The North Carolina written test has 36 questions

The North Carolina written knowledge test contains 36 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass, which is a score of 78 percent or higher. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations on the road.

The test is administered by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at any DMV office across the state. You take it on a computer at the testing station. The questions are drawn from the North Carolina Driver's Handbook, which is available free on the DMV website and at every DMV office.

You have 30 minutes to complete the test. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in North Carolina, though some offices may have scheduling limits based on how busy they are.

Key Takeaways

  • The North Carolina written test is 36 questions, and you need a score of 78 percent (28 correct answers) to pass.
  • All questions come from material in the North Carolina Driver's Handbook, which you can read free online or pick up at any DMV office.
  • You have 30 minutes to finish the test, and you can retake it the same day if you do not pass.
  • The test is taken on a computer at your local DMV office, not on paper.

What the test covers

The 36 questions test your knowledge of North Carolina traffic laws and safe driving. The test includes questions about road signs and what they mean, speed limits and when they change, right-of-way rules at intersections and roundabouts, and how to handle pedestrians and cyclists. You will also see questions about parking rules, what to do if you are pulled over by police, and how to respond to emergency vehicles.

Questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and seat belt laws appear on most tests. The DMV also includes questions about what to do if your brakes fail, how to drive in bad weather, and how to handle a skid. A few questions cover vehicle maintenance basics like checking your tire pressure and oil.

How to prepare for the test

The North Carolina Driver's Handbook is the only study material you need. It is available as a free PDF on the DMV website at ncdmv.org, or you can request a printed copy at any DMV office. Read through the entire handbook before you test — most people who fail do so because they did not study the handbook first.

Many people use practice tests to get familiar with the format and the types of questions asked. The DMV website offers a practice test that mimics the real test. Taking the practice test multiple times until you score above 85 percent is a solid way to prepare, since it shows you which topics you need to review more carefully in the handbook.

Study the road signs section closely. Road sign questions make up a significant portion of the test, and many people miss them because they do not spend enough time on that part of the handbook.

What happens if you fail

If you score below 78 percent, you fail the test. You can retake it when ready at most DMV offices — you do not have to wait days or weeks. However, you will have to pay the test fee again. The fee in North Carolina is currently $10 for the written test.

Some DMV offices are busier than others and may not have another testing slot available the same day you fail. Call ahead or check the DMV website to see if same-day retesting is available at your location. If not, you can schedule another appointment for the next available day.

The difference between the written test and the road test

The written test and the road test are separate. You must pass the written test first before you can schedule a road test. The road test is where a DMV examiner watches you drive and grades your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The road test is longer and more involved than the written test, but it tests different skills.

Some people pass the written test on their first try but fail the road test, and vice versa. Passing the written test means you know the rules; passing the road test means you can explore those rules while driving.

Testing accommodations in North Carolina

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have a disability that affects your ability to take the test as written, the North Carolina DMV offers accommodations. You can request an interpreter, large-print test materials, or extra time to complete the test. Contact your local DMV office at least one week before your test date to request accommodations.

The DMV also offers the written test in languages other than English. Spanish is available at most offices. If you need the test in another language, contact the DMV ahead of time to confirm availability at your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. You cannot bring any materials into the testing area except your ID. The test is proctored, meaning a DMV staff member watches while you take it. Using your phone or any other device during the test will result in when ready disqualification and you will not be allowed to retake it that day.

What if I do not speak English well?

The North Carolina DMV offers the written test in Spanish at most offices. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DMV office at least one week in advance to see if it can be arranged. Some offices may need more notice for languages other than Spanish.

Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

If you are moving to North Carolina and already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you may not have to take the written test. You will still need to pass a road test and meet other requirements. Contact your local DMV office to find out what applies to your situation.

How long is the test valid if I pass it?

Your passing score is valid for 12 months from the date you pass. This means you have one year to schedule and pass your road test. If you do not pass the road test within 12 months, you will have to retake the written test.