North Carolina General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
25 realistic General Knowledge practice questions for North Carolina CDL applicants. Required for: All CDL applicants (Class A, B, and C). Official test: 50 questions, 40 correct to pass.
Question 1 of 25 · CDL Rules
What document must you have to drive a CMV in interstate commerce?
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A.
A valid CDL with applicable endorsements
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B.
A current DOT physical (Medical Examiner's Certificate)
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C.
Both a valid CDL and a current Medical Examiner's Certificate
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D.
Only a regular driver license
Correct answer: C.
Interstate CMV drivers must have a valid CDL and a current medical examiner's certificate.
Question 2 of 25 · Emergency Equipment
Which of these is the best way to prevent fires?
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A.
Smoking only outside the cab
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B.
Pre-trip inspection that includes electrical, fuel, and exhaust systems
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C.
Carrying a large fire extinguisher
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D.
Driving slowly
Correct answer: B.
A thorough pre-trip inspection that catches electrical, fuel, and exhaust defects is the best fire prevention.
Question 3 of 25 · Backing
The most important hand signal you and a helper should agree on is:
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A.
Speed up
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B.
Stop
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C.
Turn left
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D.
Back straight
Correct answer: B.
Always agree on a clear stop signal before backing. The helper must be able to stop you instantly.
Question 4 of 25 · Backing
You should always try to park:
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A.
So that you will have to back when leaving
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B.
So that you can pull forward when leaving
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C.
On the right shoulder of any highway
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D.
Without using the parking brake
Correct answer: B.
Park so that you can pull forward to leave. Backing should always be avoided when possible.
Question 5 of 25 · Following Distance
Following distance for a heavy vehicle traveling below 40 mph should be at least:
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A.
1 second per 10 feet of vehicle length
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B.
Half the length of the vehicle
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C.
Two seconds total
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D.
No specific amount required
Correct answer: A.
Use one second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph; add a second above 40 mph.
Question 6 of 25 · Hours of Service
How often must a driver complete a written record of duty status?
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A.
Every 8 hours
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B.
Every 12 hours
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C.
Every 24 hours
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D.
Once a week
Correct answer: C.
A daily record of duty status (logbook) must be completed each 24-hour period.
Question 7 of 25 · CDL Rules
Drivers convicted of driving a CMV without a valid CDL face:
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A.
No fines for the first offense
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B.
Civil penalties up to $5,000 and possible jail time
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C.
Only a warning
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D.
A 30-day driving restriction
Correct answer: B.
Driving without a valid CDL can lead to significant federal civil penalties and possible criminal penalties.
Question 8 of 25 · Cargo
When it comes to cargo, which is true?
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A.
You can rely on the shipper to ensure secure load
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B.
You are responsible for confirming the cargo is properly distributed and secured
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C.
Securement is verified at weigh stations only
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D.
Once on the road, no further inspection is necessary
Correct answer: B.
You are responsible. Inspect within 50 miles and at every change of duty status, and at least every 150 miles or 3 hours.
Question 9 of 25 · Emergency Equipment
Most heavy vehicle fires are caused by:
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A.
Hot tires from low pressure or under-inflated duals
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B.
Cold weather
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C.
Engine cooling system
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D.
Exhaust pipes only
Correct answer: A.
Hot tires and brakes are leading causes. Inspect tires and brakes regularly to prevent fires.
Question 10 of 25 · ABS
ABS:
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A.
Allows you to drive faster
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B.
Lets you brake hard without losing steering control
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C.
Means you don't have to use safe driving techniques
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D.
Eliminates the need to inspect brakes
Correct answer: B.
ABS preserves steering during emergency braking but does not shorten stopping distance.
Question 11 of 25 · Emergency Maneuvers
Which of the following is a sign of tire failure?
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A.
A loud "bang" sound
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B.
Vibration or thumping
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C.
Heavy steering or fishtailing
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D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
A bang, vibration, heavy steering, or fishtailing can all indicate tire failure.
Question 12 of 25 · Adverse Conditions
When a vehicle hydroplanes, the brakes:
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A.
Will work better than usual
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B.
May cause the vehicle to spin
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C.
Should be applied hard
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D.
Cause the engine to stall
Correct answer: B.
Braking on a hydroplaning surface can lock wheels and cause spins. Ease off the throttle instead.
Question 13 of 25 · Testing
The road test will be scored on:
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A.
How fast you complete the route
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B.
Vehicle inspection, basic control, and on-road driving
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C.
Whether you wear a uniform
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D.
Your appearance
Correct answer: B.
You'll be evaluated on inspection skills, basic control skills, and safe on-road driving performance.
Question 14 of 25 · Driver Wellness
Distracted driving includes:
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A.
Talking on a hand-held cell phone
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B.
Eating
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C.
Reading maps
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D.
All of the above
Correct answer: D.
All of these activities take attention from driving and are forms of distracted driving.
Question 15 of 25 · Communication
When should you check your mirrors?
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A.
Only before changing lanes
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B.
Frequently, to know what is around your vehicle
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C.
When parking only
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D.
Only at intersections
Correct answer: B.
Check mirrors regularly to know what is happening around your vehicle.
Question 16 of 25 · Inspection
Pre-trip inspection of the vehicle should be done in the same order each time so that you:
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A.
Will look professional to other drivers
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B.
Will learn it well and not skip anything
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C.
Can finish faster
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D.
Pass the test more easily
Correct answer: B.
Following the same order helps prevent missed steps and builds reliable habits.
Question 17 of 25 · Testing
When taking the road test, you will be expected to:
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A.
Demonstrate the basic control skills only
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B.
Drive only on the highway
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C.
Show that you can perform safely in normal traffic
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D.
Drive only in residential areas
Correct answer: C.
The road test evaluates safe performance in actual traffic conditions.
Question 18 of 25 · Emergency Maneuvers
What should you do if your brakes fail on a downgrade?
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A.
Pump the brakes vigorously
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B.
Look for an escape ramp or open area to slow down
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C.
Shift into neutral
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D.
Turn off the engine
Correct answer: B.
If brakes fail, look for an escape ramp or a route that will slow your vehicle without endangering others.
Question 19 of 25 · Cargo
Which is true about cargo securement?
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A.
Drivers are responsible for inspecting cargo
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B.
Cargo only needs to be inspected at the start of a trip
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C.
Securement is the shipper's sole responsibility
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D.
Once strapped, cargo never needs re-checking
Correct answer: A.
Drivers must inspect cargo and its securement at the start of the trip and re-check periodically.
Question 20 of 25 · Adverse Conditions
Which of the following is true about driving in fog?
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A.
You should always drive with high beams
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B.
Avoid driving in fog if possible
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C.
Use the right edge of the road as a guide rather than the center line
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D.
Both b and c
Correct answer: D.
Avoid driving in fog when possible. If unavoidable, use low beams and the right edge as a guide.
Question 21 of 25 · Inspection
What is the minimum tread depth for steering axle tires?
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A.
2/32 inch
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B.
4/32 inch
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C.
6/32 inch
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D.
8/32 inch
Correct answer: B.
Federal regulations require at least 4/32 inch tread depth on steering axle tires.
Question 22 of 25 · Driver Wellness
Which of the following is NOT a sign of fatigued driving?
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A.
Frequent yawning
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B.
Drifting from your lane
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C.
Rapid blinking and clear focus
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D.
Missing exits or traffic signs
Correct answer: C.
Rapid blinking with clear focus is not a fatigue sign. Yawning, drifting, and missing exits all are.
Question 23 of 25 · Inspection
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
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A.
To meet DOT requirements
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B.
Safety for yourself and others
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C.
To save fuel
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D.
To avoid roadside inspections
Correct answer: B.
Safety is the most important reason. A defective vehicle puts you, your cargo, and others at risk.
Question 24 of 25 · Cargo
Which is correct about cargo and weight balance?
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A.
Heavy cargo should always be at the rear
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B.
Cargo should be balanced and secured to prevent shifting
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C.
Side-to-side balance does not matter
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D.
Top-heavy loads improve stability
Correct answer: B.
Cargo must be evenly balanced and well secured. Top-heavy loads increase rollover risk.
Question 25 of 25 · Emergency Equipment
When stopped on the side of a level, straight, two-lane road, where should the three reflective triangles be placed?
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A.
10, 50, and 100 feet behind the vehicle
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B.
10, 100, and 200 feet behind the vehicle
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C.
On the front, side, and rear of the vehicle
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D.
50, 100, and 200 feet on the traffic side
Correct answer: B.
Triangles go 10, 100, and 200 feet behind the vehicle on a straight, level, two-lane road.
About the General Knowledge Test
The General Knowledge test covers safe vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, shifting gears, communicating, controlling speed, controlling distance, seeing hazards, distracted driving, aggressive drivers, communicating with other drivers, night driving, driving in fog, winter driving, hot weather driving, mountain driving, driving emergencies, anti-lock braking systems, skid recovery, accident procedures, fires, alcohol and other drugs, hazardous materials awareness, and staying alert and fit to drive. Every commercial driver in the United States must pass this test before any other CDL endorsement can be added.
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles administers this knowledge test as part of its commercial driver license program. To earn the CDL General Knowledge on your North Carolina CDL, you need to score at least 40 out of 50 on the official version.
Topics covered on this practice test
- Emergency Equipment: 3 questions
- Cargo: 3 questions
- Inspection: 3 questions
- CDL Rules: 2 questions
- Backing: 2 questions
- Emergency Maneuvers: 2 questions
- Adverse Conditions: 2 questions
- Testing: 2 questions
- Driver Wellness: 2 questions
- Following Distance: 1 question
- Hours of Service: 1 question
- ABS: 1 question
- Communication: 1 question
How to use this practice test
- Read each question carefully. CDL questions are written precisely — small wording differences matter.
- Click "Show Answers & Explanations" only after answering every question. Don't peek mid-test.
- Read the explanation for every question, even ones you got right. The reasoning is more important than the answer.
- Repeat the test until you score 100%. The questions are deterministic per state, so you can track your improvement over multiple sessions.
- Move on to the other endorsement tests for North Carolina until you're ready for the official exam.
Tips specific to the General Knowledge test
The General Knowledge test is the foundation of every CDL. Topics include vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, communicating, controlling speed, controlling space, hazard perception, distracted driving, night driving, fog, winter, hot weather, mountain driving, emergencies, anti-lock brakes, skid recovery, accident procedures, fires, alcohol, hazardous materials awareness, and staying alert. Most failures come from speeding through inspection-related questions; slow down and read carefully.
Other practice tests for North Carolina