20 questions from the North Carolina Driver's Handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When is it appropriate to proceed across railroad tracks if there is only a crossbuck sign and no lights or gates?
Answer: Only after yielding to the train and confirming it is safe. Even without active signals, drivers must yield to trains at crossings marked only by a crossbuck.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 63: “Vehicles must always yield to a train even when the crossing only has a crossbuck and no lights or gates;”
2. What do blue reflective pavement markers on roadways indicate?
Answer: The location of nearby fire hydrants or water supplies for fire-fighting units. The handbook states that blue markers identify fire hydrants or water supplies, distinguishing them from red markers which indicate wrong-way movements.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 90: “In some areas, blue reflective pavement markers on roadways indicate the location of nearby fire hydrants or water supplies for fire-fighting units.”
3. When should a driver use hand signals instead of flashing light signals according to visibility conditions?
Answer: Flashing lights are difficult to see in late afternoon and early morning due to sunlight reflection. The handbook notes that sunlight reflection can make flashing lights hard to see during specific times of day, suggesting hand signals might communicate better in those instances.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 71: “In late afternoon and early morning, the lenses may reflect sunlight, making it difficult to tell whether the signals are flashing.”
4. What is the correct action when approaching a yellow signal?
Answer: Stop unless you are too close to stop safely. Drivers are instructed to stop for yellow signals unless stopping safely is not possible due to proximity to the intersection.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 82: “Stop for a yellow signal unless you are too close to the intersection to stop safely — in that case, drive cautiously through the intersection.”
5. According to the handbook, which side of the road should pedestrians walk on?
Answer: The left side of the road facing traffic. The handbook instructs pedestrians to walk on the left side of the road while facing oncoming traffic.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 93: “Pedestrians should always: • Walk on the left side of the road facing traffic;”
6. What is the minimum distance a driver must maintain from a fire truck responding to a fire alarm?
Answer: One block. The handbook states the distance requirement as one block, distinguishing it from the 100-foot rule for other emergency vehicles.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 50: “Do not drive or park closer than one block from fire trucks responding to a fire alarm;”
7. According to the handbook, how far must a vehicle's brake or turn signal lights be visible in normal daylight?
Answer: At least 100 feet. The handbook states that these lights must be visible for a minimum distance of 100 feet during normal daylight conditions.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 68: “All motor vehicles produced since 1955 must have red or amber lights that engage when the brakes or turn signals are used — these lights may be combined with the taillights or may be separated, and they must be visible for at least 100 feet in normal daylight.”
8. What is the correct procedure when an unmarked car is stopping you and you have a legitimate concern about whether the officer is legitimate?
Answer: Call 9-1-1 before pulling over to verify the officer. The handbook advises calling 9-1-1 to verify the legitimacy of the stop before pulling over if you have concerns about an unmarked vehicle.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 51: “If an unmarked car is stopping you and you have a legitimate question or concern as to whether or not you are being stopped by an actual law enforcement officer, you may call 9-1-1 before pulling over.”
9. If your gas pedal sticks, which of the following is a recommended action?
Answer: Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels. The handbook advises shifting to neutral and applying firm brake pressure without locking wheels if the gas pedal sticks.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 77: “Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels; and/or • Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.”
10. When stopping at a railroad crossing, how should a driver position their vehicle relative to the highway lanes?
Answer: As far to the right of the highway as possible. Drivers are instructed to stay to the right to avoid blocking traffic, unless the road is wide enough for multiple lanes.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 62: “the driver shall keep as far to the right of the highway as possible and shall not form two lanes of traffic unless the roadway is marked for four or more lanes of traffic”
11. What is the maximum speed limit for a school bus as stated in the handbook?
Answer: 45 mph. The handbook directly specifies that the maximum speed limit for school buses is 45 miles per hour.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 49: “The maximum speed limit for a school bus is 45 mph.”
12. According to the handbook, why is driving on rural roads often considered more dangerous than driving in heavy city traffic?
Answer: Because rural roads may not be as wide, have poorer lighting, or higher travel speeds. The handbook lists narrower roads, poorer lighting, and higher speeds as reasons why rural driving is more dangerous than city driving.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 65: “Driving on rural roads is often more dangerous than driving in heavy city traffic because: • The road may not be as wide; • The lighting is often not as good; and/or • The travel speeds may be higher.”
13. What is the recommended speed adjustment when driving on packed snow?
Answer: Reduce speed by more than half. The handbook distinguishes between packed snow and ice, recommending a reduction of speed by more than half for packed snow, whereas 'slow to a crawl' applies specifically to ice.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 75: “It is recommended that you reduce speed by more than half for packed snow and slow to a crawl on ice.”
14. What does the handicap parking sign indicate about the reserved space?
Answer: It is reserved for persons displaying a handicap license plate or dashboard placard. The sign specifically requires the display of a handicap license plate or dashboard placard to use the reserved space.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 85: “The handicap parking sign indicates that a space is reserved for persons who qualify for and are displaying a handicap license plate or a dashboard placard.”
15. How far in advance must you signal before turning or stopping under general conditions (speed limit under 45 mph)?
Answer: At least the last 100 feet. The handbook specifies a minimum distance of 100 feet for signaling turns or stops when the speed limit is below the threshold requiring more distance.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 71: “Signal at least the last 100 feet before turning or stopping.”
16. If a driver fails to yield right of way resulting in serious bodily injury, what is the required suspension period?
Answer: 90 days. The handbook lists a 90-day suspension for failure to yield right of way when the offense causes serious bodily injury.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 39: “Failure to yield right of way when entering an intersection, turning at a stop or yield sign, entering a roadway, upon the approach of an emergency vehicle or at a highway construction or maintenance area when the offense results in serious bodily injury 90 days and $500”
17. How many years must a supervising driver have held a valid license?
Answer: At least five years. The handbook mandates that a supervising driver must have been licensed for a minimum of five years.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 14: “A supervising driver must hold a valid driver license and must have been licensed for at least five years.”
18. According to the handbook, how should a driver operate anti-lock brakes when trying to avoid skidding on wet or icy roads?
Answer: Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. The handbook instructs drivers to use firm, steady pressure on anti-lock brakes and specifically warns against pumping them.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 79: “Engage your anti-lock braking system using firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Do not PUMP anti-lock brakes.”
19. Under what condition may a person with a disability be issued a restricted license?
Answer: Provided the condition does not keep them from driving safely. The handbook states that a restricted license is issued if the disability does not prevent safe driving.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 11: “A person with a disability may be issued a restricted license provided the condition does not keep them from driving safely.”
20. How should a driver adjust side mirrors to ensure proper visibility?
Answer: To show the scene to the left and right rear of the vehicle, barely reflecting the side of the vehicle. The handbook specifies that side mirrors should show the rear sides and only barely reflect the vehicle's own side.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 68: “Adjust the side mirrors to show the scene to the left and right rear of the vehicle. The mirrors should barely reflect the side of the vehicle.”