North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test 2: 50 Questions
Practice Test 2 has 50 multiple-choice questions on North Carolina driving rules, including North Carolina rural highway speed, high beam dimming oncoming, high beam dimming following and NC fire hydrant parking. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.
More North Carolina Practice Tests
What Practice Test 2 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- North Carolina Rural Highway Speed
- High Beam Dimming Oncoming
- High Beam Dimming Following
- NC Fire Hydrant Parking
- NC Open Container Law
- Alcohol First Effect
- NC Adult BAC
- NC Roundabout Entry
- School Bus Divided Highway
- Move Over Law
- Following Distance Increase Conditions
- Hydroplaning
- Fog Rain Snow
- Emergency Vehicle from Behind
- Interstate Breakdown
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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On many rural North Carolina highways outside cities, the general speed limit when not otherwise posted is around:
Show answer
C. 55 mph, unless signs show a different limit
On many rural state highways the maximum speed is 55 mph unless speed limit signs say otherwise.
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You should dim your high-beam headlights when you are within about:
Show answer
C. 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle
High beams can blind oncoming drivers, so switch to low beams well in advance.
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If another vehicle is just ahead of you at night, you should use:
Show answer
B. Low-beam headlights so you do not shine into their mirrors
Using low beams when following another vehicle helps prevent glare in the driver’s mirrors.
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You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant in North Carolina?
Show answer
C. 15 feet
Leaving space around fire hydrants lets firefighters connect hoses quickly in an emergency.
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Alcohol mainly affects which driving skill first?
Show answer
C. Judgment and decision-making
Alcohol weakens judgment first, making it easier to take risks and misjudge situations.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 2, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. In most North Carolina cities and towns, what is the usual speed limit when no limit is posted?
Correct answer: 35 mph, unless a different limit is posted
Why: In many built-up areas the default speed limit is 35 mph when there are no speed limit signs.
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Q2. On many rural North Carolina highways outside cities, the general speed limit when not otherwise posted is around:
Correct answer: 55 mph, unless signs show a different limit
Why: On many rural state highways the maximum speed is 55 mph unless speed limit signs say otherwise.
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Q3. When are you allowed to turn right on a steady red light in North Carolina?
Correct answer: After a full stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign says NO TURN ON RED
Why: After you stop completely and the way is clear, you may turn right on red unless a sign prohibits it.
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Q4. You must NOT turn right on red when:
Correct answer: A sign posted at the intersection says NO TURN ON RED
Why: Signs that say NO TURN ON RED mean you must remain stopped until the light turns green.
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Q5. A steady yellow traffic light means you should:
Correct answer: Stop before the intersection if you can do so safely
Why: A yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Stop if you can safely do so.
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Q6. A flashing red traffic light at an intersection means you must:
Correct answer: Come to a full stop and proceed only when it is safe
Why: A flashing red light works like a stop sign. Stop completely, then go when traffic is clear.
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Q7. A flashing yellow traffic light tells you to:
Correct answer: Slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution
Why: A flashing yellow warns you to be careful, but you do not have to stop unless needed for safety.
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Q8. A green arrow pointing left at an intersection means you may:
Correct answer: Make a protected left turn, watching for pedestrians in the crosswalk
Why: A green arrow gives you a protected turn in that direction while opposing traffic is stopped.
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Q9. Double solid yellow lines in the center of a two-way road mean:
Correct answer: No passing is allowed for traffic in either direction
Why: Double solid yellow lines mark a no-passing zone in both directions.
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Q10. A single broken yellow line between lanes of traffic on a two-way road means:
Correct answer: Passing is permitted when the lane is clear of oncoming traffic
Why: A broken yellow line lets you pass when you can do so safely and no oncoming traffic is present.
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Q11. You must not pass another vehicle on a two-lane road when:
Correct answer: You are within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing
Why: Passing near intersections, railroad crossings, hills, or curves is dangerous and often illegal.
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Q12. Who has the right-of-way at a four-way stop intersection?
Correct answer: The first vehicle to stop, or the driver on the right if two arrive at the same time
Why: First-come, first-served applies. When in doubt, yield to the driver on your right.
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Q13. At an uncontrolled intersection (no signs or signals), you should:
Correct answer: Slow down, be ready to stop, and yield to traffic already in the intersection
Why: Approach cautiously and be prepared to yield to avoid a collision.
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Q14. A YIELD sign at an intersection means you must:
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop for traffic and pedestrians
Why: Yield signs require you to let other road users go first when there is cross traffic.
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Q15. When entering a roundabout in North Carolina, you must:
Correct answer: Yield to traffic already in the circle and enter to the right when there is a safe gap
Why: Vehicles in the roundabout have the right-of-way. Enter only when there is enough space.
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Q16. When a school bus stops on a two-lane road with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, you must:
Correct answer: Stop in both directions until the lights stop flashing
Why: On a two-lane road, all traffic in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with red lights flashing.
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Q17. On a divided highway with a median, a school bus on the opposite side has red lights flashing. In most cases you:
Correct answer: Do not need to stop, but you should use extra caution
Why: If lanes are separated by a physical median, traffic on the opposite side usually is not required to stop, but must remain alert.
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Q18. North Carolina’s Move Over law requires you to:
Correct answer: Slow down and move over a lane away from stopped emergency or service vehicles when possible
Why: Reduce speed and move over if you can safely do so whenever you see flashing lights on the shoulder.
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Q19. When should you increase your following distance beyond the normal two- or three-second rule?
Correct answer: In rain, fog, at night, or when following large trucks or motorcycles
Why: Poor conditions and limited visibility require more space so you have time to react.
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Q20. Hydroplaning happens when:
Correct answer: Your tires ride on a thin layer of water and lose contact with the road
Why: When tires cannot channel water away, they can lose grip and slide across the water on the road.
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Q21. If you start to hydroplane on a wet highway, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until your tires grip the road again
Why: Sudden braking or steering can make hydroplaning worse. Gently slowing helps regain traction.
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Q22. When driving in fog, heavy rain, or snow, you should use:
Correct answer: Low-beam headlights
Why: Low beams reduce glare and help you see the road and other vehicles more clearly in bad weather.
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Q23. Headlights must be used in North Carolina from:
Correct answer: Sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is poor
Why: Use headlights at night and anytime you cannot clearly see the road or other vehicles ahead.
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Q24. You should dim your high-beam headlights when you are within about:
Correct answer: 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle
Why: High beams can blind oncoming drivers, so switch to low beams well in advance.
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Q25. If another vehicle is just ahead of you at night, you should use:
Correct answer: Low-beam headlights so you do not shine into their mirrors
Why: Using low beams when following another vehicle helps prevent glare in the driver’s mirrors.
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Q26. When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights or lowered gates, you must:
Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the gates are fully raised
Why: Flashing lights and gates mean a train is near. Never drive around lowered gates.
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Q27. You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians:
Correct answer: In marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections
Why: Drivers must watch for pedestrians and yield in any crosswalk at intersections.
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Q28. When a pedestrian has the WALK signal and is crossing, you should:
Correct answer: Wait until the pedestrian has safely crossed before turning
Why: Let pedestrians finish crossing before you move into or through the crosswalk.
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Q29. When passing a bicyclist on the road, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and give them as much space as you safely can
Why: Bicyclists are vulnerable road users. Passing slowly and with extra room helps prevent a crash.
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Q30. Why should you look twice for motorcycles at intersections?
Correct answer: They are smaller and can be easily hidden in traffic or blind spots
Why: Because of their size, motorcycles can be harder to see. Always scan carefully before turning or changing lanes.
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Q31. In North Carolina, most passenger vehicles must have which occupants buckled?
Correct answer: The driver and all passengers
Why: Wearing seat belts is required for the driver and all passengers for safety.
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Q32. Children should ride in an appropriate child safety seat or booster until they:
Correct answer: Reach the recommended age and size for adult seat belts
Why: Use child safety seats and boosters until children are big enough for seat belts to fit properly.
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Q33. Texting while driving in North Carolina is:
Correct answer: Illegal and extremely dangerous
Why: Texting takes your eyes and attention away from driving and is against the law.
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Q34. Alcohol mainly affects which driving skill first?
Correct answer: Judgment and decision-making
Why: Alcohol weakens judgment first, making it easier to take risks and misjudge situations.
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Q35. For drivers age 21 and older, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is:
Correct answer: Illegal and considered driving while impaired
Why: A BAC of 0.08% or more can lead to arrest, fines, and license suspension.
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Q36. If an aggressive driver is tailgating you on a North Carolina highway, you should:
Correct answer: Stay calm, avoid confrontation, and move to another lane when it is safe so they can pass
Why: The safest response is to create space and let the aggressive driver go by.
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Q37. If you feel very tired while driving, the safest thing to do is:
Correct answer: Exit the road at a safe place and rest
Why: The only real cure for drowsiness is rest. Short-term tricks do not keep you safe.
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Q38. When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren approaches from behind you, you must:
Correct answer: Move to the right side of the road and stop until it passes
Why: Pulling over to the right and stopping gives emergency vehicles a clear path.
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Q39. If your vehicle breaks down on an interstate, you should:
Correct answer: Move onto the shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and stay away from traffic
Why: Get as far off the roadway as possible, use hazard lights, and keep yourself out of moving traffic.
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Q40. If a tire suddenly blows out while you are driving, you should:
Correct answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and let the vehicle slow down
Why: A blowout can make the vehicle pull to one side. Steer straight and slow down gradually.
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Q41. If your vehicle begins to skid on a slippery road, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go
Why: Look where you want to go and steer gently in that direction. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
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Q42. When parking uphill with a curb, you should turn your front wheels:
Correct answer: Away from the curb
Why: Turning the wheels away from the curb lets the curb stop the vehicle if it rolls back.
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Q43. When parking downhill with a curb, you should turn your front wheels:
Correct answer: Toward the curb
Why: Turning the wheels toward the curb helps prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic.
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Q44. You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant in North Carolina?
Correct answer: 15 feet
Why: Leaving space around fire hydrants lets firefighters connect hoses quickly in an emergency.
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Q45. You may not park:
Correct answer: In front of a driveway or blocking a driveway entrance
Why: Blocking driveways can keep people from entering or leaving and is illegal.
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Q46. Before changing lanes on a multi-lane road, the last thing you should do is:
Correct answer: Quickly check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder
Why: A quick shoulder check helps you see vehicles that may not appear in your mirrors.
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Q47. If bright headlights from an oncoming vehicle are shining into your eyes at night, you should:
Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane and avoid staring at the lights
Why: Looking to the right side of your lane helps you stay in position without being blinded.
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Q48. When using an entrance ramp to enter an interstate in North Carolina, you should:
Correct answer: Use the acceleration lane to match the speed of traffic and merge when safe
Why: Use the ramp to get up to traffic speed and merge smoothly into a safe gap.
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Q49. If you miss your exit on an interstate, you should:
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit and then find a safe way to go back
Why: Never back up or cross the median. Go to the next exit and adjust your route.
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Q50. If you approach an intersection and the traffic signal turns yellow as you enter, you should:
Correct answer: Proceed with caution if you cannot stop safely
Why: A yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Proceed only if stopping safely is not possible.