from driving. (p. 43, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  5. Texting or emailing behind the wheel is against the law for every driver in North Carolina, not just teens. (p. 43, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  6. If a vehicle has automatic shoulder harnesses, the lap belt must also be worn. (p. 45, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  7. Under North Carolina's seat belt law, all occupants must wear seat belts even if the vehicle has air bags. (p. 45, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  8. Until a child is 8 or reaches 80 pounds, North Carolina requires a child restraint sized for the child's weight, not just a seat belt. (p. 46, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  9. All operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds must wear a helmet that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. (p. 47, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
  10. Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat, because air bags can seriously injure or kill children riding in front. (p. 47, 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 safe driver habits questions

  1. 1.Your car has air bags. Do you and your passengers still need to wear seat belts?

    • AYes, everyone must still buckle up
    • BNo, air bags take the place of seat belts
    • COnly the driver has to buckle up
    • DOnly passengers sitting in the back
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Yes, everyone must still buckle up

    Under North Carolina's seat belt law, all occupants must wear seat belts even if the vehicle has air bags. Air bags are supplemental protection.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 45

  2. 2.On a warm spring day you plan to leave your dog in the car with a window cracked for a few minutes. Why is this dangerous?

    • AThe inside can get 40-50 degrees hotter than outside
    • BIt is only dangerous if the engine is left running
    • COnly a problem when it is over 100 degrees outside
    • DA cracked window keeps the car at a safe temperature
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. The inside can get 40-50 degrees hotter than outside

    Even with a window slightly open, a parked car in the sun heats fast and can reach 40-50 degrees above the outside air. Heat stroke and death can result.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 48

  3. 3.Your nephew is 6 years old and weighs 50 pounds. How must he ride in your car?

    • ABuckled into a regular adult seat belt
    • BAny way, since he weighs over 40 pounds
    • CIn a weight-appropriate child restraint
    • DOn an adult's lap in the back seat
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. In a weight-appropriate child restraint

    Until a child is 8 or reaches 80 pounds, North Carolina requires a child restraint sized for the child's weight, not just a seat belt.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 46

  4. 4.Up to what age does the handbook say children should ride buckled up in a rear seat?

    • AAge 12 and under
    • BAge 5 and under
    • CAge 8 and under
    • DAge 16 and under
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Age 12 and under

    Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat, because air bags can seriously injure or kill children riding in front.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 47