CDL VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST NORTH CAROLINA

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To obtain a CDL, you will be required to pass a vehicle inspection test. The vehicle inspection test, formerly known as pre-trip, is a skills test to see if you identify which features and equipment on the test vehicle should be inspected before driving. During the test, you will be asked to do an inspection of your vehicle. You will be expected to show your knowledge of the inspection process and you will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. During the CDL inspection test, DMV does not allow the use of testing aids, other than the vehicle inspection guide in the North Carolina CDL Manual. To prepare for the test, study the following sections of the CDL manual: Driving Safely and the Vehicle Inspection Test. If you do not pass the CDL inspection test, the other skills tests will be postponed.
1. Without engine oil:
exhaust emissions will be reduced.
traction will be reduced.
the engine can be destroyed rapidly.
the ABS won't work.
2. You should check that the _____ is solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the tractor frame.
apron
kingpin
sliding pintle
catwalk
3. When checking the condition of the steering system, you must:
Visually inspect the steering mechanism.
Check the windshield wiper arms.
Test what happens under braking conditions.
grab the steering mechanism to test for looseness.
4. When taking the road test, if asked to make a turn you should:
only use the turn signal if other vehicles are present.
gradually increase your speed.
check traffic in all directions.
All of the above.
5. As part of your pre-trip inspection, make sure:
your cargo does not obscure your view.
the vehicle is not overloaded.
the cargo is balanced properly.
All of the above.
6. When checking tires, which of the following is acceptable?
Dual tires that come in contact with each other
Retreaded tires on the front wheels of a bus
Dual tires that do not come in contact with each other
Radial and bias-ply tires used together.
7. When starting your vehicle, oil pressure should come up to normal:
within 5 minutes of driving.
in about a minute.
in about two minutes.
within seconds.
8. When checking tires, which of the following is not a problem?
Too much air pressure
4/32 inch tread depth on front tires
Cracked valve stems
Radial and bias-ply tires used together
9. During the pre-trip inspection, belts should:
checked for leaks.
checked for oil pressure.
not be inspected.
be checked for tightness and excessive wear.
10. All CDL vehicle inspection tests include:
an in-cab inspection and background check.
an engine inspection and tire check.
an engine start and an inspection of the entire vehicle.
an engine start and in-cab inspection.
 
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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 Inspection Test

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