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North Carolina DMV Test Tips

Aug 29, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers key knowledge areas for the 2025 North Carolina DMV written test, focusing on traffic signs, driving rules, safety, and road regulations.

Traffic Signs and Signals

  • A stop sign is an octagon and means come to a complete stop.
  • Downward triangular signs mean yield or give the right of way.
  • A flashing red light means stop, like a stop sign.
  • A steady green light means go unless there are vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection.
  • A flashing yellow light means drive carefully through the intersection.
  • White signs with instructions indicate regulatory requirements (e.g., stay in the right lane if slower).
  • "No Parking" and "No U-Turn" signs must be obeyed.
  • Intersection and side road signs warn of upcoming road changes.
  • Yield signs mean let others go first.

Safe Driving Practices

  • Maintain a constant speed when being passed.
  • Do not enter intersections you can't clear, even on green.
  • Leave extra space behind large vehicles that block your vision.
  • Increase following distance in bad weather.
  • Wait patiently and yield to traffic when merging.
  • Do not reverse or make U-turns on the expressway if you miss an exit; go to the next exit.

Seat Belts and Safety

  • All occupants must wear seat belts every time the car is driven.
  • Seat belts must be worn at all times by drivers and passengers.
  • School crossing guards' instructions must always be followed.

Alcohol and Drugs

  • Alcohol slows reaction time and is unsafe for driving.
  • Alcohol's effects vary by a person's weight.
  • Only time can sober you up; water only helps hydration.
  • Prescription drugs/illegal drugs may make driving dangerous and are punishable by law.
  • Alcohol should never be in the vehicle on a public highway.
  • Mixing alcohol with prescription medications increases risk of side effects and reduces medication effectiveness.

Vehicle Operations

  • If your accelerator pedal jams, shift to neutral and steer to safety.
  • When parking uphill, turn wheels away from the curb.
  • Parallel parking means parking parallel to the curb, aligned with other parked vehicles.
  • Motorcycles have the right to use a full traffic lane.

Hand Signals and Rules

  • Driver's left hand down means stop.
  • "No Zone" refers to blind spots around large vehicles that should be avoided.

Special Situations

  • Only ride in the back of a pickup truck if seated with an approved safety belt.
  • Do not cross broken lines if it interferes with traffic.
  • Wait until you can see all lanes before turning left at large intersections.

Traffic Light Order

  • Traffic lights are ordered: red (top), yellow (middle), green (bottom).

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Octagon — An eight-sided shape, used for stop signs.
  • Yield — Give right of way to other drivers or pedestrians.
  • No Zone — Blind spots around large vehicles where visibility is limited.
  • Parallel Parking — Parking parallel to the curb, aligned with other cars.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review North Carolina DMV's driver handbook for more detailed explanations.
  • Complete practice tests to reinforce knowledge of road signs and rules.
  • Study and memorize key road signs, traffic signals, and seat belt laws.