North Carolina Road Signs & Their Meanings – Driver’s Study Help
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Or try the road rules test?
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Or try the road rules test?
#1. This sign shows:
Regulatory speed limit sign. Never drive faster than the posted speed limit or at a speed that is unreasonable or unwise given the existing conditions.
#2. What does this sign mean?
Your lane is splitting off into two separate directions. You can turn left or go straight through.
Lane control signs mark where you can go and where you can turn. The signs are along the road or hanging over the road. Sometimes arrows may also be painted on the road.
#3. A pentagon-shaped sign means:
Shape and color make it possible to recognize the various kinds of highway signs at a glance. The five-sided (or pentagon) sign warns of a school zone or a school crossing.
#4. This sign means:
Divided Highway / Divided Highway Begins. Two-way traffic will be divided by a center strip ahead. Each roadway is one-way. Stay to the right.
#5. You are in the right-hand lane when you see this sign. What should you do?
Reduction of lanes / Lane drop. The sign means that there will be fewer lanes ahead. Traffic must merge left. Drivers in the left lane should allow others to merge smoothly. Right lane ends.
#6. A highway work zone can be easily identified by signs that are:
A highway work zone can be easily identified by unique orange warning signs immediately preceding the work zone. The orange signs with messages in black letters are reserved strictly to identify work zones. In addition to alerting drivers as they approach and enter work zones, black-on-orange signs are used within the work zone to convey specific information and directions to drivers as they travel through the work zone.
#7. What does this sign mean?
No Left Turn.
You cannot make a left turn at this intersection.
Remember that a red circle with a slash means no. The sign shows you what is not allowed.
#8. What does this sign mean?
Crossroad. A road crosses the main highway ahead. Look in all directions for other traffic.
#9. This road sign indicates:
Bicycle crossing. Bicycles regularly cross or ride beside traffic in this area. Drive with caution.
#10. What does this sign tell you?
The dirt on the side of the pavement is soft and can be dangerous. Use extreme caution and stay on the pavement.
#11. What should you expect ahead when you see this sign?
Low clearance / Maximum height.
The overpass has a low clearance. Do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall to pass under.
#12. A circular shaped sign means:
A circular sign, with a black cross and the black letters RR on a yellow background, gives advance warning of a railroad crossing.
The North Carolina Road Signs Recognition Test
Key numbers for your official road signs test in North Carolina:
| Test questions: | 12 |
| Passing score: | 80% |
| Correct answers: | 9 |
| Time limit: | No |
| Earliest retest if you fail: | 7 days |
What is the North Carolina Knowledge Exam?
In North Carolina, the knowledge examination for a learner’s permit or regular driver’s license consists of two tests:
Step I: Road Sign Recognition Test (12 questions)
Step II: Road Rules Test (25 questions)
If you pass both tests with a passing score of 80%, the DMV will approve your application and issue a learner’s permit or regular license.
What is the Road Signs Test?
The purpose of the North Carolina road signs test is to ensure you can identify and understand some of the most common traffic signs on North Carolina highways.
On the test, you will see 12 road signs (or just shapes and colors of road signs), and you must correctly identify at least 9 of them.
The North Carolina Driver Handbook describes all signs on the test. Study the complete chapter, including the two road sign charts. One chart is for warning signs, and one is for regulatory signs.
Remember that you must also understand how shapes and colors are used on traffic signs.
The most important colors and shapes are:
| Road Sign Colors – North Carolina | |
|---|---|
 |
Stop, yield, prohibition |
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General warning signs |
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Construction and maintenance areas (work zones) |
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Guide signs that show directions and distances |
 |
Guide signs that show services like hospitals and rest areas |
| Road Sign Shapes – North Carolina | |
|---|---|
 |
Yield signs |
 |
Warning signs |
 |
Regulatory signs |
 |
School signs |
 |
Stop signs |
 |
Railroad advance warning signs |
The Handicapped Symbol
In North Carolina, the knowledge tests must always ensure that applicants recognize the handicapped international symbol of access.
You must never park in a parking space with the wheelchair symbol unless you are authorized to do so.
No Signs Test When You Renew
You are no longer required to retake the signs test when you renew your North Carolina license.
North Carolina DMV Road Rules Test
You can practice for the second part of your driver’s examination here .
