North Carolina CDL General Knowledge Practice Test (NC) 2

4.8 out of 5 (116 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
Are you ready to take a significant step forward in your quest to obtain a North Carolina CDL? Our North Carolina CDL General Knowledge Practice Test =2 is here to guide you through the complexities of the DMV written test in 2026! The CDL practice test features 20 diverse and challenging permit test questions, where a score of 16 correct answers is your key to success. This second NC general knowledge practice test is crucial, regardless of whether you're aiming for a Class A or Class B license, or any endorsements. It lays the foundation with a focus on general knowledge, an essential aspect for all license classes. Our NC CDL general knowledge practice test practice test includes a variety of topics, from pre-trip vehicle inspection to the nuances of shifting gears, both upshifting and downshifting. It delves into scenarios like navigating hills and steep downgrades, effective communication with fellow drivers, speed control, and vital knowledge on drug and alcohol awareness. The consistent format of the CDL practice test ensures that each time you take it, the core concepts are reinforced, making you well-prepared for the actual North Carolina DMV written test in 2026. What sets our NC DMV practice test apart is the dynamic nature of the question sets. Each attempt presents a new combination of 2026 permit test questions, effectively eliminating the chance of memorizing the order and pushing you towards a deeper understanding of the material. After completing this North Carolina permit practice test, you'll receive a detailed summary of your performance. This summary not only shows your score but also provides correct answers to the permit test questions you missed, enhancing your learning experience. Accessibility is a cornerstone of our NC CDL practice tests. They are available online through various platforms, including desktop and mobile apps, ensuring that you can practice anywhere, anytime. This flexibility allows you to fit your North Carolina CDL general knowledge test preparation into your busy schedule seamlessly!
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Sample North Carolina CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

What should you do first to recover from a drive-wheel skid caused by excessive acceleration?

  1. A Apply additional power to the drive wheels
  2. B Apply the service brakes firmly
  3. C Release the accelerator and depress the clutch if the surface is very slippery
  4. D Turn the steering wheel sharply toward the shoulder

Correct answer: C – Release the accelerator and depress the clutch if the surface is very slippery

Acceleration skids commonly occur when drive wheels spin on ice or snow. Releasing the accelerator removes the excessive power and can allow the tires to regain traction. On a very slippery surface, depressing the clutch helps the wheels roll freely instead of being held back by the engine.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.19.1, “Drive-wheel Skids”

Question 2

Along with keeping cargo low, which driving practice helps prevent a rollover?

  1. A Checking brake adjustment before every turn
  2. B Holding the steering wheel as tightly as possible
  3. C Driving slowly through turns
  4. D Reducing fifth-wheel free play

Correct answer: C – Driving slowly through turns

Driving slowly through turns reduces the sideways force that can overturn a commercial vehicle. Cargo should also be kept as close to the ground as possible and centered across the vehicle. A high or off-center load makes a rollover more likely.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 6.1.1, “Rollover Risks”

Question 3

A radiator cap may be removed before the cooling system has cooled as long as the temperature gauge does not show overheating.

  1. A True
  2. B False

Correct answer: B – False

Never remove a radiator cap or another part of a pressurized cooling system until the system has cooled. Steam and boiling coolant can escape under pressure and cause severe burns. When removal is necessary after cooling, protect your hands and release the pressure slowly.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.13.1, “Vehicle Checks”

Question 4

If you must assist an injured person at a crash scene, which actions are appropriate?

  1. A Move a severely injured person only when fire or passing traffic creates a danger
  2. B Control heavy bleeding with direct pressure
  3. C Keep the injured person warm
  4. D All of the above

Correct answer: D – All of the above

Do not move a severely injured person unless danger from fire or passing traffic makes movement necessary. Heavy bleeding should be controlled by applying direct pressure to the wound, and the person should be kept warm. If a qualified person is already providing care, remain out of the way unless asked to assist.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.20.3, “Care for the Injured”

Question 5

What should you do before beginning a long, steep downgrade?

  1. A Wait until speed builds before downshifting
  2. B Select a sufficiently low gear for the vehicle and grade
  3. C Shift to neutral and control speed entirely with the brakes
  4. D Apply continuous heavy brake pressure before descending

Correct answer: B – Select a sufficiently low gear for the vehicle and grade

The North Carolina manual instructs drivers to shift into a low gear before starting down a steep grade. Attempting to downshift after speed has increased may leave the transmission unable to engage a lower gear. Modern trucks may require a lower descending gear than the gear used to climb the same hill.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.16.2, “Select the Right Gear before Starting Down the Grade”

Question 6

Under ideal conditions, what is the minimum total stopping distance for a commercial vehicle traveling at 55 mph?

  1. A 216 feet
  2. B 300 feet
  3. C 419 feet
  4. D 500 feet

Correct answer: C – 419 feet

At 55 mph under ideal conditions, the minimum total stopping distance is approximately 419 feet. This includes about 142 feet of perception distance, 61 feet of reaction distance, and 216 feet of braking distance. Poor traction, defective brakes, or other adverse conditions can increase the distance.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.6.1, “Stopping Distance”

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