North Carolina: Speed, Right-of-Way & Legal Rules Questions
10 real, verified North Carolina driving-test questions on speed, right-of-way & legal rules, each with the correct answer and a full explanation below. Want to practice these interactively instead? Start a Speed, Right-of-Way & Legal Rules practice round.
1. In North Carolina, unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit in a city or town?
Why: North Carolina's default maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 35 mph, unless a different limit is posted.
2. In North Carolina, what is the maximum speed limit for a school bus?
Why: North Carolina caps a school bus's maximum speed at 45 mph -- a school activity bus, a different vehicle class, may travel up to 55 mph.
3. In North Carolina, how much clearance must a driver leave to the left of a vehicle they are passing?
Why: North Carolina law requires a passing driver to stay at least two feet to the left of the vehicle being passed.
4. In North Carolina, passing on a curve or hill is considered unsafe and usually illegal if the driver cannot see how far ahead?
Why: North Carolina's handbook lists passing on a curve or hill as unsafe and usually illegal whenever the driver cannot see at least 500 feet ahead.
5. According to North Carolina's driver handbook, approximately how many feet does a vehicle traveling 55 mph need to stop completely, even under ideal conditions?
Why: North Carolina's handbook states that a vehicle traveling 55 mph needs approximately 211 feet to stop completely, even under ideal conditions.
6. In North Carolina, what triggers an automatic 30-day license revocation for speeding?
Why: North Carolina revokes a license for at least 30 days when a driver is convicted of exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 mph while driving faster than 55 mph.
7. In North Carolina, how far before a turn must a driver signal if the posted speed limit is 45 mph or higher?
Why: North Carolina requires signaling at least 100 feet before a turn or stop generally, extending to at least 200 feet when the posted speed limit is 45 mph or more.
8. In North Carolina, how many driver license points within a three-year period can result in a license suspension?
Why: North Carolina may suspend a license once a driver accumulates 12 points within a three-year period -- accumulating 7 points sooner can trigger assignment to an $83.50 driver improvement clinic instead.
9. In North Carolina, besides from sunset to sunrise, when else are headlights legally required?
Why: North Carolina requires headlights from sunset to sunrise, and also any time visibility drops to 400 feet or less, regardless of the time of day.
10. In North Carolina, how many driver license points are assessed for illegally passing a stopped school bus?
Why: North Carolina assesses 5 driver license points for passing a stopped school bus -- tied with aggressive driving as one of the higher point values, and worse than reckless driving's 4 points.
More North Carolina Topics
- Defensive Driving (5)
- DUI Laws & Penalties (9)
- Emergency Vehicles, School Buses & Work Zones (7)
- Minor & Provisional Licensing (11)
- Parking Rules & Technique (4)
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.