A compact North Carolina reading view of 20 existing sourced practice explanations. Each card keeps the original question, correct answer and explanation together so that a qualified rule is not detached from its scenario.
A short sample of car driving questions. Read the handbook to cover the other topics you need.
Use this as a review aid after reading the handbook. It is not a state exam aid or a complete list of driving laws. Printing may use several pages; the layout does not shrink the text to promise a single sheet.
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Regular Class C knowledge and road-sign examinations: The question count is not confirmed in the reviewed agency sources. The correct-answer threshold is not confirmed.
Operational DMV page does not state the question count, passing percentage, timer, or complete language list.
Proposed/readoption rule copies describe 80% knowledge and 9/12 signs, but the current codified OAH endpoint could not be retrieved; those values are deliberately not promoted to verified current fields.
Oral knowledge testing may be requested. No separate teen/adult question-count variant was verified.
Retained facts checked 2026-10-10.
Review 1 · Safe driving
During a long trip, you keep yawning and cannot recall the last few miles. What should you do?
Correct answer: Leave traffic at a safe stopping place and rest.
These are warning signs of drowsiness. Stop in a safe place and rest instead of trying to force yourself to continue driving.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 40: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Driver Safety - Drowsy Driving · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 2 · Seat belts
Your car has front airbags. How does that affect the need to use its seat belts?
Correct answer: The airbags supplement properly worn seat belts.
Airbags are supplemental protection, not substitutes for seat belts. Use the belt correctly even when the airbag system is working.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 43: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Protecting Yourself and Your Passengers - Seat Belts · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 3 · Slow vehicles
A farm machine ahead looks far away on an open road. Why should you assess the gap early?
Correct answer: You may close the distance quickly because it is moving much more slowly.
The difference between road speed and slow farm-equipment speed can make the gap disappear quickly. Notice the situation early and adjust before you reach the machine.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 52: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Safe Driving Around Farm Equipment (continued) · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 4 · Passing
You are considering a pass on a two-way road, but a hill hides part of the oncoming lane. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait until you can confirm enough clear road for the complete pass.
Do not start a pass unless you can see enough clear roadway to complete it and return safely. Hidden oncoming traffic cannot be ruled out just because you cannot see it.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 55: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Passing · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 5 · Freeway exits
You pass your intended interstate exit before you can safely leave. What should you do?
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit and reroute.
Continue to the next exit. A missed turn is not a reason to back up, cross the separation area or turn around on the interstate.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 65: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Entering and Exiting the Interstate · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 6 · Railroad emergencies
Your car stalls on railroad tracks and will not move. What is the immediate priority?
Correct answer: Get everyone out and well away from the tracks, then report the emergency from safety.
Evacuate immediately and move everyone away from the vehicle and tracks. From a safe location, report the emergency using the crossing's emergency contact information; do not assume a train can stop for you.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 62: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Railroad Crossing Safety - Railroad related emergencies · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 7 · Vehicle safety
Which approach gives the proper target for a routine tire-pressure check?
Correct answer: Use the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold pressure when the tires are cool.
Check cool tires against the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation, such as the vehicle label or owner's manual. A tire-sidewall maximum or another car's setting is not the recommended pressure for your car.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 67: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Vehicle Equipment - Tires; NHTSA Winter Weather Driving Tips - Tires · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 8 · Safe driving
A work zone appears to leave all travel lanes open. Why should you still be especially alert?
Correct answer: Nearby work and unexpected activity can create hazards or distract drivers.
A work zone can affect safety even without a closed lane. Watch traffic and the work area for unexpected movement while keeping your attention on driving, rather than watching the work as a spectator.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 70: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Hazardous Driving - Work Zones · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 9 · Weather
Floodwater covers the road ahead, and you cannot see its surface. What is the safest choice?
Correct answer: Do not enter; find a safe alternative route.
Do not drive into a flooded road. Water depth and current can be misleading, and the road beneath may be washed away; familiarity or another vehicle's passage does not make it safe.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 73: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Driving in Flood Conditions · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 10 · Emergencies
Your disabled car is stopped where passing traffic leaves no safe working space. What should you do about repairs?
Correct answer: Call for assistance instead of attempting repairs in the exposed area.
Do not attempt vehicle repairs where you are exposed to passing traffic. Warning lights do not create protected working space; get appropriate roadside assistance.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 76: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Emergencies - Breakdowns · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 11 · Circular green signal
Your circular signal turns green, but a pedestrian is still lawfully crossing your path. What does the green permit you to do?
Correct answer: Proceed only after yielding to the pedestrian
Green permits movement with due care; it does not cancel the rights of pedestrians or vehicles already entitled to proceed. Do not treat a green light as a guarantee that the path is clear.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; p. 80; Traffic Signals - circular green. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-158(b)(2a), green-light paragraph; full section and exceptions read. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 12 · Flashing yellow turn arrow
A flashing yellow left arrow is displayed while oncoming vehicles continue through the intersection. How should you decide when to turn?
Correct answer: Yield and turn only when the conflicting path is clear
The flashing yellow arrow permits the indicated turn, but it is not protected from oncoming traffic. Yield to conflicting vehicles and pedestrians before turning.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; p. 81; Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Signal Heads. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: NCDOT Signal Design FAQ, FYA answer; NCDOT November25,2024 Wilson signal release, safe-gap paragraph. Neither is a new legal timing rule. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 13 · YIELD sign
At the pictured sign, entering now would force traffic on the intersecting street to brake. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop and wait rather than interfere with that traffic
Yield requires slowing and giving way. When entry would interfere with traffic having the right-of-way, stop and wait; a horn is not the trigger.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; p. 83; Regulatory Signs - YIELD. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 14 · Signal ahead warning
What should you expect beyond this yellow warning sign as you approach the next junction?
Correct answer: A traffic signal whose actual indication you must check
The symbol warns that a traffic signal is ahead. The colored circles on a printed sign do not tell you the signal's present display.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; p. 87; Warning Signs panel - Signal Ahead. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 15 · Hospital service sign
While looking for medical assistance, you see this blue service sign. Which facility does it identify?
Correct answer: A hospital
The white H on a blue background identifies hospital service. It does not identify lodging or promise that every type of treatment is available at every facility.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; p. 85; Guide/Informational Signs - hospital. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 16 · Distracted driving
You need to enter a complicated destination into your navigation system. What is the safest plan?
Correct answer: Enter it while safely parked before driving.
Programming or reading navigation can take attention away from traffic. Finish the task while safely parked, rather than combining it with driving.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 41: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Distracted Driving - Distractions · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 17 · Vehicle safety
You are installing a child restraint that is suitable for the child's size. What should you use to check the installation?
Correct answer: The restraint instructions and the vehicle owner's manual.
A suitable child restraint must also be installed correctly. Follow both the restraint manufacturer's instructions and the vehicle owner's manual, rather than assuming one installation method fits every vehicle.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 44: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Child Safety (continued); NHTSA Car Seats and Booster Seats - Car Seat Overview · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 18 · Speed and space
If your reaction time stays the same but you drive faster, what happens before you even begin braking?
Correct answer: The car travels farther during that reaction time.
At a higher speed, the car covers more road during the same time spent recognizing and responding to a hazard. Braking distance also matters, but it does not replace reaction distance.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 52: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Basic Driving Skills and Rules - Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 19 · Passing
You have nearly overtaken another car on a two-way road. What must your planned return gap allow?
Correct answer: A return without forcing the passed driver to brake to avoid you.
Plan the whole pass, including a safe return to your lane. Do not cut in so closely that the vehicle you passed must brake to avoid a collision.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 55: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Passing · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Review 20 · Roundabouts
At a multilane roundabout, when should you choose the lane that the signs and markings indicate for your destination?
Correct answer: Before entering, then follow that lane through the roundabout.
Choose the appropriate lane before entering and follow the signs and markings. Current NCDOT guidance says not to change lanes within the roundabout; a generic outside-lane rule does not replace the actual lane layout.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025 (printing 09/25), p. 59: Chapter 4 - Your Driving, Roundabouts - Multi-Lane Roundabout; current NCDOT Roundabouts - Multilane Roundabout · Original question review: 2026-09-13
