North Carolina CDL Practice Test and Test Prep (2026)
North Carolina gives CDL tests through North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). Here is what you will be tested on, which of our practice quizzes match each test, and what the skills test involves in North Carolina.
Knowledge tests for a North Carolina permit
- Vision screening (all applicants)
- Traffic sign recognition (all applicants)
- General Knowledge / CDL knowledge test (all applicants) — practice General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (Class A) — practice Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Air Brakes (if your vehicle has them) — practice Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Any endorsement knowledge tests you need (H, N, T, X, P, S)
Permit minimum age: 18 (in-state driving) or 21 (interstate). Holding period before the skills test: 14 days. Permit validity: 180 days.
North Carolina endorsement tests and practice
- Hazmat (H) practice
North Carolina notes for this endorsement
Hazardous materials; requires the hazmat knowledge test plus ELDT theory training for first-timers. North Carolina is NOT a TSA self-managed state, so applicants complete the TSA Security Threat Assessment (fingerprinting and background check) through a TSA/IdentoGO enrollment center — not at the DMV. The endorsement is limited by the TSA cycle (up to 5 years).
- Tanker (N) practice
North Carolina notes for this endorsement
Tank vehicles; knowledge test only, no skills test.
- Passenger (P) practice
North Carolina notes for this endorsement
Passenger; requires a passenger knowledge and skills test, and ELDT for first-time holders.
- School bus (S) practice
North Carolina notes for this endorsement
School bus; requires the P (passenger) endorsement first, plus the S knowledge and skills tests and ELDT for first-timers.
- Doubles/triples (T) practice
North Carolina notes for this endorsement
Double/triple trailers; knowledge test only, available on a CDL (not a CLP).
The North Carolina skills test
Components: Pre-trip vehicle inspection, Basic vehicle control skills, On-road driving test.
Test vehicle: You must provide your own commercial motor vehicle for the skills test, and it must be representative of the class of CDL you are applying for. NCDMV does not furnish a test vehicle; many applicants use a truck supplied by their CDL school or third-party tester.
Where and how to book: You can schedule the CDL road skills test with NCDMV by calling 919-715-7000, or test through a state-authorized third-party tester. North Carolina certifies third-party testers and examiners under administrative rules 19A NCAC 03B .0703 and .0704 (community colleges and private CDL schools commonly hold these certifications). The NCDMV Commercial Driver Manual states that skills tests are given at numerous driver license offices and by certified third-party testers approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Waits and retests: NCDMV does not publish official statewide wait times; availability varies by driver license office and by third-party site. Using a CDL school that bundles testing, or a certified third-party tester, often shortens the wait compared with a state office. (Wait-time observations are rough planning estimates, not an NCDMV figure.)
Practice the inspection part with our pre-trip inspection guide. Research dated 2026-10-12; confirm testing details with North Carolina.
All practice tests
- General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Hazardous Materials (H) (30 questions)
- Tank Vehicles (N) (25 questions)
- Passenger (P) (25 questions)
- School Bus (S) (25 questions)
- Doubles/Triples (T) (20 questions)
Ready to apply? See the full North Carolina CDL requirementsor build your North Carolina checklist.