North Carolina CDL Study Guide
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, part of NCDOT, issues Commercial Driver Licenses. The N.C. CDL Manual covers state and federal rules. New CDL applicants take knowledge tests, get a CLP, finish ELDT, and then take the skills test at a NCDMV CDL testing location.
Key North Carolina numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the North Carolina General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
CDL knowledge test scores are valid for 90 days. If your CLP expires before you complete the skills test, you must retake all knowledge tests. Failed tests can be retaken per NCDMV scheduling rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for a North Carolina CDL?
18 for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate driving or hazardous materials.
How long must I hold a NC CLP before the skills test?
At least 14 days. The CLP itself is valid for 180 days.
How much does a North Carolina CDL cost?
$64.75 for the CLP and $25.50 per year for the CDL (commonly $127.50 for 5 years). Endorsements are $5 per year.
Does North Carolina require ELDT?
Yes. Per federal rules effective February 7, 2022, first-time CDL applicants and first-time P/S/H endorsement applicants must complete ELDT from an FMCSA Training Provider Registry provider.
What is the passing score on the NC CDL General Knowledge test?
80%. You have one hour and may miss no more than 10 of the 50 questions.
Where is the official NC CDL Manual?
On the NCDMV handbooks page at ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/handbooks.aspx.
Free practice
Start a North Carolina General Knowledge quiz →
Sources: NCDMV Commercial Driver License N.C. Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF) NCDMV Driver Manuals NCDMV Licenses u0026 Fees