20 questions from the North Carolina Driver's Handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the correct procedure for checking blind spots before changing lanes?
Answer: Check the side and rear-view mirrors and look over your shoulder. The handbook mandates checking both mirrors and physically looking over the shoulder to ensure the blind spot is clear before changing lanes.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 56: “Important rules about changing lanes: • Check the side and rear-view mirrors; • Check over your shoulder to be certain the blind spot is clear;”
2. What is the correct procedure for a driver already inside a roundabout when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and sirens approaches?
Answer: Exit the roundabout first, then pull over to let the emergency vehicle pass. Drivers currently in the roundabout must complete their exit before stopping to yield to emergency vehicles.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 61: “If drivers are already in the roundabout, exit first, then pull over to let the emergency vehicle pass.”
3. What must a driver do when approaching a triangular yield sign?
Answer: Slow down and yield the right of way, stopping only if necessary to avoid interfering with traffic. The rule for yield signs is to slow down and yield, with stopping being conditional on traffic flow rather than mandatory in all cases.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 85: “When you approach the yield sign, you must slow down and yield the right of way. Your need to stop depends on the traffic on the intersecting street.”
4. When approaching an authorized emergency vehicle parked within 12 feet of the roadway on a highway with only one lane of traffic in your direction, what action is required?
Answer: Slow your speed and drive at a reduced, safe speed until completely past. The handbook dictates that on single-lane roads in your direction, drivers must reduce speed safely rather than changing lanes or stopping completely.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 51: “On a highway with only one lane of traffic in the same direction you are traveling, you must slow your speed and drive at a reduced, safe speed until completely past the emergency vehicle.”
5. How long must a driver hold a Level One Limited Learner Permit before applying for a Limited Provisional License?
Answer: Nine months. The handbook mandates a holding period of nine months for the Level One permit before the next licensing stage can be pursued.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 14: “You must hold this permit for nine months prior to applying for a Limited Provisional License.”
6. How do vehicles already inside a roundabout interact with approaching vehicles?
Answer: They do not yield to approaching vehicles. Traffic already circulating within the roundabout maintains the right of way and does not yield to incoming traffic.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 61: “Everyone using the roundabout moves in a counterclockwise direction, and those already in it do not yield to approaching vehicles.”
7. According to the handbook, what is the recommended procedure for drying wet brakes?
Answer: Drive a short distance while applying light pressure to the brake pedal. The handbook specifies that driving a short distance with light brake pressure generates heat to evaporate water from the linings.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 77: “Driving a short distance; and • Applying light pressure to the brake pedal. The heat generated by the friction of the brakes will evaporate the water from the brake linings.”
8. What is the required behavior for bicyclists inside a multi-lane roundabout?
Answer: Stay in the middle of their chosen lane. Bicyclists are instructed to remain centered in their selected lane rather than using the shoulder or changing lanes.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 61: “Bicyclists should pick the appropriate lane before entering a multi-lane roundabout and stay in the middle of their chosen lane.”
9. In an intersection without traffic signs or signals, if two vehicles arrive at the same time, which vehicle has the right of way?
Answer: The vehicle to the right. According to the right-of-way rules for uncontrolled intersections, the driver on the right has priority when vehicles arrive simultaneously.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 59: “When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way;”
10. Why should a driver wait until the red lights have stopped flashing before moving ahead after a train passes?
Answer: Because there may be another train moving in the opposite direction. The handbook advises waiting for the lights to stop flashing because a second train could be approaching from the opposite direction or following the first one.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 63: “Do not proceed to move immediately after the train has passed — there may be another train moving in the opposite direction from or following the first train;”
11. What alcohol concentration restriction applies to a driver upon their second or subsequent license restoration following a DWI suspension?
Answer: 0.00. While the first restoration allows a limit of 0.04, the handbook mandates a strict 0.00 limit for any subsequent restorations.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 34: “On a second or subsequent restoration, the alcohol concentration restriction will be 0.00.”
12. What action is required when a flashing yellow arrow is displayed for a turn?
Answer: Make the turn but yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The flashing yellow arrow allows the turn but requires the driver to yield to other traffic and pedestrians first.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 83: “When the flashing yellow arrow is shown, the indicated turn is permitted but drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.”
13. Which shape characterizes the route markers for North Carolina state routes?
Answer: Diamond. The handbook specifies that North Carolina route markers are diamond-shaped, distinguishing them from U.S. highway shields.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 87: “North Carolina route markers are diamond shaped.”
14. In a multi-lane roundabout, how should a driver prepare to exit the circle?
Answer: Be sure you are in the outside lane before reaching the exit. Drivers must position themselves in the outside lane prior to exiting a multi-lane roundabout to ensure safe navigation.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 60: “If there is more than one lane in the circle, be sure you are in the outside lane before you come to the place where you intend to exit the circle.”
15. When approaching a railroad grade crossing where a signal gives warning of an immediate train approach, within what distance from the nearest rail must a driver stop?
Answer: Within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet. The handbook defines the stopping zone as being between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 62: “the driver of the vehicle shall stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad”
16. On a divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation, who must stop when a school bus stops for passengers?
Answer: Only traffic following the bus. The rule specifies that on divided highways with a median, only vehicles traveling in the same direction behind the bus are required to stop.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 50: “Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation: When school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop.”
17. How long is the mandatory driver license revocation period following a first conviction for Driving While Impaired (DWI)?
Answer: One year. The handbook states that a first DWI conviction results in a mandatory license revocation lasting exactly one year.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 34: “First conviction: Mandatory revocation of your driver license for a period of one year.”
18. Who is permitted to sit in the front seat when a driver holds a Level One Limited Learner Permit?
Answer: Only the driver and the supervising driver. The rule restricts front-seat occupancy strictly to the permit holder and their designated supervising driver.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 14: “No one except the driver and the supervising driver are allowed in the front seat.”
19. When a funeral procession is proceeding through a red light, what must a driver not in the procession do if facing a green light?
Answer: Not enter the intersection unless it can be done safely and without crossing the path of the procession. Drivers outside the procession must wait unless they can cross safely without interfering with the procession's path.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 54: “When a funeral procession is proceeding through a red light, the driver of a vehicle that is not in the procession shall not enter the intersection even if facing a green light, unless it can be done safely and without crossing the path of the procession.”
20. What is the approximate stopping distance required for a vehicle traveling at 55 miles per hour under ideal conditions?
Answer: 211 feet. The handbook states that a vehicle traveling at 55 mph requires approximately 211 feet to stop completely.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 55: “Even with ideal conditions, if you are traveling 55 miles per hour your vehicle requires approximately 211 feet to stop completely.”