Free North Carolina DMV Practice Test 2026 (NC)

Question 1

What should you pay attention to when driving on a city street?
I. Cars emerging from side streets.
II. Animals or small children who may run out from behind parked cars.

Accepted Answer

Both I and II.

Answer

Only I.

Answer

Only II.

Answer

Neither I nor II.

Question 2

When driving in heavy traffic, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Watch for drivers who brake suddenly.

Answer

Yield to pedestrians only at marked crosswalks.

Question 3

If you are in the wrong lane to make a left turn at an intersection, you should:

Accepted Answer

Go to the next intersection and make the turn there.

Answer

Reverse and move into the correct lane for the turn.

Answer

Wait until all cars leave the intersection and then make the turn.

Answer

Signal to the driver in the adjacent lane to let you turn in front of them.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about secondary roads is correct?

I. Sight distances are often very short.
II. Grades and curves are often steeper than on primary roads.

Accepted Answer

Both I and II.

Answer

Only I.

Answer

Only II.

Answer

Neither I nor II.

Question 5

What is the most common type of traffic accident on interstates?

Accepted Answer

Rear-end collision.

Answer

Side collision.

Answer

Running off the road.

Answer

Head-on collision.

Question 6

When planning a long trip on the interstate, you should:

Accepted Answer

Plan to stop at a rest area every 100 miles.

Answer

Allow for several hours of night driving to avoid heavy traffic.

Answer

Both A and B.

Answer

Neither A nor B.

Question 7

While driving on the interstate, a breakdown forces you onto the shoulder. You should:

Accepted Answer

Raise the hood and tie a white cloth to the left door handle.

Answer

Stay in the car until help arrives.

Answer

Tie a cloth to the left door handle and stand by the left front fender.

Answer

Raise the hood and stand behind the car to make yourself visible to oncoming drivers.

Question 8

What should you do when driving on a four-lane road?

I. Signal as soon as you change lanes.
II. Watch for traffic in the adjacent lanes.

Accepted Answer

Only II.

Answer

Only I.

Answer

Both I and II.

Answer

Neither I nor II.

Question 9

Studies show that under normal conditions, the likelihood of a car being involved in a traffic accident increases if the driver:

Accepted Answer

Drives significantly slower than the posted speed limit.

Answer

Drives at a steady speed.

Answer

Drives at the posted speed limit.

Answer

Maintains position relative to other cars in the same lane.

Question 10

What can you do if you miss your exit on the interstate?
I. Turn around.
II. Stop and back up.

Accepted Answer

Neither I nor II.

Answer

Only I.

Answer

Only II.

Answer

Both I and II.

Question 11

What can you do if you miss your exit on the interstate?
I. Turn around.
II. Continue to the next exit.

Accepted Answer

Only II.

Answer

Only I.

Answer

Both I and II.

Answer

Neither I nor II.

Question 12

Which of the following is true about a "cloverleaf" intersection?
I. It is an intersection where one road crosses another via a bridge.
II. All turns at a "cloverleaf" intersection are left turns.

Accepted Answer

Only I.

Answer

Only II.

Answer

Both I and II.

Answer

Neither I nor II.

Question 13

What does a flashing red traffic signal at an intersection mean?
I. Slow down and proceed cautiously.
II. Stop only if you need to yield to other traffic.

Accepted Answer

Neither I nor II.

Answer

Only I.

Answer

Only II.

Answer

Both I and II.

Question 14

A flashing yellow traffic signal at an intersection means:

Accepted Answer

Slow down and proceed with caution.

Answer

Right turns are prohibited.

Answer

Yield the right of way to other traffic.

Answer

Left turns are prohibited.

Question 15

When is a diamond-shaped road sign used?
I. For a railroad crossing.
II. To indicate deer crossing.

Accepted Answer

Only II.

Answer

Only I.

Answer

Both I and II.

Answer

Neither I nor II.

Question 16

What does a diamond-shaped road sign mean?

Accepted Answer

Slow down and proceed with caution.

Answer

No left turn allowed.

Answer

Full stop.

Answer

Yield the right of way.

Question 17

When can you disobey a police officer directing traffic?
I. When an emergency vehicle is approaching.
II. When the officer's signal contradicts the traffic light.

Accepted Answer

Neither I nor II.

Answer

Only I.

Answer

Only II.

Answer

Both I and II.

Question 18

What must all cars in North Carolina be equipped with?

Accepted Answer

A light illuminating the license plate.

Answer

Door lights.

Answer

Fender lights.

Answer

A reverse light.

Question 19

When should brakes be inspected?
I. If you hear a squealing sound every time you press the brake pedal.
II. If the brake pedal sinks nearly to the floor when pressed.

Accepted Answer

Both I and II.

Answer

Only I.

Answer

Only II.

Answer

Neither I nor II.

Question 20

Your car’s brakes need inspection if:

Accepted Answer

You hear a sharp squealing noise when applying the brakes.

Answer

There is a strong smell of gasoline inside the car.

Answer

The engine stalls at red lights.

Answer

Light winds make steering difficult.

Question 21

Which of the following statements about horns and sirens is correct?

I. Every registered vehicle must have a horn.
II. Only law enforcement and emergency vehicles may have sirens.

Accepted Answer

Both I and II.

Answer

Only I.

Answer

Only II.

Answer

Neither I nor II.

Question 22

Every car must be equipped with:

Accepted Answer

Seat belts.

Answer

A muffler.

Answer

Four-ply tires.

Answer

Mud flaps.

Question 23

What is the name of the system that carries harmful gases from the engine to the rear of the car and releases them outside?

Accepted Answer

Exhaust system.

Answer

Ignition system.

Answer

Fuel system.

Answer

Suspension.

Question 24

Why must a leak in the exhaust system be repaired?

Accepted Answer

It can allow dangerous fumes to enter the car.

Answer

It wastes fuel and oil.

Answer

It increases the engine’s temperature.

Answer

It causes starting problems and engine stalling.

Question 25

If your car bounces excessively during normal driving and leans heavily during turns, which system may be faulty?

Accepted Answer

Suspension.

Answer

Ignition system.

Answer

Fuel system.

Answer

Brake system.

North Carolina DMV Practice Test 2026 – Test #5

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