NC Road Sign Test for License Renewal: Do You Still Need It?

For most drivers, there is no NC road sign test for license renewal anymore. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) dropped the sign test for regular license renewals in 2016, and today an in-person renewal comes with a vision test instead. A sign test can still come up in some cases, such as a license that has been expired for more than two years, so it is worth knowing when to expect one and how to be ready.

Is there an NC road sign test for license renewal?

In September 2016, NCDMV announced that drivers renewing a regular Class A, B or C license would no longer take the road sign test, as WECT and other North Carolina outlets reported at the time. Sign testing stayed in place for a first license.

The North Carolina Driver Handbook on ncdot.gov now says that if you must visit a driver license office to renew, the vision test is required. It does not list a sign test for renewals.

Why some sources still mention a sign test

North Carolina's testing rule (19A NCAC 03B .0201, posted on ncdot.gov) still lists the road signs test alongside the vision test for in-person renewals, and it says remote renewals waive it. NCDMV's 2016 decision is why most drivers no longer see one. If you are unsure, ask the examiner when you check in, and spend 15 minutes on signs before your visit just in case.

When the full exam applies

Under the testing rule, a license that has been expired for more than two years means starting over with the full examination: the knowledge test, the road signs test, the vision test and the road test. If that is you, the sign test is back, and it is scored as follows:

• You identify regulatory and warning signs by color and shape and explain what each one means.
• Regular Class C applicants must correctly identify 9 of 12 signs.
• Class A and B applicants must identify all signs correctly.
• The separate knowledge test needs 80% to pass.
• If you fail the Class C knowledge test or driving test, NCDMV says you may retake it in seven calendar days.

Can you skip the office?

NCDMV lets eligible drivers renew online, but only every other time. If you renewed online last time, you renew in person this time. You can renew online up to six months before your license expires or within two years after it expires.

You must go to an office if, among other things, your license is suspended, you owe NCDMV money, or you have a restriction other than corrective lenses. Regular licenses are valid for 8 years for drivers 18 to 65 and 5 years for drivers 66 and older, according to the handbook.

NC road signs test practice

Whether you face a sign test or not, a quick refresher helps on the road. These are DMVZone study questions based on the North Carolina Driver Handbook, not real NCDMV test questions. Say each answer out loud, then check.

1. A yellow diamond sign usually warns of what?
2. What does a red circle with a slash across a symbol mean?
3. A five-sided sign marks what kind of area?
4. What color are work zone warning signs?
5. What does a yellow pennant on the left side of the road mean?
6. A round yellow sign with an X and two Rs means what?
7. A blue rectangular sign shows what kind of information?
8. What shape is a yield sign?
9. A brown sign points to what?
10. What does a yellow plate showing 30 under a curve sign tell you?

Answers

1. A hazard or change in the road ahead.
2. The action shown is not allowed.
3. A school zone or school crossing.
4. Orange.
5. A no passing zone begins.
6. A railroad crossing is ahead.
7. Motorist services, such as gas, food or lodging.
8. A triangle pointing down.
9. Recreation or cultural sites, such as a park.
10. The suggested safe speed for that curve.

FAQ