North Carolina FREE DMV Test & Permit Practice

The horn must be used as a reasonable warning device. You should not use the horn unnecessarily or unreasonably.

The law requires drivers to use the horn whenever a pedestrian may be affected by a turn, stop, or start from a parked position.

When passing another vehicle, blow the horn to signal the driver ahead. The horn signal places the driver of the vehicle you are passing under a legal obligation to help you pass. (Handbook, chapter 4)

Do not use your horn:

• Close to bicyclists, unless to avoid an accident.
• When passing a horse-drawn vehicle or horseback rider.

White and yellow pavement markers are reflective devices used in the pavement to improve the visibility of marking lines at night when the road is wet. Red markers indicate wrong-way movements for motorists.

If you are going the wrong way at night, the road reflectors will shine red in your headlights.

Mopeds and motorcycles are difficult to see, and can be entirely hidden by your blind spots. Be especially watchful for motorcycles and mopeds while turning or changing lanes at intersections or entering the road from a driveway.

In many left-turn situations it is even more difficult to see a motorcycle or moped. Look out for motorcycles and mopeds, as well as other vehicles, before you turn, change lanes or proceed to move.

You should remember that any time you are not feeling well, your driving is likely to be different. You may be less alert and less responsive than normal.

You should get at least six hours of good sleep the night before a trip.

Do not take medication that increases sleepiness or drink alcohol.

Avoid travel at times when you would normally be asleep or times when your body wants to rest.

A green arrow means that you have a protected turning movement with no other conflicting traffic in the intersection except U-turn traffic that should yield to all other traffic entering the intersection.

Remember, the green arrow does not mean that all other traffic is stopped by a red light.

When approaching any authorized emergency vehicle that is parked or standing within 12 feet of the roadway with the emergency or warning lights activated, you are required to do the following:

• On a highway with at least two lanes of traffic in the same direction you are traveling, you must move your vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest the parked or standing emergency vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear of the emergency vehicle.
• On a highway with only one lane of traffic in the same direction you are traveling, you must slow your speed and drive at a reduced, safe speed until completely past the emergency vehicle.

The driver and all passengers in a motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts shall have a seat belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this state. Children under age 16 should be in an age and weight appropriate restraint.

Some exemptions can be found in the North Carolina Driver Handbook.

Instead of driving between the car and the bicyclist, take one danger at a time. Drivers wishing to pass a bicyclist may do so only when there is abundant clearance, and no oncoming traffic is in the opposing lane. When passing a bicyclist, always remember the bicyclist is entitled to use of the full lane.

You should always check and adjust your seat and mirrors before you start to drive. You should have clear vision in all directions, all controls should be within reach, and at least one-third of the steering wheel should be between your hands. Head restraints should be adjusted so the head restraint contacts the back of your head.

Always fasten your seat belt and make sure all passengers are correctly using seat belts, child safety restraints, or booster seats. Also remember to lock the doors. Locking reduces the risk of doors opening during a sudden swerve, braking, or crash.

Alcohol impair your judgment, like your ability to judge how fast you are moving or your distance from other cars, people, or objects.

Alcohol also slows brain functions so that you cannot respond to situations, make decisions, or react quickly. It makes it harder to do more than one thing, while you concentrate on steering, you could miss seeing traffic lights, cars entering from side streets or pedestrians.

North Carolina DWI laws require anyone convicted of DWI to obtain a substance abuse assessment prior to the reinstatement of driving privileges.

Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit on interstate highways is 70 mph.

When following large trucks, your vision may be blocked. Your ability to see and to plan ahead will be improved if you fall back to increase your following distance.

If you are following too close, be aware that the truck driver may not be able to see you in the mirrors.

Falling back is a good idea to both see and be seen.

Many crossings have flashing red lights or flashing red lights with gates. If the warning signal activates, you must stop before the gates lower across your side of the road.

It is unlawful to move through a railroad crossing when the gates are lowered.

When an approaching vehicle does not dim its headlights, you can remind the driver by blinking your high beams once. If the driver still does not dim the lights, make sure you keep your lights on low beam. Stay on the right side of the road. Do not look directly at oncoming headlights. Instead, look down the right edge of your lane.

It is recommended that you reduce speed by more than half for packed snow and slow to a crawl on ice. Use chains if necessary for better traction, but do not forget that even chains and snow tires can slide on ice and packed snow.

Parking is not allowed on a crosswalk, sidewalk or bridge. The distance you must keep to a fire hydrant is 15 feet.

When any vehicle makes a turn, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The longer the vehicle, the greater the difference.

Always be careful around school buses and school bus stops. Children waiting for the bus or leaving the bus might dart out into traffic. Even when the school bus is not in sight, children at a bus stop sometimes will run into the street unexpectedly.

Snow and ice make roads very slippery. Hard packed snow increases the danger of skidding. As you drive, watch for shady spots, bridges and overpasses since these places are often the first to freeze as the temperature drops.

When you back up, place your hand at the top of the steering wheel and back slowly. Turn your head and body so that you can see where you are backing. Do not depend upon your mirrors.

When exiting an alley, building entrance, private road, or driveway, stop and yield to all other vehicles and pedestrians.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas that has no smell, taste or color but is poisonous, even deadly.

Do not leave your car running in a closed garage and be careful during winter months. Snow can block a car’s exhaust pipe, and warming up a car can cause carbon monoxide to back up into the car.

You are required to carry proof of liability insurance whenever you drive.