What! I Have to Take a Driver's Test?

Posted: Apr 11, 2007

I've held a driver's license in three states: Michigan, Ohio and Florida.
The only time there was any kind of testing involved was when I got my very FIRST license, the one that comes right after the learner's permit.
You see, when you give up your license from one state in exchange for another, it's for the most part an even exchange. They confiscate the old one and hand over the new one.
Not so easy in North Carolina.
If you want to drive in this state, at least as a resident, you have to prove you're worth by taking a test. And it isn't even a road test. It's a WRITTEN test. And, I heard from a co-worker who moved here several months before I did, that it's a real doozy.
He said that his wife barely passed and he actually FAILED and had to take it again. That is not what I wanted to hear.
The killer question had something to do with tractors and the allowable proximity to farm animals, I believe. (I don't recall THAT one on the driver's test in Michigan.)

He suggested I visit the DMV website and download the drivers guide so the same thing won't happen to me. Needless to say I went straight to the site and did just that. Looks like I've got some brushing up to do.
But before you laugh, put yourself in my shoes. How many of you veteran drivers out there would jump at the chance to take that written test all over gain. And how many of you would fail?

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I've been driving for over 30 years and I still miss some of the signs on the exam. I know what they mean when I see them, but I can't remember all the names. And I'm sure that if I had to take a written exam I'd miss quite a few too. North Carolina does very little for anyone in this state. It's more about how much they can take than what they can do for its citizens. The one exception is the deduction I get on state taxes from my retired military income as a result of the Bailey settlement - and the state had to be sued to get that. Some states don't tax their military residents.

laursadad
GOLO member since September 4, 2008
April 11, 2007 3:44 p.m.

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When I moved here some twelve years ago I had to retake the test. There was some stuff on there about driving i snow that stumped me as I recall. I was born and raised in Southern Ca, and to this day I stay off the roads when it snows because I know I do not know how to drive in it. Good luck, the retest when it expires is just signs and that can be passed wihtout too much trouble.

poohperson2000
GOLO member since July 12, 2007
April 12, 2007 12:08 a.m.

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I thought the NC driver's test was very easy. It's on the computer and if you don't understand or can't answer the question, click "skip til later". Once you have entered enough answers, the test will end itself. They don't always tell you that at the DMV. Also, the sign test is during the vision test. Just remember, the round one is railroad crossing. I always missed that one.

msnfnp
GOLO member since January 6, 2009
April 12, 2007 11:40 a.m.

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I didn't think the test was that bad, but then again, I had been licensed in NC, moved to Maryland, then moved back to NC.

What got me was the requirement that I produce my social secuirty card! I worked for Social Secuirty and we told people NOT to carry their SS card around. With the MD license and my very blonde appearance, I don't think anyone would think I'm an illegal alien. However, I went to the local SS office, told them my number, and they gave me a letter to take back to the DMV. Take proof of legal US residence--like your SS card when you go.

Which brings up the question--how did all those illegal aliens get a drivers license???

Rebel
April 16, 2007 1:51 p.m.

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If you don't know the answers all the more reason for the test. When I moved to California some years back I had to take written and road test to get a license and they did not take my NC license. And by the way the road test can be given here too, if the examiner feels it may be necessary.

ridgerunner
April 16, 2007 1:53 p.m.

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It's only been within the last 30 years that you had to take the written test every time you got your license. If you get points on your license, then, you fall into that category. Just to make sure that you are up on all the new laws, it's not a bad idea to download the manual every time you need to get your license renewed.

jdixon2
April 16, 2007 2:30 p.m.

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Just be sure that you can answer the questions at the end of the chapters in the book. As for the signs, the type of sign matters: caution, stop, regulatory (speed limit, reduce speed, etc.). No, I wouldn't be too keen on retesting, but I am keen on people having to know the NC laws to get an NC license. For instance, we can't pass on the right here unless we have a lane provided, but PA can. I like that PA advantage, but we don't have it. You'll be fine, and you need that NC license to get the best insurance rates.

Madame Carlotta
April 16, 2007 2:51 p.m.

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It's not that hard. I barely studied and got 100 on the written test when we moved here. I had to take a written test out in the northwest when I moved there. No biggie.

mimi38
April 16, 2007 3:40 p.m.

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From the way most of the people I see on the road drive, I think they should be forced every renewal to take the written test.

Red
April 16, 2007 3:42 p.m.

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If you can't pass the written test, you don't need to be driving.

saturn5
April 16, 2007 5:40 p.m.

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What! I Have to Take a Driver's Test?

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