The North Carolina written test has 36 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written knowledge test contains exactly 36 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four answer choices. To pass, you must score at least 78 percent, which means getting 28 or more questions right. You have up to one hour to complete the test, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DMV office ahead of time — they may be able to arrange an interpreter or provide materials in your language, though availability varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • The North Carolina written test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
  • Questions cover road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving practices from the North Carolina Driver's Handbook.
  • You have one hour to complete the test, and it is offered in English and Spanish at most DMV locations.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most DMV offices, though some locations may require you to wait or return another day.
  • The test is administered on a computer at the DMV, and you receive your score when ready after finishing.

What the 36 questions cover

All 36 questions come from the North Carolina Driver's Handbook, which the DMV publishes and makes available free online and in print at any DMV office. The questions test your knowledge of road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, and safe driving practices. You will see questions about what different signs mean, what to do at a four-way stop, how to handle a school bus, and how to drive safely in bad weather.

The test does not ask about your personal driving history or local road conditions. It focuses on rules and signs that explore statewide. Because all questions come directly from the handbook, studying that document is the most direct way to prepare. The DMV also offers a free online practice test on its website that uses the same format and question types as the real test.

How the test is scored and what happens if you fail

You take the test on a computer at the DMV office. When you finish, the computer scores your test when ready and tells you whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you move forward in the licensing process. If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day at no additional cost, though some DMV offices may ask you to return on a different day or after a waiting period. Check with your local office about their retake policy before you test.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, so failing does not prevent you from trying again. However, you must pass the written test before you can schedule a road test with an examiner.

Preparing for the 36-question test

The best preparation is reading the North Carolina Driver's Handbook from start to finish. The handbook is organized by topic — signs, speed limits, right-of-way, parking, and so on — which makes it straightforward to study one section at a time. After reading a section, take the free online practice test to see which topics need more review.

Many people study the handbook for a few days before testing and do well. Others prefer to study for a week or two, especially if they are not confident about road signs or traffic rules. There is no required study time — you can test whenever you feel ready. However, rushing to the DMV without reading the handbook makes passing much harder.

What you need to bring to take the test

Bring a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable IDs include a passport, military ID, or a state ID card. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You will also need to bring proof of your address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

If you are under 18, you may need additional documents depending on whether you are testing for a learner's permit or a regular license. Ask your local DMV office what documents to bring, or check the DMV website for your county.

The difference between the learner's permit test and the regular license test

Both the learner's permit test and the regular driver's license test use the same 36 questions and the same passing score of 28 correct answers. The only difference is what you can do after you pass. A learner's permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car. A regular driver's license allows you to drive alone, but you must also pass a road test with an examiner before you get the license.

If you are getting a learner's permit, you take only the written test. If you are getting a regular license, you take the written test first, then schedule a road test after you pass. Some people take the written test, practice driving for several weeks or months, and then take the road test. Others take both tests within a few weeks of each other.

Retaking the test if you did not pass

If you score below 28 correct answers, you failed and will need to retake the test. Before you retake it, review the handbook sections that cover the questions you missed. The DMV does not tell you which specific questions you got wrong, but your score report shows which topic areas you struggled with — for example, "signs" or "right-of-way." Focus your study on those areas.

You can retake the test as soon as the same day at many DMV offices. A few offices require you to wait 24 hours or return on a different day. Call your local DMV office or check their website to find out their retake policy. There is no fee to retake the test, and you can take it as many times as you need to pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The test is proctored, meaning a DMV employee watches you while you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, the handbook, or any other materials. You can only use the computer provided by the DMV and your own knowledge.

What happens if I do not finish all 36 questions in one hour?

You can submit your test whenever you finish, even if you have not answered all 36 questions. Your score is based only on the questions you answered. However, one hour is usually plenty of time — most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes.

Is the test the same every time I take it?

The test always has 36 questions from the handbook, but the specific questions and their order change each time you take it. This is why studying the handbook is more effective than memorizing one practice test — you need to understand the material, not just memorize specific answers.

Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

It depends on your situation. If you are moving to North Carolina and want to get a North Carolina license, you may be able to transfer your out-of-state license without taking the written test. Contact your local DMV office or check the DMV website to see whether your state qualifies for a transfer.