Test at a Glance
North Carolina Knowledge Test Quick Facts
Questions
Source varies: 25-37 questions
Passing Score
20 of 25
Test Fee
$20 (permit fee)
Time Limit
No time limit
Min. Age
15
Difficulty
Moderate
Online Test?
No — in person only
Based On
2026 North Carolina Driver's Handbook
North Carolina's knowledge test has 25 questions with an 80% passing score. The state requires 60 supervised hours and has one of the strictest nighttime curfews at 9 PM. The 12-month holding period ensures new drivers get adequate practice.
What's on the Test
Topics on the North Carolina Permit Test
Road Signs & Signals
~25%NC traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings.
Traffic Laws & Right-of-Way
~30%NC traffic laws, right-of-way, and school bus regulations.
Safe Driving Practices
~25%Following distances, highway driving, and North Carolina road conditions.
Impaired Driving & Penalties
~10%NC DWI laws, zero-tolerance for under 21, and penalties.
Special Situations
~10%Emergency vehicles, school bus laws, work zones, and hurricane driving.
How to Get Your Permit
Step-by-Step: North Carolina Learner's Permit in 2026
Meet the age requirement
You must be at least 15 years old.
Complete driver education
Driver's ed is required in North Carolina for applicants under 18.
Gather your documents
Bring proof of identity, SSN, residency, and parent consent if under 18.
Pass the knowledge test
25 questions, 80% to pass (20 correct). The $20 permit fee covers the test.
Pass the vision screening
Standard vision screening at NCDMV.
Get your permit
Hold for 12 months. Complete 60 supervised hours (10 at night) before applying for your license.
North Carolina GDL (Graduated Driver License) Rules
Holding Period
12 months
Supervised Hours
60 hours (10 at night)
Nighttime Restriction
9 PM - 5 AM
Passenger Restriction
1 passenger under 21 (non-family)
Cell Phone Rule
No cell phone use under 18
Tips & Common Mistakes
How to Pass the North Carolina Permit Test on Your First Try
Know the 9 PM curfew
NC has one of the strictest nighttime curfews for new drivers — 9 PM. This is tested.
Study NC-specific rules
Know NC's Move Over law, school bus rules, and the specific GDL restrictions.
Plan for 60 supervised hours
NC requires more supervised driving than most states. Start logging hours early.
Focus on right-of-way
Traffic laws and right-of-way make up 30% of the test.
Practice with PermitPop
NC-specific questions matching the real NCDMV test format.
Most Commonly Missed Topics in North Carolina
- 1Nighttime driving restriction specifics (9 PM)
- 2School bus stopping rules
- 3GDL passenger restriction details
FAQ
North Carolina Permit Test FAQ
How many questions are on the North Carolina permit test?+
How much does the NC permit test cost?+
How many supervised hours does NC require?+
What is NC's nighttime curfew for new drivers?+
How old do you have to be to get a permit in NC?+
Is the NC permit test hard?+
PermitPop is not affiliated with the North Carolina NCDMV. Test information is based on the 2026 North Carolina Driver's Handbook and is updated regularly. Always verify current requirements with your state's official DMV website.