The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Nevada DMV Class C knowledge test is 50 questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — meaning you need at least 40 correct and can miss up to 10.
If you fail, each retest costs $10 and can be scheduled at any local DMV office. The handbook does not publish a statewide waiting period for retakes; bring your retest fee and ID.
The test is administered at full-service DMV offices using either automated testing equipment or a paper test. Oral exams are available; the Class C and motorcycle tests are also offered in Spanish. Schedule appointments at offices in Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas, and Reno via dmv.nv.gov to skip the line.
Drivers under 18 must complete driver education at a DMV-approved school (or 100 hours of behind-the-wheel experience if no school is within 30 miles), plus 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night). New residents 21+ may have all tests except vision waived if they meet specific criteria (no DUI in 7 years, fewer than 3 moving violations in 4 years).
Nevada BAC: 0.08% for 21+, 0.02% for under 21 (Zero Tolerance), 0.04% for commercial. Marijuana threshold: 2 ng/ml blood. You can still be arrested below 0.08% if impaired (Ch. 10).
1st DUI: 185-day revocation, $400–$1,000 fine, 2 days–6 months jail. 2nd within 7 yrs: 1-year revocation, $750–$1,000. 3rd+ within 7 yrs: 3-year revocation, 1–6 years prison, $2,000–$5,000 (Ch. 10).
Instruction permit at 15½. Hold 6 months. Supervisor must be 21+ with 1 yr of experience, seated beside you. Class C at 16. Curfew 10 PM–5 AM until 18; first 6 months no passengers under 18 except family (NRS 483.2523).
Nevada minimum: 2 seconds at 40 mph or less. Recommended: up to 4 seconds. Commercial vehicles: 5+ seconds. Increase in poor weather. At 55 mph, stopping takes ~7 seconds (Ch. 3).
25 mph business/residential; 65 mph urban freeways and rural highways; 70+ mph rural interstates; 15 or 25 mph school zones. Speed fines double in work zones (Ch. 3).
Signal at least 100 ft before turning in business/residential; 300 ft on open highway. Right on red after a complete stop where not prohibited. Left on red only one-way to one-way (Ch. 3).
Stop for any school bus with flashing red lights. The only Nevada exception: on a divided highway you only stop when traveling in the same direction as the bus (NRS 484B.353).
Required 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise; whenever visibility is <1,000 ft. Dim high beams within 500 ft of oncoming vehicles, 300 ft when following. Use low beams in rain, snow, fog (Ch. 5).
Fire hydrant 15 ft (parallel) / 20 ft (angle); crosswalk 20 ft; signal 30 ft; railroad 50 ft; fire station 20/75 ft. Parallel park within 18 inches of curb (NRS 484B.450).
All passengers age 6+ must wear seat belts if equipped. Children under 6 OR under 57 inches: child restraint. Children under 2: rear-facing in back seat (NRS 484B.157).
The Nevada DMV test passing score is 80% (40 of 50 correct). Aim for 90%+ on practice tests to give yourself a safety margin on test day.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Nevada test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DMV office.
Download the Nevada Driver's Handbook (March 2024) at https://dmv.nv.gov/. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Nevada uses a Basic Rule — drive at a reasonable and proper speed for conditions, even below the posted limit. School zones are 15 OR 25 mph (per the posted sign). Work-zone speed fines are doubled.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual