19 questions from the North Carolina Driver's Handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights, how should a driver treat the signal?
Answer: Stop, just as you would stop for any flashing red traffic signal. The handbook clarifies that flashing red lights at a crossing require a complete stop, identical to the requirement for a standard flashing red traffic signal.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 63: “When flashing red lights are used with crossbuck signs at the railroad crossing, you must stop, just as you would stop for any flashing red traffic signal;”
2. Under what specific time window may a holder of a Level Two Limited Provisional License drive without supervision?
Answer: From 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. The handbook states that unsupervised driving is permitted from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m., in addition to specific work or emergency service trips.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 15: “You may drive without supervision from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. and at any time when driving directly to or from work or any volunteer fire, rescue or emergency medical service, if you are a member.”
3. 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.”
4. 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.”
5. 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.”
6. 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.”
7. 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.”
8. During the first six months of holding a Level One Limited Learner Permit, between which hours is the holder authorized to drive?
Answer: Between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. The handbook states the specific time window for driving during the initial six-month period of the Level One permit.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 14: “During the first six months, a level one permit authorizes you to drive between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., while accompanied by your supervising driver.”
9. What is the default speed limit in cities and towns unless otherwise posted?
Answer: 35 mph. The handbook establishes 35 mph as the standard speed limit for cities and towns when no other sign is present.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 55: “Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 35 mph in cities and towns.”
10. What is the minimum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold that proves impairment for a driver of a Commercial Motor Vehicle?
Answer: 0.04 percent. The handbook specifies that for Commercial Motor Vehicles, the BAC threshold for proving impairment is 0.04 percent or more.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 33: “By proving the driver's blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or more, or 0.04 or more, if you are driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle.”
11. If you are driving in a city and realize you are not in the proper lane to make a turn, what should you do?
Answer: Continue to the next intersection and turn there. The handbook instructs drivers to proceed to the next intersection if they are in the wrong lane for their intended turn.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 65: “If you intend to make a turn and find that you are not in the proper lane, continue to the next intersection and turn there.”
12. How should a driver handle a skipped or broken yellow center line on a two-lane, two-way road?
Answer: Pass with care if the line is in your lane. The handbook states that passing with care is permitted when the skipped-yellow line is on the driver's side of the road.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 90: “On a two-lane road, passing with care is permitted if the skipped-yellow line is in your lane.”
13. Under the seat belt law described, who must wear a seat belt even if the vehicle has air bags?
Answer: All occupants. The handbook mandates that every person in the vehicle must wear a seat belt, regardless of the presence of air bags.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 45: “Under the seat belt law, all occupants MUST wear seat belts even if the vehicle is equipped with air bags.”
14. If you miss your intended exit while driving on an interstate highway, what should you do?
Answer: Proceed to the next exit and leave the highway there. The handbook instructs drivers to continue to the next exit rather than slowing down, backing up, or turning around after missing an exit.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 67: “If you miss an exit, do not slow down, back up or try to turn around. Proceed to the next exit and leave the highway there instead.”
15. Which shape is exclusively used for stop signs according to the handbook?
Answer: Eight-sided (octagon). The handbook identifies the octagon as the specific shape reserved solely for stop signs, while other shapes are assigned to different sign types.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 85: “The octagonal shape is used for stop signs only.”
16. How should a driver react if a pedestrian starts crossing against a red signal while the driver has a green light?
Answer: Give a warning with your horn. The handbook instructs drivers to use their horn as a warning when a pedestrian crosses against the signal while the driver has the right of way.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 49: “If you are moving through an intersection with a green signal and a pedestrian starts to cross in your path against the red signal, give a warning with your horn.”
17. Where should passengers stand when a vehicle has a blowout and needs a tire change?
Answer: Off the road or shoulder, not in front or to the rear of the vehicle. Passengers must move off the road or shoulder and avoid standing directly in front of or behind the vehicle.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 78: “Move passengers off the road or shoulder — do not allow them to stand in front or to the rear of the vehicle.”
18. What is the primary function of the pennant-shaped yellow warning sign according to the handbook?
Answer: It emphasizes the rectangular regulatory 'DO NOT PASS' sign. The handbook states that the pennant sign emphasizes the regulatory sign rather than replacing it.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 86: “The pennant–shaped yellow warning sign emphasizes, rather than replaces, the rectangular regulatory “DO NOT PASS” sign.”
19. What is the recommended practice regarding lane usage on a one-way street?
Answer: Use the center lane(s) for through-travel and the outside lanes for turning. The handbook specifies that on one-way streets, center lanes are for going straight while outside lanes are for turning.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 65: “On a one-way street, use the center lane(s) for through-travel and the outside lanes for turning.”