How Many Questions Are on the North Carolina Permit Test?
The North Carolina DMV knowledge exam is actually two separate tests: a 25-question written test on traffic laws and safe driving, requiring at least 20 correct (80%) to pass, plus a separate road-signs identification test where you identify signs by shape, color, and meaning.
The official test format
Because the written test and the road-signs test are scored separately, both must be passed, so sign recognition can't be skipped in favor of studying traffic laws alone (or vice versa).
Both tests are administered in person at an NCDMV driver license office, drawing from the North Carolina Driver's Handbook.
Because DMV procedures and test formats can change, always confirm the current format on the official NCDMV website before your appointment.
How the questions are distributed by topic
Beyond road-sign identification, the written test draws from a broad range of topics, so a well-rounded study plan matters more than memorizing any one section of the handbook.
Our free North Carolina permit practice tests cover 33 topic areas, from traffic signs and right-of-way to school zones and railroad crossings, so you can see which areas need more review before test day.
How our practice tests are structured
Rather than mirroring the exact official format, dmvwrittenexam.com splits its 130+ original North Carolina permit questions into multiple practice tests, so you get more total repetitions across more topics than a single official-length test would allow.
Each question includes an explanation and a source reference, so you learn the reasoning behind the correct answer rather than just memorizing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the NC DMV permit test?
The written knowledge test has 25 questions (20 correct, or 80%, needed to pass), and there's a separate road-signs identification test that's also required.
Do I need to pass both the written test and the road-signs test?
Yes. They're scored independently, so passing one doesn't excuse a failing score on the other. Confirm current requirements with the NCDMV.
Are practice tests the same as the official NCDMV test?
No. Practice tests, including ours, are independent study tools with original questions meant to build your knowledge of the same topics — they are not the official exam and are not administered by the DMV.
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Start a free North Carolina permit practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-14