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States

NCNorth Carolina CDL permit test guide

The core course follows the national manual text most states use. When your state manual gives a different number, it wins.

Licensing agency
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Official CDL page
ncdot.gov ↗
Official CDL manual
ncdot.gov ↗
Testing, fees and appointments
ncdot.gov ↗
Knowledge-test language
Confirm with the agency

We have not confirmed this state's current language policy from an official source. Ask the agency before you book.

Source collection date

Steps to your CDL (federal minimums)

  1. Choose your class (A, B or C) and endorsements.
  2. Get a DOT medical exam from a provider on the National Registry and a medical examiner's certificate.
  3. Pass the knowledge tests at the state agency to get your commercial learner's permit (CLP).
  4. Hold the CLP at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder. A CLP is valid for up to one year (some states less).
  5. Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
  6. Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control and road test, in English.
  7. Get your CDL. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.

What is different in this state

Learner permit (CLP)

A North Carolina CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once for another 180 days; hold it 14 days before the skills test. If it expires before you get the CDL, you must retake all three skills tests.

Source: ncdot.gov

Knowledge tests

You need 80% on each knowledge test and may try each test only once per day; one application fee covers 3 attempts. Knowledge test scores stay valid 90 days, and no appointment is needed.

Source: ncdot.gov

Age

You must be 18 for a CDL, and 21 for interstate driving or a hazmat endorsement.

Source: ncdot.gov

Also important

Call 919-715-7000 to schedule the skills test and bring your own representative vehicle; certified third-party testers also test. Testing in a Class A combination without a fifth wheel gives a no-tractor-trailer restriction. The school bus test is given only by the School Bus and Traffic Safety Section.

Source: ncdot.gov

Where this state's manual differs

  • 5.1.11 North Carolina's manual says the low-air warning must come on before tank pressure falls below 60 psi (national text: 55 psi).
  • 5.2 In the dual air brake section, the warning must come on before 60 psi in either system (national: 55 psi).
  • 11 (pre-trip) The pre-trip check says low-air devices should activate before 60 psi (national: 55 psi).

State-only topics in the manual

  • North Carolina intro: how to apply, CLP rules, list of DMV skills-test sites with phone numbers, fees, Clearinghouse and test rules.

Source collection date:

The three permit tests

General Knowledge

Required for every CDL class.

Mock exam

Air Brakes

Needed to drive a vehicle with air brakes without an "L" restriction.

Mock exam

Combination Vehicles

Needed for Class A (tractor-trailers).

Mock exam
Study the core course

7CDL is an independent study aid. It is not a government website, not affiliated with any state agency, FMCSA or AAMVA, and not an ELDT provider. Always check your state's official CDL manual and agency.