Checked against official North Carolina sources on Oct 7, 2026
North Carolina CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and North Carolina follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official North Carolina source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
North Carolina CDL facts
| What | What North Carolina says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CDL application fee (covers 3 knowledge test attempts) | $51.50 | Official page |
| Knowledge test attempts per application fee | 3. If you have not passed the general knowledge test after three attempts, you pay another application fee for three more attempts. | Official page |
| Knowledge test attempts per day | Only one attempt at each knowledge test per day | Official page |
| Knowledge test scores valid | 90 days from the test date | Official page |
| CLP fee | $25.50 (listed as Learner's Permit in the manual fee list) | Official page |
| CDL issue or renewal fee, Class A, B or C | $25.50 per year | Official page |
| Endorsement fee, H, N, P, S, T or X | $5.00 per year each | Official page |
| Motorcycle (M) endorsement fee | $3.05 per year | Official page |
| CLP validity | 180 days. It can be renewed once, also for 180 days. | Official page |
| Wait before skills test | Hold the CLP for 14 days before the skills test | Official page |
| Skills test attempts | Skills tests can be taken once a day, by appointment only | Official page |
| If the CLP expires before you pass all 3 skills test parts | Parts you passed must be retaken if you do not pass all 3 before the CLP expires. If the permit expires, you must retake all three skills tests. | Official page |
| Minimum age, CDL or CLP | 18 | Official page |
| Minimum age, interstate driving or hazardous materials endorsement | 21 | Official page |
| Minimum age, school bus endorsement | 18, with at least six months of driving experience on a full license (graduated or provisional time does not count) | Official page |
| Online knowledge testing | No. Vision, sign and CDL knowledge tests are taken at a driver license office. You can book the office visit online. | Official page |
| School bus certificate renewal | Every three years | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official North Carolina CDL page before you go. Read the official North Carolina CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official North Carolina manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.