How many questions are on the North Carolina permit test?

The North Carolina written permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions. Additionally, there is a separate road signs test where you must correctly identify road signs.

What's the passing score for the North Carolina written test?

You must get at least 20 correct answers out of 25 (80%) to pass the North Carolina written knowledge test.

How much does the North Carolina written knowledge test cost?

The written knowledge test fee in North Carolina is $21.50.

How old do I have to be to take the North Carolina permit test?

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit in North Carolina if you're in the teen graduated licensing program, or 18 years old if you're an adult applying for a learner's permit.

Can I take the North Carolina DMV test in Spanish or other languages?

Yes, North Carolina offers written tests in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, French, German, Russian, Hindi, Japanese, and Dari. The state also provides oral tests and free interpreter assistance upon request.

How many times can I retake the North Carolina written test?

You are allowed up to 3 attempts within a 90-day period from your initial application. You must wait at least 7 calendar days between attempts. If you don't pass within 3 attempts or if 90 days pass without passing, you'll need to start the entire process over with a new application.

Is the North Carolina permit test online or in person?

The North Carolina permit test is administered in person at NCDMV driver license offices. You cannot take the test online; you must visit a physical office location and take the test on a computer terminal there.

What documents do I need to bring to the North Carolina DMV?

You'll need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or bank statement), and a completed application form. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must provide written consent. Bring original documents—photocopies are not accepted.

North Carolina DMV Practice Test

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) administers driver licensing and testing across the state. Before you can drive legally, you'll need to pass the written knowledge test, which evaluates your understanding of traffic laws, safe driving practices, and road signs. North Carolina offers comprehensive testing through its network of driver license offices statewide. The written permit test is designed to ensure that all new drivers have a solid foundation in road safety and DMV regulations. Whether you're a teenager working through the graduated licensing program or an adult getting your first license, you'll need to demonstrate competency on the written exam. North Carolina makes it accessible by offering tests in multiple languages and scheduling appointments at convenient locations throughout the state.

Available North Carolina practice tests

What's on the North Carolina written test

The North Carolina DMV written test is administered in person at driver license offices throughout the state. When you arrive, you'll check in and provide your identification documents. You'll be seated at a testing station and given your 25-question exam, which you'll complete on a computer terminal. The test covers everything in the North Carolina Driver Handbook, including traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking regulations, speed limits, and how to interpret road signs and signals. After finishing the written test, if you pass, you'll proceed to the road signs portion, where you'll be shown various signs and asked to identify them and explain their meaning. The entire process usually takes about an hour from check-in to completion. You should arrive early, bring all required documents, and plan to spend the full appointment time at the office. Staff can answer procedural questions but cannot help with test content.

Car / standard license

The North Carolina written knowledge test for a regular driver's license consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and vehicle equipment. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80% passing score) to pass. The test typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete. The fee for the written test is $21.50. You are allowed up to 3 attempts within a 90-day period; if you fail, you must wait at least 7 calendar days before retaking. Road signs identification is tested separately, and you must miss no more than 2 signs to pass. Both tests must be completed in person at an NCDMV office.

Motorcycle endorsement

The motorcycle learner's permit costs $21.50 and requires passing a motorcycle knowledge test and road sign identification test. The motorcycle endorsement application fee is $43.25 (allows three attempts). After obtaining your learner's permit, you must pass both a motorcycle knowledge test and an off-street motorcycle skills test to earn your endorsement. Riders ages 16-18 must complete a motorcycle safety course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program.

Commercial driver license (CDL)

North Carolina's Commercial Driver License program requires passing the general knowledge test plus additional endorsement exams. The commercial learner's permit application fee is $43.25. Available endorsements include Hazardous Materials (H), Passengers (P), School Bus (S), Tanker Vehicles (N), Doubles/Triples (T), and combinations. Endorsement fees are $5.00 per year per endorsement. HazMat endorsements require a TSA background check in addition to the written test.

Study tips for the North Carolina written test

Study the official North Carolina Driver Handbook thoroughly—it's the primary source for all test questions, available free online at the NCDMV website
Focus on North Carolina-specific traffic laws, including the state's graduated licensing program rules for teen drivers
Use online practice tests to familiarize yourself with the computer-based testing format and question styles
Pay special attention to road signs, as the separate signs test requires 100% accuracy on all but 2 signs
Review speed limit rules and right-of-way scenarios, which are heavily featured on North Carolina tests
Take practice tests multiple times until you consistently score 80% or higher before your actual test
Study for at least one week, dedicating 30-45 minutes daily to review and practice
If English is not your first language, North Carolina offers tests in Spanish and other languages—confirm this at your scheduled office

More North Carolina resources

Official agency: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the North Carolina permit test?: The North Carolina written permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions. Additionally, there is a separate road signs test where you must correctly identify road signs.
What's the passing score for the North Carolina written test?: You must get at least 20 correct answers out of 25 (80%) to pass the North Carolina written knowledge test.
How much does the North Carolina written knowledge test cost?: The written knowledge test fee in North Carolina is $21.50.
How old do I have to be to take the North Carolina permit test?: You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit in North Carolina if you're in the teen graduated licensing program, or 18 years old if you're an adult applying for a learner's permit.
Can I take the North Carolina DMV test in Spanish or other languages?: Yes, North Carolina offers written tests in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, French, German, Russian, Hindi, Japanese, and Dari. The state also provides oral tests and free interpreter assistance upon request.
How many times can I retake the North Carolina written test?: You are allowed up to 3 attempts within a 90-day period from your initial application. You must wait at least 7 calendar days between attempts. If you don't pass within 3 attempts or if 90 days pass without passing, you'll need to start the entire process over with a new application.
Is the North Carolina permit test online or in person?: The North Carolina permit test is administered in person at NCDMV driver license offices. You cannot take the test online; you must visit a physical office location and take the test on a computer terminal there.
What documents do I need to bring to the North Carolina DMV?: You'll need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or bank statement), and a completed application form. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must provide written consent. Bring original documents—photocopies are not accepted.