North Carolina permit test: vehicle equipment
Required lights, mirrors, brakes, tires, horn, muffler, emergency flashers and other equipment. 9 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember8 key vehicle equipment rulesShow the rules
- With high beams you should be able to see a person 200 feet away; with low beams, 75 feet away. (p. 67, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- Overloading the rear of a vehicle can tilt the front up and cause headlight glare for oncoming drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. (p. 67, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- Taillights must be red and visible for at least 500 feet. (p. 67, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- With ABS, brake hard and keep firm, steady pressure on the pedal. (p. 68, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- A fully pressed brake pedal should stay at least one-third of its original distance from the floor. (p. 68, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- An exhaust leak can let poisonous carbon monoxide into the passenger compartment. (p. 69, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- Check tire pressure at least once a month, ideally when the tires are cool, and follow the manufacturer's recommended pressure. (p. 69, North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025) (opens the handbook))
- Every licensed vehicle needs a working horn that can be heard for at least 200 feet, without an unreasonably loud or harsh sound. (p. 69, 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 vehicle equipment questions
1.When is a tire considered unsafe to drive on in North Carolina?
- AOnly when it is flat
- BWhen it has less than 1/4 inch of tread
- CWhen it is more than one year old
- DWhen it has less than 1/16 inch of tread
Show the answer
✓ D. When it has less than 1/16 inch of tread
A tire is unsafe if it is cut, cracked or worn to show the cord, has visible tread separation, or has less than 1/16 inch of tread.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 68
2.Your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS). How should you brake in an emergency stop situation?
- APump the brake pedal quickly
- BBrake hard and keep firm, steady pressure
- CTap the brake lightly and only steer
- DPull up on the parking brake
Show the answer
✓ B. Brake hard and keep firm, steady pressure
With ABS, brake hard and keep firm, steady pressure on the pedal. Pumping or easing off reduces how well the ABS works.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 68
3.From how far away must your red taillights be visible?
- AAt least 200 feet
- BAt least 100 feet
- CAt least 50 feet
- DAt least 500 feet
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✓ D. At least 500 feet
Taillights must be red and visible for at least 500 feet. The license plate light must make the numbers visible for at least 50 feet.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 67
4.You feel drowsy and get headaches when you drive, and you suspect an exhaust leak. Why is that dangerous?
- AIt only wastes fuel and costs money
- BCarbon monoxide can make you sleepy or pass out
- CIt only matters when the car is parked
- DIt makes the engine louder but is harmless
Show the answer
✓ B. Carbon monoxide can make you sleepy or pass out
An exhaust leak can let poisonous carbon monoxide into the passenger compartment. Even small amounts can make you sleepy or unconscious, so check the exhaust system often.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 69