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Drivers who want to drive combination vehicles must pass the combination vehicles test. The North Carolina CDL combination test consists of 20 questions, and you'll need at least 16 correct answers to pass (80%). The test covers the combination vehicles section of the North Carolina CDL Manual. Take this practice test now to prepare for the actual NC CDL combination test!
1. Rollovers happen when drivers:
turn too slowly.
stop too often.
brake too hard.
turn too fast.
2. If your vehicle thumps or vibrates heavily, it may be a sign that:
you need to shift up.
one of the tires has gone flat.
the engine belt is loose.
the brakes have failed.
3. If a worker is close to the roadway in a work zone, you should:
pull off the road and stop.
drive at the posted speed limit.
drive on the shoulder.
reduce your speed below the posted speed limit.
4. At speeds below 40 mph, you should leave at least one second in front of you for each ___ feet of vehicle length.
20
30
10
5
5. If your trailer starts to skid, you should:
keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb.
use the trailer hand brake (if you have one) to straighten out the rig.
release the brakes to get traction back.
accelerate slightly.
6. Combination vehicles usually:
require more driving skill than single CMVs.
are easier to drive than single than single CMVs.
are shorter than single than single CMVs.
All of the above.
7. Fully loaded rigs:
are much more likely to roll over than empty rigs.
are less likely to roll over than empty rigs.
are just as likely to roll over as empty rigs.
None of the above.
8. When driving a combination vehicle, which of the following 2 things will help you prevent a rollover?
Keeping cargo near the ground and driving slowly on the highway.
Keeping cargo near the center of the vehicle and driving slowly on the highway.
Keeping cargo near the center of the vehicle and driving slowly on turns.
Keeping the cargo near the ground and driving slowly around turns.
9. When the tractor protection valve closes, the trailer _______ brakes will come on.
parking
hand
service
emergency
10. Dual tires:
should come in contact with each other whenever possible.
should not come in contact with each other.
should always come in contact with each other.
are dangerous.
 
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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.

NC CDL Combination Test

Number of questions: 20
Correct answers to pass:16
Passing score:80%
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