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North Carolina CDL Practice Tests & Permit Guide
Everything North Carolina drivers need to prepare for the CDL knowledge exam: state DMV details, fees, age requirements, and free practice questions for every endorsement.
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
|---|---|
| State capital | Raleigh |
| Licensing agency | North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles |
| Permit fee | $21.50 |
| License fee | $25.50/year |
| Minimum age | 18 (intrastate) / 21 (interstate) |
About the North Carolina CDL exam
North Carolina DMV publishes a CDL Manual aligned with FMCSA standards and tests at License Examiner offices statewide. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles administers the federal Commercial Driver License knowledge tests under 49 CFR Part 383, plus any state-specific addenda. North Carolina CDL applicants must pass the federal General Knowledge exam plus knowledge tests for every endorsement they wish to add.
What to bring on test day
Bring your unexpired identity documents, proof of residency in North Carolina, your current DOT medical examiner's certificate (or have it on file with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles), the $21.50 permit fee, and any required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certificate. Confirm the exact list with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles before your appointment because acceptable documents may change without notice.
North Carolina practice tests by endorsement
General Knowledge
The General Knowledge exam is the foundation of every CDL.
Air Brakes
The Air Brakes test is required for any vehicle equipped with a full air brake system, an air-over-hydraulic brake system, or air-actuated parking brakes.
Combination Vehicles
The Combination Vehicles test covers driving tractor-trailers and other combinations with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating over 26,001 pounds where the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds.
Hazardous Materials (Hazmat)
The Hazmat endorsement is required to transport materials in quantities requiring placards under 49 CFR 172.
Tanker
The Tanker endorsement is required to operate any commercial motor vehicle designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tanks of 1,000 gallons or more.
Doubles & Triples
The Doubles/Triples endorsement allows operation of vehicles pulling two or three trailers.
Passenger Transport
The Passenger endorsement is required to operate any commercial motor vehicle designed to transport 16 or more people including the driver.
School Bus
The School Bus endorsement allows operation of school buses transporting students.
North Carolina CDL study plan
For most North Carolina applicants, a five- to seven-day study plan works well. Start with the General Knowledge bank, then add Air Brakes if your vehicle has them, then layer endorsements (Combination, Hazmat, Tanker, etc.) one at a time. Use the practice questions to identify weak areas, re-read the relevant section of the North Carolina CDL handbook, and re-test until you are scoring above 90%. The actual North Carolina DMV exam typically requires 80% to pass.
Remember that the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles skills test is administered separately from the knowledge test. After you pass the knowledge tests on this site's recommended schedule and complete any required ELDT, schedule your skills test through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles or an approved third-party testing facility.