North Carolina CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The North Carolina CDL General Knowledge test has 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly — an 80% passing score — to pass and proceed to endorsement knowledge tests and the skills test.

North Carolina issues Class A (combination vehicles with GCWR over 26,001 lbs and towed unit over 10,000 lbs GVWR), Class B (single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR or towing under 10,001 lbs), and Class C (16+ passengers or HazMat requiring placards). Each class requires passing the General Knowledge test, applicable endorsement tests, and a skills test.

A North Carolina CDL is valid for 8 years. Your DOT medical certificate must remain current throughout that period — typically requiring renewal every 24 months (or annually for certain medical conditions). HazMat endorsement holders must renew their TSA security threat assessment every 5 years. NC also requires CDL holders to self-certify their medical status category annually.

A first DWI conviction in any vehicle (personal or commercial) results in a minimum 1-year CDL disqualification in North Carolina. If the DWI occurred while transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification is 3 years for a first offense. A second DWI conviction at any time in the driver's lifetime results in a permanent CDL disqualification. These disqualifications apply regardless of whether the driver was operating a commercial or personal vehicle at the time.

North Carolina CDL skills tests are conducted at NCDMV-approved driver license offices and third-party testing sites. You must provide the appropriate commercial vehicle for the skills test. The test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control (backing and maneuvering exercises), and an on-road driving test. Visit ncdot.gov/dmv for a list of CDL testing locations and scheduling information.

A Class A CDL allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs — this includes tractor-trailers and double/triple trailer rigs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs — this includes straight trucks and large buses. A Class C CDL is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, when those vehicles do not qualify for Class A or B.

CDL fees vary by state and by the class and endorsements you obtain. Most states charge separate fees for the CDL knowledge test ($10–$30 per attempt), the CDL skills test ($50–$150), and the CDL license itself ($50–$100). Additional fees apply for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.). The HazMat endorsement also requires a TSA security threat assessment fee of approximately $86. Check your North Carolina DMV website for current fee schedules.

Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.133) require that CDL applicants be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and to respond to official inquiries. Many states offer CDL knowledge tests in Spanish and other languages for non-commercial knowledge questions, but the actual CDL test must be taken in a language that allows the driver to meet the English proficiency requirement. Check with the North Carolina DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your North Carolina CDL, you typically need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, pay the renewal fee, and update your medical certification (DOT physical). If you hold a HazMat endorsement, your TSA background check must also be current. CDLs cannot generally be renewed online due to federal requirements for in-person verification of medical certification.

If you fail the CDL General Knowledge test in North Carolina, you are typically required to wait a specified period (commonly 1–7 days) before retaking it. Most states allow 2–3 attempts before requiring additional waiting periods or study requirements. There is usually a retest fee for each attempt. Focus on the areas you missed — most states provide a score sheet showing which topic areas you need to review.