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.