What to Study Before Taking Your Driving Test in North Carolina?

In order to receive your driver’s license in North Carolina, you must pass both a written test and a road evaluation. There are several resources in which you can find materials to study before taking the written test. These resources are the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook, the online driver’s handbook and online practice tests to let you know what materials will be covered on the actual test.

What are the Laws Regarding Drunk and Impaired Driving?

You must know and understand all of the laws in North Carolina regarding driving while drunk and under the influence of alcohol. Drinking and driving endangers yourself and those on the road with you, so the first chapter of the driver’s handbook discusses these laws. Before taking your test, you must know:

• You will be considered driving impaired if your blood alcohol concentration is at 0.08.

• Driving privileges will be revoked for 30 days automatically if you are found to be driving while impaired (DWI) or refuse to take the chemical breathalyzer test.

• No alcohol, open or closed is permitted to be carried in the passenger seat of a motor vehicle.

What are the Driver Safety Tips Covered in the Handbook?

Being a defensive driver and practicing safe driving at all times, will help you avoid an accident on the road. Though there are many ways to keep yourself safe on the road, learn some of these main safe driving tips before your taking your driver’s written test. Remember to practice them on the road as well.

Your Driving Condition

Sleep related crashes occur daily in North Carolina, be sure you are well rested before operating a motor vehicle. Be alert and aware at all times while on the road. Do not drive while you are drowsy or distracted. Keep your mind on the road and avoid mental distractions and do not use your cell phone while driving under any condition. If you take medications, read the label to assure it will not make you dizzy or drowsy while taking them and if so, do not drive while on this medication.

Protect Your Passengers and Yourself

Everyone in your vehicle, including the driver should be wearing a seatbelt at all times while the vehicle is in motion and children less than 80 pounds must be in proper safety seat. Be sure to wear your belt correctly and keep your seat back as far as reasonably possible from the dash. You must stop for a school bus that puts on its red flashing lights, signaling children are about to exit regardless of which lane you are in.

What basic driving skills should I know for the test?

Understanding signals and signs on the road is important to ensure safety and avoid getting a ticket. These are some of the basic signs and laws you should know before taking your test:

• Drive on the right hand side of the road at all times, unless you are on a one way street or instructed to do so.

• Slow down when entering a curve.

• Follow at least two car lengths behind the vehicle in front of you to assure proper stop time in the event of emergency breaking.

• Follow the speed limit on the road at all times.

• Look for and read all traffic signs in a construction zone and be prepared to stop or slow down.

• Follow traffic signs such as stop signs, yield signs and no passing zones and be familiar with the most common signs you while find while driving. Memorize the following most common signals:

1. Stop sign- this means you must come to a complete stop and only proceed if traffic is clear.
2. Yield- You must yield to other drivers coming on the road, but do not need to completely stop if traffic is clear in all directions.
3. School Zone- This warns you that a school is nearby. Be prepared to stop quickly and watch for specific school-zone speed limits.
4. No Passing- If a no passing sign is posted, the lines on the road will change to solid white or yellow. Do not pass a vehicle until you see a sign indicating that you may.

• Understand traffic signals at an intersection. Know that red means stop, a yellow light tells you to be prepared to stop and a green is your signal to go. At a turn light, red signifies that you may not turn at all, a flashing red or yellow light allows you to turn if traffic is clear, and a green arrow means you are clear to turn.

• Pay attention to pavement markings and their meanings. A yellow solid line divides lanes of traffic moving in different directions, while a solid white line separates lanes moving in the same direction. A broken white or yellow line means that you may pass with care.

• Use your turn signals whenever you are turning a corner or attempting to make a lane change.

By studying this information, along with the Driver’s Handbook, you will be well prepared to take your written divers’ test. Be sure to remember all that you learned in order to be a safe and defensive driver while on the road.