north carolina
CDL Practice Test

Welcome to the CDL practice test site for North Carolina. You can use this site to prepare for the official North Carolina DMV CDL Test. The questions on these practice tests apply to all of the areas you'll need to be knowledgeable in to obtain your NC CDL. You can take these practice tests as many times as you need to, and all of these tests are free. You will be presented with 40 questions and you must answer 34 questions correctly to pass. There is a 50-minute time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin.

1 / 40

What are spring brakes?

they are powerful springs that are restrained by air pressure when the air pressure is removed, the brakes are applied

they are big springs with air pressure in them if the air pressure decreases, the brakes are applied

none of the answers listed

they are large springs that are held closed by air pressure if the air pressure is increased the brakes are applied

2 / 40

What type fire extinguisher is required in the power unit of a placarded vehicle?

A ul rating of 15 abc.

Any of these are acceptable.

A ul rating of 5 b/c or above.

A ul rating of 10 b/c or above.

3 / 40

You should_____to uncouple the converter dolly.

disconnect the safey chains, lower the landing gear, and chock the wheels

chock the wheels, lower the landing gear, and disconnect the safey chains

lower the landing gear, disconnect the safety chain, and chock the wheels

chock the wheels, disconnect the safety chains, and then lower the landing gear

4 / 40

Front wheel brakes are good under what kind of conditions?

they are not ideal

ideal weather conditions

any weather conditons

icy or wet conditions

5 / 40

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as:

a vehicle transporting hazardous materials

a vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers

all of these answers are correct

a vehicle with a gross weight over 26,001 lbs

6 / 40

Animals and human foodstuffs should not be loaded in the same vehicle with?

Flammable gases

Flammable liquids

Explosives

Poisons

7 / 40

You should_____to make an emergency stop with air brakes when using the stab braking method.

apply a firm pressure to the brakes, release the brake pedal once the wheels lock and then apply pressure to the brakes onces the wheels start rolling again

apply pressure to the brake pedal until the wheels lock and then stay off of the pedal for as long as the wheels are locked

apply a full hand valve until you stop and press firmly on the brake pedal

rapidly and lightly pump the brake pedal

8 / 40

An example of a low pressure warning signal for air brakes is:

all of these answers are correct

red light

a buzzer

a wig wag mechanical arm

9 / 40

Select the two reasons as to why special care is needed when driving a tank vehicle:

None of the answers listed.

The danger of surge and the high center of gravity.

The chance of rollover and of spontaneous combustion.

The danger of surge and the low center of gravity.

10 / 40

Select the statement that describes how you could damage the landing gear.

back under the trailer in a straight path

back under the trailer at an angle

have the trailer kingpin centered over the fifth wheel

have the tractor and trailer aligned

11 / 40

If you are transporting cargo, you should inspect the cargo and securing devices:

within the first 50 miles of driving

before the trip, within 50 miles after beginning the trip, and at least every 150 miles or 3 hours

before the trip

during every driving brake on the trip

12 / 40

Select when you should use the parking brake:

each time you leave your vehicle for any amount of time

when you are leaving your vehicle for more than an hour

with rare exception, every time you leave your vehicle

when in residential areas

13 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to large combination vehicles taking longer to stop.

they take longer to stop than bobtail tractors

they take longer to stop when they are empty

they take longer to stop when loaded down

they take the same amount of time to stop when empty or loaded

14 / 40

What is the normal operating range for a truck's oil pressure?

This is engine-specific

30-75 psi

20-30 psi

40-60 psi

15 / 40

Which of the following statements is true about speed management?

The posted speed limit is safe for all conditions.

Speed limits for buses are the same as cars.

All of these answers are correct.

You should be able to stop within the distance that you can see ahead.

16 / 40

A baffled tanker has:

Bulkheads with holes that allow liquid to flow through it.

Balls floating in it to increase the speed of the liquid movement.

No side to side surge.

Separate compartments inside the trailer.

17 / 40

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

the weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses

athe heights posted at bridges are usually accurate

an empty van is lower than a loaded one

18 / 40

Select the statement of what you should not do if you are required to drive through flowing water or deep puddles.

increase engine rpm

shift into a lower gear

quickly turn the steering wheel side to side

drive at a high speed

19 / 40

Charter drivers should not:

Allow riders on the bus until departure time.

Mention rules at the start of the trip.

Explain rules at the start of the trip.

Remind riders about rules once trip begins.

20 / 40

To prevent a roll over a driver can 1) keep the cargo as low to the ground as possible and 2) _____.

have the brakes properly adjusted

take turns slowly

drive while intoxicated

have the fifth wheel's free play as tight as possible

21 / 40

Forward and back surge is powerful in this type of tanker.

Smooth bore

Hard stroke

Waffle

Bulktruck

22 / 40

You do not have to stop at railroad crossings, but must slow down and carefully check for other vehicles:

All of these answers are correct.

If a traffic signal is green.

At crossings marked as "exempt" or "abandoned".

Where a policeman or flagman is directing traffic.

23 / 40

If you work for an interstate carrier:

You must complete a written inspection report for each bus driven.

Only fill out report for buses with defects.

None of these answers are correct.

If there are no defects, no report is necessary.

24 / 40

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate reason to flash your braking lights?

to warn vehicles approaching you from behind that you are driving slowly

to alert drivers behind you that there are hazards ahead

to signal to tailgaters that they are too close to your vehicle

to warn drivers behind you when you need to slow down

25 / 40

How do you secure a second trailer to your combination vehicle?

use emergency air brakes, spring brakes, and wheel chocks together

use wheel chocks only

none of the answers listed

use the emergency air brakes or the trailer's spring brakes only

26 / 40

Why should you use chocks when parking a trailer without spring brakes?

to prevent a runaway trailer

to prevent someone from stealing the vehicle

the trailer wheels are free to turn as there will be no emergency brakes should the air supply in the trailer air tank leak

the trailer wheels are free to turn as there will be no service brakes should the air supply in the trailer air tank leak

27 / 40

What handling effect will baffles have?

There will be less of surging front to back.

There will be an increase in slow surge.

None of the answers listed.

There will be less side to side surging.

28 / 40

How often should you check the tires on a placarded trailer that has dual tires?

Each time you stop.

Once every three hours.

Once every 100 miles.

Start of each day and every time you stop.

29 / 40

What should you hook up before backing a tractor to a trailer for coupling?

the service and emergency air lines

the electrical service line

the safety bar

there is nothing to be hooked up

30 / 40

The locking jaws of the kingpin should close around:

the apex

the tip

the shank

the base

31 / 40

What is the reason that placards are used?

to prevent terrorism

communicate the risk

so hazmat is not mixed with food

it is the law

32 / 40

What handling effect should you expect when your tank has baffles?

There will not be as much front to back surge compared to a tank without baffles.

There will not be as much side to side surge compared to a tank without baffles.

The surge will be slower than a tank without baffles.

There is no difference in handling when you have baffles.

33 / 40

Select the statement that best explains the "crack-the-whip" effect.

it is when you make a sudden movement of the steering wheel or a quick lane change and the tractor tends to rock and sway. The velocity of the rearmost trailer forces the tractor to roll over before the trailer.

it is when you make a sudden movement of the steering wheel or a quick lane change and the rear trailer tends to swing out. The force of the rear trailer becomes amplified, which will cause it to roll over (rearward amplification).

it is when the trailer is half full with the cargo loaded in the front half of the trailer. When you make a sudden movement of your steering wheel the cargo will forcefully slide towards the back of the trailer which will force the trailer to roll over.

it is when the trailer is half full with the cargo loaded in the rear half of the trailer. When you make a sudden movement of your steering wheel the cargo will forcefully slide towards the back of the trailer which will force the trailer to roll over.

34 / 40

This object should be clean with no obstructions, illegal stickers or damage to the glass.

The side mirrors

The lighting indicators

The windshield

The headlights

35 / 40

Two causes of tire fires are ______.

hot brakes and under-inflated tires

duals that touch and road debris

under-inflated tires and duals that touch

under-inflated tires and poor retreads

36 / 40

What kind of surge occurs with baffles?

Back to front

Side to side

Circular

Bottom to top

37 / 40

Start by___when coupling.

having the second trailer against the dock

coupling the tractor to the second trailer

coupling the converter hook to the pintle tongue of the first trailer

backing the converter dolly under the second trailer

38 / 40

You should decrease to a safe speed before entering a curve and then_____through it.

accelerate

shift down 2 gears

pump the brakes

ride the brakes

39 / 40

The sliding mechanism and locking device for a tandem axle on trailers is:

Metal frame

Suspension system

Locking pins/tandem release arm

Apron

40 / 40

This gauge has a governor cut-off.

Oil pressure gauge

The coolant temperature gauge

Air gauge

The ammeter gauge

Your score is

The average score is 0%

5/5 - (3 votes)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A north carolina Commercial Drivers License

To be eligible for a CDL in North Carolina, applicants must meet the following age eligibility requirements.

Be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle intrastate (within North Carolina only).
Be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle interstate (outside of North Carolina).

North Carolina applicants must provide proof that they are medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle and pass a vision test. Applicants are required to submit the following documents.

(Form CDL-MED-1) Medical Certification of Driver Type or Commercial Driver’s License
Medical Card
Full Medical Report (depending on the circumstances)

Drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, denied or canceled are not eligible for a CDL in North Carolina. Applicants can be disqualified from the application process for having multiple licenses.

North Carolina CDL Endorsements
H – Hazmat Vehicles
N – Tank Vehicles
P – Passenger Vehicles
S – School Bus
T – Double or Triple Trailer

Hit the Open Road

north carolina CDL License Test Tips

All North Carolina CDL applicants must pass the general knowledge test prior to taking the skills test. The general knowledge test consists of 50 questions. To pass the North Carolina test, applicants must score 80 percent or higher. Applicants who require additional endorsements must pass additional tests and pay the required fees. The North Carolina skills test can be taken 14 days after applicants pass the knowledge test. It includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and on-road driving. Applicants must pass each section.

Military veterans who were discharged within 1 year of the application and current military members can apply to have the skills exam waived if they meet the requirements. To qualify for a waiver, applicants must:

Be active duty military personnel.
Have operated a motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle in the military within 2 years of the application date.
Submit a Certification for Waiver of CDL Skills Test for Military Personnel.

Additional Information

Information on the North Carolina Department of Transportation

The North Carolina Department of Transportation provides administers CDL license requirements in North Carolina. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/commercial/Pages/default.aspx

Phone: 915.715.7000

Additional North Carolina CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to access more valuable North Carolina CDL testing resources and to learn more about practice driving tests for the state of North Carolina.

north carolina CDL Practice Test