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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The North Carolina CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the North Carolina CDL Manual.
All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual NC general knowledge test!
To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1.
You should downshift in advance before:
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crossing a bridge.
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entering the highway.
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starting down a hill or entering a curve.
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entering a tunnel.
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2.
Overloading can have bad effects on all of the following except:
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Steering
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Exhaust system
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Speed control
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Braking
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3.
Most heavy trucks with manual transmissions require ____ to change gears.
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single clutching
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triple clutching
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double clutching
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None of the above.
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4.
Total stopping distance equals:
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Braking distance + viewing distance
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Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance
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Perception distance + braking distance
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Reaction distance - following distance + braking distance
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5.
Shaded parts of the road:
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will melt before open areas.
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will remain icy and slippery after other areas have melted.
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usually are not slippery.
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usually don't freeze.
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6.
Key suspension system parts include:
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Tie rod
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Lock rings
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Bearing plates
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All of the above.
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7.
Vehicles must be equipped with emergency equipment, including:
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2 battery-operated flashlights.
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spare electrical fuses.
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horn.
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a safety valve.
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8.
Backing is dangerous because:
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cargo may fall out.
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you cannot see everything behind your vehicle.
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you need to back toward the passenger driver side so you can see.
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you have to turn the steering wheel toward the direction you want to go.
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9.
The weight of a truck:
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has no effect on stopping distance.
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has an impact on stopping distance.
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is not as important as the vehicle's center of gravity in determining stopping distance.
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None of the above.
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10.
Which of the following statements is FALSE?
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If a tire blows, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.
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The other statements are all TRUE.
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ABS (Antilock Braking Systems) only activate when wheels are about to lock.
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You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Teens between 15 and 18 years old must adhere to the age requirements of the Graduated Driver License law to obtain a class C driver license:
- Limited learner’s permit ? You must be at least 15 and less than 18 and have completed a driver education course.
- Limited provisional license ? You must be at least 16 and less than 18 and have held the limited learner’s permit for 12 months without any traffic violations in the previous 6 months.
- Full provisional license ? You must be at least 16 and less than 18 and have held the limited provisional license for at least 6 months without any traffic violations.
If you are 18 years old, you may apply for a learner permit and obtain a full driver's license after completing the knowledge, vision, and driving tests.
Make an appointment online for the DMV written test by selecting the nearest driver license office. You can choose dates and times based on your preferences and the available options at different North Carolina DMV locations.
First time applicant must bring the following documents:
- One proof of identity and age.
- One proof of a Social Security number.
- One proof of North Carolina residency (two for an NC REAL ID).
- One proof of legal presence (for applicants not born in the U.S.).
If you're under 18, you also need to show:
- Driving Eligibility Certificate and a Driver's Education Certificate.
- Proof of high school graduation or a GED.
You can check all the required documents here.
North Carolina provides DMV written tests in various languages. Additionally, oral tests can be requested if needed. Although language options are provided, it is advisable to have a basic understanding of English since road signs are always in English.
The best way to prepare for the DMV written test is by reading the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook, which contains information about road signs, safe driving practices, and road rules. After studying the manual, verify your preparation with our free practice tests!
For individuals under 18, it’s not permitted to use a cell phone while driving unless in emergency situations.
Other restrictions apply. If you have a limited learner’s permit:
- You can drive only with a supervising driver (parent/legal guardian) who has held a license for at least five years.
- For the first six months, you may drive only between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.; afterward, you may drive anytime under supervision.
- Both your passengers and you must wear seat belts or child safety restraints.
If you have a limited provisional license:
- You can drive alone from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- You may drive anytime under the supervision of a parent/guardian/driver approved by your parent/guardian who has held a license for at least five years. It's possible for you to drive alone anytime for work, volunteer fire, or emergency medical service activities.
- Both your passengers and you must wear seat belts or child safety restraints.
- You can transport no more than one passenger under 21, except for siblings.
A limited learner's permit is valid until your 18th birthday. If you need to renew it, visit a North Carolina DMV office.
If you don't pass your DMV written test, you can retake it after seven calendar days. Use this week to prepare for your next attempt by reviewing the sections of the manual that you didn't study accurately. If you find the exam difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.