North Carolina CDL Class B Practice Test (NC) 3

4.9 out of 5 (94 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
As a North Carolinian looking to earn your Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL), it's crucial to be thoroughly prepared, and our North Carolina CDL Class B Practice Test is designed to help you do just that. Our permit practice test is an invaluable tool for anyone aspiring to operate commercial vehicles within our beautiful state. This specific CDL practice test, the third in our series, targets Class B CDL applicants, ensuring that you are well-equipped with the knowledge needed for your license in 2026. The NC CDL practice test comprises 20 driver's license questions that delve into various aspects critical for a Class B CDL holder. You'll encounter questions on pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and gear shifting - and yes, that includes mastering the art of downshifting. But that's not all. The DMV practice test also covers essential skills such as navigating hills and steep downgrades, effectively communicating with fellow drivers, controlling your vehicle's speed, and understanding the importance of drug and alcohol regulations in commercial driving. In 2026, staying current is vital, and our general knowledge permit practice test is continually updated to reflect the latest regulations and driving practices. This means you're not just preparing with any DMV test; you're preparing with a CDL practice permit test that's tailored to today's driving environment in North Carolina. Unlike the actual NC CDL written test in 2026, our practice version isn't timed. This gives you the flexibility to thoroughly work through each DMV test question, ensuring you understand the material, not just memorize it. After all, true learning comes from understanding, not rushing. One of the unique features of our North Carolina CDL class B practice test is the randomization of DMV questions each time you take it. This approach prevents the memorization of question sequences and pushes you to focus on the content, preparing you for the unpredictable nature of the real NC CDL written permit test in 2026. By using our North Carolina CDL practice test, you're not only increasing your chances of passing the written permit test but also ensuring you become a knowledgeable and safe commercial driver in North Carolina!
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Sample North Carolina CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

When must a truck or truck-tractor driver inspect cargo and its securement devices after beginning a trip?

  1. A Only during the inspection performed before departure
  2. B Within the first 50 miles and again at required mileage, time, or duty-status intervals
  3. C Only when the cargo requires hazardous-material placards
  4. D Only after every 6 hours or 300 miles

Correct answer: B – Within the first 50 miles and again at required mileage, time, or duty-status intervals

The North Carolina manual requires another cargo check within the first 50 miles. Cargo and securement devices must then be reexamined at a duty-status change or after three hours or 150 miles, whichever occurs first. Necessary adjustments must be made to prevent shifting or falling cargo. Exceptions apply when a sealed vehicle must not be opened or the loading method makes inspection impracticable.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 3.1, “Inspecting Cargo”, 49 CFR § 392.9(b)(2)–(4) – Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems

Question 2

How far ahead should a commercial driver generally scan while the vehicle is moving?

  1. A 2 to 5 seconds
  2. B 5 to 10 seconds
  3. C 12 to 15 seconds
  4. D 15 to 25 seconds

Correct answer: C – 12 to 15 seconds

Good drivers generally look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead, measured by how far the vehicle will travel during that time. This provides more time to recognize conditions that may require stopping or changing lanes. Drivers must continue shifting their attention between nearby conditions and the road farther ahead.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.4.1, “Seeing Ahead”

Question 3

Which statement correctly defines perception distance?

  1. A The distance traveled while moving your foot from the accelerator to the brake
  2. B The distance traveled from seeing a hazard until your brain recognizes it
  3. C The distance traveled after the brakes are applied
  4. D The distance needed for air brakes to build pressure

Correct answer: B – The distance traveled from seeing a hazard until your brain recognizes it

Perception distance is the distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver sees a hazard until the brain recognizes it. It is separate from reaction distance, which continues until the driver physically applies the brakes. Visibility and the driver’s mental or physical condition can affect perception distance.

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

Question 4

If reflective triangles are used as the required warning devices, how many must be carried on the power unit?

  1. A One
  2. B Two
  3. C Three
  4. D Four

Correct answer: C – Three

The required set consists of three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles that meet the applicable safety standard. North Carolina’s CDL manual includes three red reflective triangles in its emergency-equipment inspection. Drivers should verify that all three are present before operating the vehicle.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.1.5, “Seven-step Inspection Method—Check Emergency Equipment”, 49 CFR § 393.95(f) – Emergency equipment on all power units

Question 5

At highway speed, what time interval represents the recommended forward scanning distance?

  1. A About one football field
  2. B About two football fields
  3. C 5 to 10 seconds
  4. D 12 to 15 seconds

Correct answer: D – 12 to 15 seconds

A commercial driver should normally scan at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. Looking that far provides time and space to respond to changing traffic or roadway conditions. It does not replace checking nearby hazards, mirrors, and the vehicle’s sides.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.4.1, “Seeing Ahead”

Question 6

When driving at night, approximately how much roadway can you see with properly operating low-beam headlights?

  1. A 100 feet
  2. B 150 feet
  3. C 200 feet
  4. D 250 feet

Correct answer: D – 250 feet

Low beams normally illuminate approximately 250 feet of roadway ahead. High beams provide a longer range of about 350 to 500 feet. When low beams are required, reduce speed as necessary to keep the vehicle’s stopping distance within the visible area.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.11.4, “Vehicle Factors”

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