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  • Updated for January 2025
  • Based on 2025 NC commercial driver's license manual

Free North Carolina CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

Thanks for stopping by to take our free North Carolina CDL permit practice test! This practice test will help you prepare to pass the official CDL General Knowledge test. Have you been reading the official North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual (North Carolina CDL Handbook 2025)? By taking this practice test, you’ll absorb the relevant information from the manual more easily, which will increase your chances of passing the official test. The practice test is based on the official state CDL manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of January, 2025 and has 50 multiple-choice questions. The questions on this practice test will assess your understanding of such topics as basic vehicle maneuvers, cargo management, driving laws and regulations, emergency preparedness, and pre-trip inspections. Unlike the official knowledge test, this practice test comes with an automated assistant, which can help you with a question by providing a hint and an explanation of the correct answer.

By passing the official knowledge test, submitting to a medical examination, and meeting some other requirements, you’ll be eligible to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This credential will allow you to practice commercial driving under the supervision of someone who already holds a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

By practicing commercial driving, you’ll become sufficiently good at it to pass the official skills test, a necessary step for you to obtain a CDL. The skills test will evaluate you on performing basic vehicle maneuvers, a pre-trip inspection, and a road test.

Once you obtain the class of CDL you want and all endorsements you need, you’ll find many profitable opportunities in commercial driving. In North Carolina, key economic sectors include agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, all of which depend on trucks to transport their products. Drivers who operate refrigerated trucks (“reefers”) are in high demand to transport perishable products. The high-tech Research Triangle area also depends on truck drivers to deliver equipment and supplies to them. In addition, ports in Wilmington and Morehead City create opportunities for truck drivers to transport goods from the ports to major cities. Note: Seaports are considered secure areas. You may need a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card to pick up cargo at these ports.

Finally, the state’s tourism industry employs bus drivers to transport visitors to such attractions as the Great Smoky Mountains and the Outer Banks.

Major trucking routes include Interstates 40, 85, and 95; U.S. Route 74; and U.S. Route 17. Unfortunately, I-85 is often heavily congested during rush hours. Also, sections of I-40 through the Appalachian Mountains include steep grades, tight curves, and the risk of landslides.

[faq]

FAQs

How do you obtain a CDL in North Carolina?

To get a CDL in North Carolina, start by obtaining a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) after passing the required knowledge tests. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days, then complete CDL training (if you choose to) and pass the skills test. Ensure you meet all medical and age requirements.

What is the cost of getting a CDL?

The cost for a CDL in North Carolina includes a $40 fee for the CDL itself and a $20 fee for the knowledge test. Additional fees apply for endorsements and skills tests.

Is CDL school required?

CDL school is not mandatory in North Carolina, but it’s highly recommended for comprehensive training and preparation for the skills test. Employers may also require or prefer CDL training completion.

How long does it take to get a CDL?

The time to get a CDL in North Carolina varies. After obtaining a CLP, you must hold it for at least 14 days. The duration of CDL training programs, if chosen, can vary from a few weeks to several months.

Can you take CDL classes online?

In North Carolina, while some theoretical aspects of CDL training may be available online, the practical skills training and testing must be completed in person.

How challenging is the CDL permit test?

The difficulty of the North Carolina CDL permit test varies, but with proper study and preparation, including a thorough review of the NC Commercial Driver License Manual and practice tests, many applicants find it manageable.

[/faq]

Commercial Driver's License
  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
  • Triple-checked for accuracy

What you need to know

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Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
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What to expect on the actual NC DMV exam

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. If you have more than one driver license,
  2. Which of the following convictions may cause you to be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?
  3. What will help a drunk sober up?
  4. What can you do at an accident scene to help avoid another accident?
  5. While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?
  6. You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
  7. In which of the following two situations should you downshift?
  8. How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
  9. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, what should you do?
  10. Which of the following statements about an escape ramp is FALSE?
  11. What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
  12. If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap?
  13. Which is NOT one of the four basic skills that operating a commercial motor vehicle requires?
  14. Letting the air out of hot tires
  15. If you feel drowsy while driving, what should you do?
  16. Which of the following is a key steering component?
  17. What is the definition of a hazard?
  18. The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is
  19. Which of the following is most likely to cause a vehicle fire?
  20. To maintain alertness on your trips, you should
  21. Why should you use a helper when you are backing?
  22. When you start to drive down a steep downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed?
  23. The most important hand signal that you and a helper should agree on is
  24. Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?
  25. Do empty trucks have the best braking?
  26. Before transporting a sealed load, you must check
  27. How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
  28. How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load?
  29. Signs of distracted drivers include
  30. Always try to back toward the driver's side because
  31. An antilock braking system (ABS) will
  32. What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
  33. Total stopping distance equals
  34. You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
  35. If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to brake to a stop?
  36. Hazardous materials placards are
  37. On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
  38. Which of the following might get stuck at a raised railroad crossing?
  39. How often must you stop to check your cargo while on the road?
  40. Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?
  41. What is a common cause of tire fires?
  42. How can you start moving without rolling backward?
  43. Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?
  44. It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas may be slippery?
  45. Why should you cover your cargo?
  46. You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
  47. To transport cargo safely, which of the following are you NOT responsible for?
  48. If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
  49. If you are convicted of any traffic violation except parking, you must notify your employer within
  50. Federal law requires employers to test their commercial drivers for drugs and alcohol. If you test positive for drugs, your employer must report it to
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