Updated for 2026

Free North Carolina CDL Practice Test (2026)

Pass your North Carolina commercial driver's license exam with our state-specific practice tests and expert-verified questions.

North Carolina CDL Requirements

Passing Score80%
Total Questions50
Min. Age18 / 21*
FormatComputerized

*18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate/hazmat

5-Question NC Challenge

Test your knowledge with these state-specific questions.

Question 1 of 5

Why are pedestrians who are shopping considered a potential hazard on busy city streets?

How to get a CDL in North Carolina

To obtain a Commercial Driver's License in the North Carolina, you must first pass the General Knowledge exam. Depending on the type of vehicle you intend to drive, additional endorsements like Air Brakes, Tanker, or Hazmat may be required.

  • Provide proof of US citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
  • Hold a valid non-commercial driver's license.
  • Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam.
  • Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and wait at least 14 days.
  • Pass the skills test in a vehicle of the same class as you intend to drive.

Practice every part of the North Carolina CDL test

Your North Carolina exam is split into separate knowledge tests. Drill each one until you're confident.

CDL Job Market in North Carolina

North Carolina's CDL market is steady, growing fast in the regional space, and full of well-respected employers. Old Dominion, based in Thomasville, is one of the biggest LTL carriers in North America and is always hiring experienced drivers. The I-40 corridor through Greensboro and Raleigh is one of the busiest freight lanes in the Southeast, so OTR and regional drivers find a steady run of good-paying work.

Average Salary

$48,470 - $65,000 per year

Top Employers:

Old Dominion Freight (HQ), Epes Transport System, Cardinal Logistics, Schneider National

Market Outlook:

North Carolina CDL average: about $51,000 in 2026. It's home to Old Dominion Freight Line's headquarters and a fast-growing logistics sector tied to the Research Triangle's tech and pharma industries.