Another North Carolina (NCDOT) Sample Test for Your Permit

A steady red circular signal means STOP. Unless there is a sign indicating NO TURN ON RED, a right turn can be made after coming to a complete stop. All vehicles turning right shall yield the right of way to other traffic and pedestrians using the intersection and to pedestrians in reasonably close proximity to the intersection and who are starting to cross in front of the traffic that is required to stop at the red light. Failure to yield to a pedestrian under these circumstances will result in a penalty of not more than $500 and not less than $100.

About 38 percent of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol. It is a major cause of fatal traffic accidents.

Slow down and merge behind the truck. Cutting into the open space in front of a truck is dangerous. Trying to beat a truck through a single-lane construction zone, for example, removes the truck driver’s cushion of safety and places you in danger.

The law gives a blind pedestrian special consideration at an intersection where there are no traffic signals when the pedestrian extends a white cane, or a white cane with a red tip or has a guide dog. When you receive such signal, you must come to a full stop, leaving a clear lane through which such pedestrian may pass, and remain stopped until the pedestrian has completely crossed the crosswalk or intersection. If a blind or partially blind pedestrian has entered the crosswalk before a signal changes, you must also stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the crossing.

Diamond-shaped signs are caution or warning signs. They are normally black on yellow, but when they are black on orange, they warn of conditions for construction or maintenance areas. When you approach pedestrian crossings and bicycle crossings you will often see diamond-shaped warning signs.

Emotions can have a great effect on safe driving. You may not be able to drive well if you are overly worried, excited, afraid or depressed. If you are angry or excited, give yourself time to calm down before driving.

Police cars, ambulances, fire engines and rescue vehicles with flashing lights and sirens always have the right of way. Follow these guidelines when approaching or being approached by an emergency vehicle:

• As the emergency vehicle approaches (from ahead or behind), drive to the right-hand curb or edge of the road and stop completely.
• Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, or until directed to move by a traffic officer.

Remember, the law requires you to: immediately drive to a position as near as possible and parallel to the right-hand edge or curb, clear of any intersection. Never stop in an intersection.

Night driving is more dangerous than daytime driving because you cannot see as well. Never drive at a speed at which you cannot stop within the distance you can see on the road ahead.

Do not tailgate. Keep a safe following distance for the speed you are traveling. If the vehicle ahead stops suddenly, you will need time to react. One of the most frequent types of crashes on an interstate highway is the rear-end crash. Following too closely is a leading cause of these traffic crashes.

When a school bus displays its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights to receive or discharge passengers, you must stop and not attempt to pass the school bus until the mechanical stop signal is withdrawn, the flashing red lights are turned off and the bus has started to move. On a divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation only traffic following the bus must stop. Coming from the other direction, you should look for children and pass carefully.

A solid yellow line marks a No Passing zone. If the solid yellow line is on your side of the road, do not pass. Pass only if there is a broken line on your side.

Right lane ends, merge left.

When a bicycle lane or bike path travels on or adjacent to the roadway, please pay special attention to bicyclists as you approach and move through an intersection. Motorcycles and bicycles are especially hard to see during a turn. The potential exists for a crash between the bicyclist who is moving straight ahead through the intersection and the motorist who is turning right.

Unsafe speed is the most common cause of skidding accidents.

Never drive faster than the posted speed limit or at a speed that is unreasonable or unwise given the existing conditions.

Unless otherwise posted, maximum speed limits are:

• In cities and towns: 35 mph
• For school buses: 45 mph
• For school activity buses: 55 mph
• Outside cities and towns 55 mph
• For interstates 70 mph

Green and white signs are used for guide information, such as distance or direction.

You cannot park 10 feet of a fire hydrant (this is within 15 feet). Note: this question asked where you cannot park.

Crossroad. A road crosses the main highway ahead. Look in all directions for other traffic.

Your driving privilege will be taken away for at least 30 days.

Use the proper lane at all times. If many vehicles are passing you in the right lane of a multilane roadway, you are probably going slower than the rest of the traffic. Keep to the right, use the left lane for passing only.

Drowsy driving could happen to anyone. Some warning signs include:

• You cannot remember the last few miles driven.
• You hit a rumble strip or drift from your lane.
• You yawn repeatedly.
• You have difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open.

If you are tired and in danger of falling asleep, you cannot predict when a mini sleep may occur. If you become tired while driving, stop!

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.

The Limited Learner Permit allows you to drive a vehicle while supervised. During the first six months, a level one permit authorizes you to drive between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., while accompanied by your supervising driver. Six months from level one issuance, you are eligible to drive anytime with a supervising driver.