Free, full North Carolina CDL general knowledge test practice right here in your browser — real exam format (50 questions, 80% to pass), diagnostic and adaptive modes, spaced-repetition review, and a readiness dashboard. No signup, no paywall — your progress is saved automatically on this device.
If your brakes fail on a long downgrade, your best escape is usually to:
B. Use an escape ramp if one is available — An escape ramp is designed to stop a runaway vehicle safely, making it the best option when brakes fail on a long downgrade.
The steering play (lash) acceptable limit for a power-steering vehicle is:
D. No more than 10 degrees (about 2 inches of play on a 20-inch wheel) — For power steering vehicles, steering wheel play should not exceed 10 degrees. For a 20-inch wheel, that is about 2 inches of free play at the rim. Excessive play indicates worn steering components.
After coupling the second trailer and dolly, you should:
C. Connect and secure the air and electrical lines and supply air before driving — Connecting and charging the air and light lines, then testing, ensures the rear trailer's brakes and lights work before you move.
What is the 'FMCSA Special Configuration' requirement for triples?
B. Triples are federally regulated — they require a combination CDL-A with doubles/triples (T) endorsement — Operating a double or triple trailer combination requires the CDL-A license plus the 'T' (doubles/triples) endorsement, which requires passing an additional knowledge test.
With a dual air brake system, before driving you should build pressure to governor cutout and then check that air pressure builds from 85 to 100 psi within:
D. 45 seconds — After cutout, the system should rebuild 85 to 100 psi within about 45 seconds; slower buildup signals a problem to repair before driving.
When evacuating a bus in an emergency, the driver should generally:
D. Keep order, direct passengers to the safest exit, and lead them to a safe place away from traffic — The driver should stay in control, choose the safest exit, and guide passengers to a safe spot away from traffic and other hazards.
During a post-trip vehicle inspection report (DVIR), a driver MUST:
A. Report any defects found and sign the report, certifying defects or certifying the vehicle is satisfactory — FMCSA requires drivers to complete a DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) at the end of each day reporting all defects or certifying the vehicle was found to be in satisfactory condition. The report must be signed.
What is the 'prohibited items' rule for passenger buses?
B. Hazardous materials in passenger-accessible areas are prohibited; specific HazMat (labeled packages, flammable compressed gases, etc.) are prohibited entirely — Certain hazardous materials are completely prohibited on passenger buses. Others may be transported only in the baggage compartment if properly packaged. The goal is to protect passengers from HazMat risks.
CDL safety scenario 62: When checking your CDL vehicle before a trip, which item must be secure before you move?
A. Cargo, doors, and emergency equipment — Cargo, doors, and emergency equipment. Commercial drivers are expected to manage this situation before it becomes a crash risk. The CDL manual emphasizes controlling the vehicle, inspecting safety-critical systems, and correcting hazards promptly.
What is the required action when passengers are boarding or alighting from a stopped bus?
B. Apply the parking brake and use the hazard lights to warn other traffic — When stopped for boarding or alighting, apply the parking brake and activate hazard lights to make the stopped bus visible to other traffic, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
The North Carolina CDL general knowledge test has 50 questions, and you need 80% to pass — at least 40 correct answers. The practice tests on this page use the same format. The 80% passing score is a federal FMCSA standard used by every state.
80%. You can miss at most 10 of the 50 questions. The readiness dashboard on this page tracks whether you're consistently scoring above that bar.
Yes. Every practice test on this page and everything in the DMVPrep iPhone app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.
Federal motor carrier safety regulations (FMCSA) — the same rules every state's CDL exam is drawn from. Every question in the DMVPrep app cites the regulation or handbook section it comes from.
Yes — the DMVPrep app includes all 3,745+ questions in Spanish, and the whole app works in Spanish.