North Carolina CDL Practice Test: General Knowledge (NC) 6

5 out of 5 (51 votes)
80% Passing score
50 Questions
10 Mistakes allowed
Aspiring commercial drivers in North Carolina, welcome to your crucial step towards earning your CDL in 2026 - the North Carolina CDL General Knowledge Practice Test. This DMV practice test is meticulously crafted to mirror the real written permit test, presenting you with 50 DMV questions that test your knowledge on a broad spectrum of topics crucial for every commercial driver. Expect to encounter sample CDL questions about vehicle equipment, handling emergencies, accident response procedures, pre-trip inspections, and even a few on hazardous materials. While this NC CDL test does not focus on HazMat endorsements, it includes essential HazMat knowledge beneficial for all drivers. Understanding that driving regulations vary from state to state, this North Carolina CDL general knowledge practice test is uniquely designed to align with North Carolina's specific rules and road signs. This local focus ensures that you are not just preparing for a generic written test but are gearing up with knowledge that's directly applicable to North Carolina's roads. An advantage of this practice platform is the ability to retake the DMV practice test multiple times. Whether you're aiming to perfect your score or simply want to reinforce your knowledge, you can revisit this NC permit practice test as often as you like. This feature is especially beneficial for those who wish to approach the exam with confidence and thorough preparation. Moreover, we pride ourselves on presenting the most current and relevant material. The CDL test content is regularly updated to reflect the latest standards and regulations, ensuring that you're studying with information that is accurate for the year 2026. Prepare to excel in 2026 with our North Carolina CDL General Knowledge Practice Test - your stepping stone to becoming a skilled, knowledgeable, and confident commercial driver in North Carolina!
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Sample North Carolina CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

What problem can result from brakes becoming wet in heavy rain or standing water?

  1. A A faster stopping response
  2. B Hydroplaning caused by the brake system
  3. C Improved braking balance
  4. D Reduced braking power

Correct answer: D – Reduced braking power

Wet brakes may become weak, apply unevenly, or grab. These conditions can reduce braking power and may cause wheel lockup, pulling to one side, or a trailer jackknife. After crossing unavoidable water, dry the brakes as directed and make a test stop when it is safe to verify that they work properly.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.13.2, “Wet Brakes”

Question 2

An unblocked article on a flatbed is 7 feet long. What is the minimum number of tiedowns required, regardless of its weight?

  1. A 1
  2. B 2
  3. C 3
  4. D 4

Correct answer: B – 2

Federal regulation 49 CFR § 393.110 requires at least two tiedowns for an unblocked article that is longer than 5 feet but no more than 10 feet long, regardless of weight. Different tiedown formulas apply to shorter articles, longer articles, and cargo that is blocked or immobilized against forward movement.

Source: 49 CFR § 393.110(b)(2)(ii) — Additional Requirements for Determining the Minimum Number of Tiedowns

Question 3

Which backing hazard can a properly positioned helper help you monitor?

  1. A Areas hidden by the vehicle’s blind spots
  2. B The engine’s operating temperature
  3. C The transmission’s gear selection
  4. D The amount of work required to steer

Correct answer: A – Areas hidden by the vehicle’s blind spots

A helper can monitor blind spots that the driver cannot see while backing. The helper should stand near the rear of the vehicle in a location where the driver can see them. The driver should also inspect the path before backing, use both mirrors, and move as slowly as possible.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.2.1, “Use a Helper”

Question 4

For cargo that can be inspected, when must a truck or truck-tractor driver check the load and its securement?

  1. A Only before beginning the trip
  2. B At departure and at the first scheduled fuel stop
  3. C Before driving, within the first 50 miles, and at each required en-route interval
  4. D Only after the first 25 miles

Correct answer: C – Before driving, within the first 50 miles, and at each required en-route interval

Federal regulation 49 CFR § 392.9 requires the driver to verify securement before driving and inspect it again within the first 50 miles. Further checks are required whenever duty status changes or after 3 hours or 150 miles, whichever occurs first. These inspection provisions do not apply when the driver has been ordered not to open a sealed vehicle or inspection is impracticable because of the loading method.

Source: 49 CFR § 392.9(a), (b) — Inspection of Cargo, Cargo Securement Devices and Systems

Question 5

Which situations can require a CMV driver to select a lower gear?

  1. A Before beginning a downgrade
  2. B Before entering a curve
  3. C While climbing when the grade or load requires it
  4. D All of the above

Correct answer: D – All of the above

The North Carolina manual directs drivers to downshift before starting downhill and before entering a curve. It also explains that steeper or longer upgrades and heavier loads may require lower gears while climbing. Selecting the proper gear at the correct road speed or engine rpm helps the driver maintain control and usable engine power.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.3.1, “Manual Transmissions”, North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.16, “Mountain Driving”

Question 6

When should manually operated air-tank drain valves be opened?

  1. A At the end of each day of driving
  2. B Once each month
  3. C Every six months
  4. D Once each year

Correct answer: A – At the end of each day of driving

The North Carolina manual instructs drivers to drain manually operated air tanks at the end of each day of driving. Draining removes accumulated water and compressor oil; water can freeze in cold weather and interfere with braking. Automatic drain valves expel moisture and oil without the same daily manual procedure, although some also permit manual draining.

Source: North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 5.1.4, “Air Tank Drains”

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