North Carolina: Defensive Driving Questions
5 real, verified North Carolina driving-test questions on defensive driving, each with the correct answer and a full explanation below. Want to practice these interactively instead? Start a Defensive Driving practice round.
1. According to North Carolina's driver handbook, about how long does it take a vehicle traveling 55 mph to cover the length of a football field?
Why: North Carolina's handbook uses this fact -- 3.7 seconds to cover a football field's length at 55 mph -- to illustrate why drowsy driving is so dangerous.
2. In North Carolina, up to what weight must a child under age 8 be secured in a child passenger restraint system rather than just a seat belt?
Why: North Carolina requires a child under age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds to be properly secured in a weight-appropriate child passenger restraint system.
3. In North Carolina, if a vehicle has an active passenger-side front air bag and a rear seat, where must a child under age 5 and under 40 pounds ride?
Why: North Carolina requires a child under age 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds to ride in the rear seat when the vehicle has an active passenger-side front air bag and a rear seat available.
4. In North Carolina, how far must a bicycle's front light be visible at night?
Why: North Carolina requires a bicycle's front light to be visible for at least 300 feet at night, along with a rear light or reflector visible for at least 200 feet.
5. In North Carolina, what federal safety standard must a legal motorcycle helmet comply with?
Why: North Carolina requires motorcycle and moped helmets to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218, marked with a DOT sticker permanently installed by the manufacturer.
More North Carolina Topics
- DUI Laws & Penalties (9)
- Emergency Vehicles, School Buses & Work Zones (7)
- Minor & Provisional Licensing (11)
- Parking Rules & Technique (4)
- Speed, Right-of-Way & Legal Rules (10)
Rules and requirements change — always confirm current details with NC DMVbefore your exam. Take the full North Carolina practice test or check the North Carolina cheat sheet.