20 questions from the North Carolina Driver's Handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the legal speed requirement when driving through a highway work zone?
Answer: You must not drive greater than the speed limit that is set and posted. The handbook states that it is unlawful to exceed the posted speed limit while driving in a work zone.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 72: “It is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle greater than the speed limit that is set and posted while driving in a work zone.”
2. When backing your vehicle, what is the maximum speed recommended to maintain control?
Answer: Not more than 10 mph. The handbook states that vehicles should be backed very slowly, specifically not exceeding 10 mph, to ensure better control and stopping ability.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 58: “Back very slowly, not more than 10 mph — your vehicle is harder to control and to stop when it is backing.”
3. How far ahead should a good driver try to see on the roadway to practice defensive driving?
Answer: About 10 to 15 seconds ahead. The handbook states that good drivers aim to look 10 to 15 seconds ahead, which is roughly equivalent to one city block, to anticipate traffic conditions.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 70: “Good drivers try to see 10 to 15 seconds ahead on the roadway (about one city block).”
4. What is the required action for a passenger in the back seat during a traffic stop?
Answer: Place hands on the back of the front seat. The handbook specifies that back-seat passengers must place their hands on the back of the front seat to remain visible.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 52: “Passengers in the back seat should place their hands on the back of the front seat.”
5. Which certificate is NOT required for the driver of a school activity bus?
Answer: School Bus Driver’s Certificate. The handbook distinguishes school activity bus drivers from school bus drivers by noting the former do not need the specific School Bus Driver’s Certificate.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 13: “The requirements for the driver of a school activity bus are the same except a School Bus Driver’s Certificate is not required.”
6. 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;”
7. What is the recommended following distance adjustment when driving on wet pavement?
Answer: Allow at least twice the normal following distance. The handbook advises allowing at least twice the normal following distance to account for increased stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 74: “Stopping distances on slippery pavement increases from two to 10 times farther than on dry pavement; therefore, slow down and allow yourself at least twice the normal following distance.”
8. If you are about to be hit from the rear and there are no vehicles in front of you, what action does the handbook recommend?
Answer: Press the accelerator and move away as quickly as possible. The handbook advises pressing the accelerator to move away quickly if there is room, rather than braking or waiting.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 79: “If you are about to be hit from the rear, and there are no vehicles in front of you: • Press the accelerator and move away as quickly as possible;”
9. What is the typical distance range for posting a stop sign from an intersection?
Answer: Six to fifty feet. The handbook states that stop signs are typically placed between six and fifty feet away from the intersection.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 85: “The stop sign is usually posted six to 50 feet from the intersection.”
10. Which restriction regarding cell phone use applies to drivers under age 18 operating a vehicle?
Answer: They are not permitted to use a cell phone or associated technology while operating a vehicle. The handbook clearly states that drivers under age 18 are prohibited from using cell phones or associated technology while operating a vehicle.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 15: “If you are under the age of 18, you are not permitted to use a cell phone or other additional technology associated with a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area.”
11. Why must a driver ensure that traffic ahead will not stop before entering a railroad crossing?
Answer: To avoid blocking the crossing and trapping the vehicle on the tracks. Drivers must check ahead to ensure they do not get stuck on the tracks due to stopped traffic, which creates a hazard.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 64: “Crossing gates will not trap you, but stopping traffic might. Be sure the traffic ahead of you will not stop and block you in on the tracks;”
12. 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.”
13. What is the primary purpose of the Blue Sign found at railroad crossings in North Carolina?
Answer: To provide contact information for reporting emergencies directly to the railroad company. The Blue Sign is an Emergency Notification System sign used to contact the railroad company for emergencies or issues.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 64: “The ENS sign, known as the “Blue sign,” contains the railroad crossing identification number, name of the railroad company and an emergency telephone number to report emergencies, hazardous conditions or issues with railroad crossing lights or gates directly to the railroad company.”
14. When driving unsupervised with a Level Two Limited Provisional License, how many passengers under age 21 who are NOT members of the driver's household are permitted in the vehicle?
Answer: Exactly one passenger under age 21 who is not a household member. The handbook limits non-household passengers under age 21 to exactly one person when driving unsupervised.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 15: “When driving unsupervised, there may be one passenger that is under 21 that is not a member of the same household as the driver.”
15. What is the primary reason given for why bicyclists and right-turning motorists may collide at intersections?
Answer: Bicyclists ride to the right of motor vehicle traffic. The handbook identifies the position of bicyclists to the right of traffic as the cause of potential conflicts with right-turning vehicles.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 64: “Because bicyclists ride to the right of motor vehicle traffic, the potential exists for a crash between the bicyclist who is moving straight ahead through the intersection and the motorist who is turning right.”
16. According to the handbook, what is the primary reason for driving slower than surrounding traffic in a work zone?
Answer: It is a major cause of rear-end crashes. The handbook states that driving slower than surrounding traffic causes rear-end crashes, implying drivers should match speed rather than slow down unnecessarily.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 73: “Driving slower than the surrounding traffic is a major cause of rear-end crashes in work zones.”
17. What happens to a driver under the age of 21 who is convicted of driving with any amount of alcohol or drugs in their body?
Answer: Their license will be revoked for one year. The handbook mandates a one-year license revocation for underage drivers convicted of driving with any alcohol or drugs in their system.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 35: “If a driver who is less than 21 years old is convicted for an offense of driving with any amount of alcohol or drugs in their body, their license will be revoked for one year.”
18. What specific action should a driver take before making lane changes or turns to address blind spots?
Answer: Quickly turn your head and look over your shoulder. The handbook instructs drivers to physically turn their heads to check blind spots, as mirrors do not provide a complete view of the surroundings.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 70: “Therefore, before you make any lane changes or turns, quickly turn your head and look over your shoulder to see what is in the blind spot.”
19. What should a driver do if they encounter wildlife on the road?
Answer: Brake firmly, stay in your lane, and try to stop in time. The instructions specify braking firmly while maintaining lane position to safely stop for wildlife.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 76: “Brake firmly, stay in your lane, and try to stop in time.”
20. After stopping your vehicle for a law enforcement officer, what is the required action regarding the vehicle's status?
Answer: Place the vehicle in Park, roll down the window, turn off the engine, and silence devices. The handbook lists specific steps including parking, rolling down the window, turning off the engine, and silencing devices to facilitate communication.
North Carolina Driver's Handbook, page 51: “After the vehicle stops, you should place the vehicle in “Park,” roll down the window, turn off the engine, and silence any electronic devices and/or radio so that you can easily communicate with the officer.”