North Carolina permit test: sharing the road
Pedestrians, motorcyclists, school buses, emergency vehicles and the Move Over law, law enforcement stops, farm equipment, funeral processions, bicycles, trucks and No-Zones, RVs and mopeds. 31 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
- The law gives a blind pedestrian with a white cane, a red-tipped white cane, or a guide dog special consideration at intersections without signals. (p. 48, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- On a two-lane road, when a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop. (p. 49, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- On a divided highway of four lanes or more with a median, only traffic following the bus must stop. (p. 50, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- Leave at least 100 feet between where you park and an emergency vehicle working a crash scene. (p. 50, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- The Move Over law covers public service vehicles, such as tow trucks, that are helping motorists with wrecked or disabled vehicles. (p. 51, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- All bicycle riders and passengers under age 16 must wear an approved bicycle helmet and sit on a saddle seat. (p. 92, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- A truck's No-Zones include up to 20 feet in front of the cab, both sides, and up to 200 feet behind. (p. 94, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- On slippery roads a motorcycle has only two wheels on the pavement and can become unstable. (p. 95, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- You must be at least 16 to ride a moped on a public road, and you need a valid N.C. (p. 95, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- By law, a moped's top speed cannot exceed 30 mph. (p. 95, 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.
Sample sharing the road questions
1.How far behind a tractor-trailer can its rear No-Zone extend?
- AUp to 500 feet
- BUp to 50 feet
- CUp to 20 feet
- DUp to 200 feet
Show the answer
✓ D. Up to 200 feet
A truck's No-Zones include up to 20 feet in front of the cab, both sides, and up to 200 feet behind. If you can't see the driver in their mirror, they can't see you.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 94
2.A farm tractor ahead signals left with the operator's hand and starts to slow. What should you do?
- APass in the no-passing zone carefully
- BPass it quickly before it turns
- CHonk and pass on the right
- DWait; the operator may be turning left
Show the answer
✓ D. Wait; the operator may be turning left
Many farm equipment crashes happen when a driver mistakes a left-turn signal for a sign to pass. Be patient and don't pass while it may be turning.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 53
3.What is the top legal speed for a moped in North Carolina?
- A30 mph
- B45 mph
- C20 mph
- D35 mph
Show the answer
✓ A. 30 mph
By law, a moped's top speed cannot exceed 30 mph. Mopeds that can go faster are illegal to use in North Carolina.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 95
4.How old must you be to ride a moped on a public road in North Carolina?
- A18 years old
- B16 years old
- C14 years old
- D15 years old
Show the answer
✓ B. 16 years old
You must be at least 16 to ride a moped on a public road, and you need a valid N.C. driver license or ID card. DWI laws apply to moped riders too.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 95