What You Need to Know About the New North Carolina 2013 DMV Test

While many of the basics in the North Carolina DMV test have remained the same, some modifications have been made for 2013. Whether you are a new driver receiving your license for the first time, or renewing your already existing license, it is important to read over the newly updated DMV handbook, as well as the revised practice quizzes that have both been adjusted to the new test. You will find some of the most important information to read and study for the DMV test in the following sections.

Studying the Basics for the DMV Test

Despite changes, the basic drivers information covered on the test can still be found in the North Carolina DMV handbook in detail. Be sure to obey all traffic laws while driving on the road to avoid a ticket, or possibly a collision. The basics include traffic signs, driving skills and traffic laws.

The 2013 DMV handbook lists the following main traffic laws you should study before getting behind the wheel.

Knowledge of Traffic Signs

You will need to read and understand what each traffic sign you will encounter on the road means, and how to obey them. Some common traffic signs include:

• Stop Signs. You will need to know what to do when you are approaching a four way intersection where your direction has a stop sign, or at a four way stop. The test will cover making a left turn at these types as well.
• Yields. Similar to the test questions covering stop signs, you will need to know how to handle a four way intersection and yield signs, as well as yields when merging into oncoming traffic.
• Construction Signs. Recognize each particular type of traffic sign found in construction zones, such as the merging right or left of traffic, reduced speed limits and special warnings such as unfinished pavement or a large bump in the road.

Know your Traffic Signals

In addition to signs, you must recognize and understand what to do at a traffic signal, as well as emergency situations that involve them.

• Green Lights. This section will cover caution at a stale green light and how to properly turn left and right.
• Yellow Lights. Follow all the laws listed in the DMV handbook for this section, including turns and stopping.
• Red Lights. The DMV handbook discusses the different types of red lights including solid, flashing and arrows and how to properly utilize turns at a red.
• Blackouts. Newly added to the test are questions on what to do if you arrive at a blacked out traffic signal. This commonly happens when power is out to an area. A blackout traffic signal should be treated with the same rules as a four way stop.

Driving at an Intersection

Many of the questions you may find on the 2013 DMV drivers test will cover driving at an intersection. Remember at all of the following scenarios to yield to traffic to your right at all times. There are multiple scenarios for these types of questions, but the main areas covered include:

• Handling a four way stop with no stop signs, yields or traffic signals. Know what to do if you are traveling through, or planning to turn left or right and the laws regarding this scenario.

• Handling a four way intersection with stop signs can be found on the test as well. In addition to turning, know how to handle this type of situation if you and another vehicle arrive at the intersection at the same time.

• A four way stop with yields in any or all directions. These laws are similar to those of a four stop with a stop sign, with a few slight differences. A yield is only followed if there is oncoming traffic, while a stop sign you must stop regardless of traffic on the road.

• Round-a-bouts. New to the DMV test are questions involving round-a-bouts and how they are to be handled when you are using one. Unlike four way intersections covered in other sections, you yield to the left oncoming traffic. It is important that you know the differences in laws and how to use a round-a-bout for your test.

How to Operate Your Motor Vehicle Safely

The DMV drivers test for North Carolina now includes some new questions involving driving your motor vehicle safely and knowing how to correctly operate it. These Sections include:

Use of Mirrors

Be sure that you can answer correctly questions regarding the usage of your mirrors. Know to make all adjustments to them before moving, and to align them in a manner that reduces your vehicles blind spots. You should also be able to list when you should use your mirrors in driving, such as when changing lanes. It would also be advised that you know what a blind spot is and can define it.

How to Properly Make a Turn

Occasionally you will come across a question involving the how-to’s of driving, such as properly executing a turn. This includes the proper lane to start and end a left and right turn in, how and when to signal, and how to turn your wheel properly so you can avoid cutting a turn too close or wide.

While the basics will still be covered thoroughly for your written and road DMV test in North Carolina, the tests have been updated in 2013 to address some new, common laws while on the road not covered in past editions. Regardless of your past driving experience, it is recommended you read over the new DMV handbook to be sure you avoid a retake, as well as use study material, such as the practice tests and study guides for the drivers test that this site sells.