Knowledge Test Class A
This license is required for driving any legal combination of vehicles, with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of a trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds. To receive this license, applicants must pass a 50-question test. Test questions come from the North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has three or four possible answer choices. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Combination Vehicles, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving. Endorsements that may be used with a Class A CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, Doubles/Triples, HazMat, Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
Number of Question
Passing Score
15. While still below the legal limit, a driver operating a CMV with a detectable amount of alcohol in their system will:
Explanation
If you are found to have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system while operating a CMV but your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is still below the legal limit of 0.04 percent, you will be put out-of-service for 24 hours. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
16. Which of the following is not a type of distraction?
Explanation
Distractions that can affect safe driving can be classified as physical (such as reaching for an object), mental (such as talking with passenger), or both (such as talking on a hand-held phone).
17. When approaching your vehicle as part of a pre-trip inspection, seeing fresh oil underneath the vehicle is:
Explanation
When approaching your vehicle, you should check under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks. Spotting any of these before a trip is a cause for concern.
18. An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) will:
Explanation
Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) will help you to maintain control during hard braking. ABS will not necessarily shorten your stopping distance.
19. If the spring brakes are on, you should:
Explanation
Do not use the brake pedal when the spring brakes are on. This could damage the brakes by subjecting them to the combined forces of springs and air pressure.
20. When leaving your vehicle unattended:
Explanation
In general, you should always use the parking brake when parking your vehicle. However, you should not apply the parking brake if your brakes are very hot or if your brakes are wet and temperatures are below freezing.
21. When checking the engine compartment:
Explanation
Before inspecting the engine compartment, make sure that the parking brakes are on and/or the wheels are chocked. Check the engine compartment before entering the cab and starting the engine.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2025 North Carolina DMV exam.
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Alexa shares with us how she went in for her Class A permit and decided to get her Hazmat endorsement as a bonus!
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in North Carolina allows drivers to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is over 10,000 pounds. This type of license is required for drivers who operate tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, tanker trucks, and other heavy vehicles.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in North Carolina, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Obtain a North Carolina Commercial Driver's License Manual and study it thoroughly.
2. Obtain a North Carolina Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing a knowledge test that covers general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and combination vehicles. To obtain a CLP, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license.
3. Practice driving with your CLP under the supervision of someone who holds a valid Class A CDL license.
4. Pass a road skills test that includes pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
5. Once you have passed the road skills test and obtained your Class A CDL license, you will be required to pass regular medical exams and maintain a clean driving record to keep your license valid.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or endorsements needed depending on the specific type of vehicle you will be driving or cargo you will be transporting.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in North Carolina, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Obtain a North Carolina Commercial Driver's License Manual and study it thoroughly.
2. Obtain a North Carolina Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing a knowledge test that covers general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and combination vehicles. To obtain a CLP, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license.
3. Practice driving with your CLP under the supervision of someone who holds a valid Class A CDL license.
4. Pass a road skills test that includes pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
5. Once you have passed the road skills test and obtained your Class A CDL license, you will be required to pass regular medical exams and maintain a clean driving record to keep your license valid.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or endorsements needed depending on the specific type of vehicle you will be driving or cargo you will be transporting.
With a Class A CDL license in North Carolina, you can operate combination vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the trailer being towed is over 10,000 pounds. This includes vehicles such as:
1. Tractor-trailers: This is the most common type of vehicle that requires a Class A CDL license. Tractor-trailers are combination vehicles that consist of a semi-truck (tractor) and one or more trailers.
2. Tanker trucks: These are vehicles that transport liquids or gases in bulk, such as fuel, water, or chemicals.
3. Livestock carriers: These are vehicles specifically designed to transport livestock such as cattle, pigs, and sheep.
4. Flatbed trucks: These are trucks with an open-top trailer used to transport heavy and oversized cargo.
5. Refrigerated trucks: These are trucks with a refrigerated trailer used to transport perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals.
It is important to note that there may be additional endorsements or requirements needed for certain types of vehicles or cargo, so it's important to check with your local DMV for specific regulations.
1. Tractor-trailers: This is the most common type of vehicle that requires a Class A CDL license. Tractor-trailers are combination vehicles that consist of a semi-truck (tractor) and one or more trailers.
2. Tanker trucks: These are vehicles that transport liquids or gases in bulk, such as fuel, water, or chemicals.
3. Livestock carriers: These are vehicles specifically designed to transport livestock such as cattle, pigs, and sheep.
4. Flatbed trucks: These are trucks with an open-top trailer used to transport heavy and oversized cargo.
5. Refrigerated trucks: These are trucks with a refrigerated trailer used to transport perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals.
It is important to note that there may be additional endorsements or requirements needed for certain types of vehicles or cargo, so it's important to check with your local DMV for specific regulations.
To obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) license in North Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state of North Carolina, and at least 21 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Valid driver's license: You must have a valid driver's license issued by the state of North Carolina.
3. Medical certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner to ensure that you are physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
4. Commercial learner's permit (CLP): Before taking the road skills test, you must possess a CLP and have held it for at least 14 days.
5. Knowledge tests: You must pass the required knowledge tests, which include general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and combination vehicles.
6. Skills test: You must pass a skills test that includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Background check: You must pass a background check that examines your driving record and criminal history before being issued a CDL.
It is important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state of North Carolina, and at least 21 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
2. Valid driver's license: You must have a valid driver's license issued by the state of North Carolina.
3. Medical certification: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner to ensure that you are physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
4. Commercial learner's permit (CLP): Before taking the road skills test, you must possess a CLP and have held it for at least 14 days.
5. Knowledge tests: You must pass the required knowledge tests, which include general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and combination vehicles.
6. Skills test: You must pass a skills test that includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Background check: You must pass a background check that examines your driving record and criminal history before being issued a CDL.
It is important to note that additional endorsements may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport.
In North Carolina, the minimum age requirement for a Class A CDL license is 18 years old. However, drivers under the age of 21 are restricted from transporting hazardous materials or operating commercial vehicles across state lines. If a driver is between 18 and 21 years old, they can only operate commercial vehicles within the state of North Carolina.
For drivers who are 21 years or older, there are no additional age restrictions beyond the federal requirements. It's important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements that exceed the state and federal minimums.
For drivers who are 21 years or older, there are no additional age restrictions beyond the federal requirements. It's important to note that some employers may have their own age requirements that exceed the state and federal minimums.
In North Carolina, you may need to obtain additional endorsements on your Class A CDL license depending on the type of cargo or vehicle you plan to operate. The most common endorsements for Class A CDL drivers include:
1. Hazmat endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport hazardous materials.
2. Tanker endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to operate a vehicle that carries liquid or gaseous materials in bulk.
3. Double/triple trailer endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to operate a vehicle with two or three trailers attached.
4. Passenger endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus or shuttle.
5. School bus endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to operate a school bus.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass additional knowledge and skills tests beyond the standard Class A CDL requirements. It's important to note that some endorsements may have additional age and experience requirements beyond the standard Class A CDL license.
1. Hazmat endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport hazardous materials.
2. Tanker endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to operate a vehicle that carries liquid or gaseous materials in bulk.
3. Double/triple trailer endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to operate a vehicle with two or three trailers attached.
4. Passenger endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus or shuttle.
5. School bus endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to operate a school bus.
To obtain an endorsement, you must pass additional knowledge and skills tests beyond the standard Class A CDL requirements. It's important to note that some endorsements may have additional age and experience requirements beyond the standard Class A CDL license.
The Class A CDL skills test in North Carolina has three parts:
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be asked to do an inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, and other important components.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control your vehicle in a variety of situations, such as backing up, turning, and shifting gears.
3. On-road driving: You will be asked to drive your vehicle on public roads while demonstrating safe driving practices, such as obeying traffic laws and signals, merging onto highways, and changing lanes.
You must pass all three parts of the skills test to obtain your Class A CDL license. It's important to note that the skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is similar to the one you plan to operate once you obtain your license. Additionally, you may need to obtain additional endorsements if you plan to operate specialized vehicles or transport specific types of cargo.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will be asked to do an inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, and other important components.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control your vehicle in a variety of situations, such as backing up, turning, and shifting gears.
3. On-road driving: You will be asked to drive your vehicle on public roads while demonstrating safe driving practices, such as obeying traffic laws and signals, merging onto highways, and changing lanes.
You must pass all three parts of the skills test to obtain your Class A CDL license. It's important to note that the skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is similar to the one you plan to operate once you obtain your license. Additionally, you may need to obtain additional endorsements if you plan to operate specialized vehicles or transport specific types of cargo.
Yes, there are some restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class A CDL license in North Carolina. Some of the most common restrictions include:
1. Air brakes restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will have a restriction on your license that prohibits you from operating vehicles with air brakes.
2. Automatic transmission restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have a restriction on your license that prohibits you from operating vehicles with manual transmissions.
3. Intrastate-only restriction: If you do not meet certain federal requirements, you may be restricted to operating commercial vehicles within the state of North Carolina only.
4. Hazmat endorsement restriction: If you have a hazmat endorsement on your license, you may be subject to additional background checks and security measures when transporting hazardous materials.
It's important to note that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on your specific situation and driving record. Additionally, some employers may have their own restrictions or requirements for their drivers beyond those set by the state of North Carolina.
1. Air brakes restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will have a restriction on your license that prohibits you from operating vehicles with air brakes.
2. Automatic transmission restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have a restriction on your license that prohibits you from operating vehicles with manual transmissions.
3. Intrastate-only restriction: If you do not meet certain federal requirements, you may be restricted to operating commercial vehicles within the state of North Carolina only.
4. Hazmat endorsement restriction: If you have a hazmat endorsement on your license, you may be subject to additional background checks and security measures when transporting hazardous materials.
It's important to note that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on your specific situation and driving record. Additionally, some employers may have their own restrictions or requirements for their drivers beyond those set by the state of North Carolina.
No, in North Carolina, the Class A CDL written test is only available in English. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires that all applicants be proficient in reading and understanding the English language to ensure safe driving practices and compliance with state and federal regulations. This includes understanding road signs, traffic signals, and other important information that is presented in English on the written test. However, if you need language assistance to complete the application process or to take a knowledge or skills test, you may be able to bring an interpreter with you or use language assistance tools provided by the DMV. It's best to check with your local DMV office for more information on language assistance services that may be available to you.
Yes, if you have a disability that affects your ability to take the Class A CDL written test, you may request accommodations from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV provides reasonable accommodations to ensure that all applicants have an equal opportunity to take the test and obtain a CDL license.
To request accommodations, you will need to submit a written request to the DMV and provide documentation of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the test. The DMV will review your request and determine what accommodations can be provided based on your specific needs.
Some examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a private testing room, or a sign language interpreter. It's important to note that accommodations may not alter the skills or knowledge being tested or give an unfair advantage over other applicants.
If you need accommodations for the Class A CDL written test, it's best to contact the North Carolina DMV as soon as possible to begin the process.
To request accommodations, you will need to submit a written request to the DMV and provide documentation of your disability and how it affects your ability to take the test. The DMV will review your request and determine what accommodations can be provided based on your specific needs.
Some examples of accommodations that may be provided include extended testing time, a private testing room, or a sign language interpreter. It's important to note that accommodations may not alter the skills or knowledge being tested or give an unfair advantage over other applicants.
If you need accommodations for the Class A CDL written test, it's best to contact the North Carolina DMV as soon as possible to begin the process.
Yes, if you fail the Class A CDL written test in North Carolina, you are allowed to retake it. However, there are some restrictions on how soon you can retake the test.
If you fail the written test, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will provide you with a score report indicating which questions you answered incorrectly. You can use this score report to study and prepare for the retake of the test.
In North Carolina, you are allowed to retake the written test as early as the next business day. However, there is a limit on how many times you can retake the test within a certain period of time. If you fail the test three times within a year, you will need to wait at least six months before you can retake it again.
It's important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the Class A CDL written test in North Carolina. You will need to pay this fee each time you take the test, even if you are retaking it after a failed attempt. To save money and increase your chances of passing the test, it's recommended that you study and prepare thoroughly before taking the exam.
If you fail the written test, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will provide you with a score report indicating which questions you answered incorrectly. You can use this score report to study and prepare for the retake of the test.
In North Carolina, you are allowed to retake the written test as early as the next business day. However, there is a limit on how many times you can retake the test within a certain period of time. If you fail the test three times within a year, you will need to wait at least six months before you can retake it again.
It's important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the Class A CDL written test in North Carolina. You will need to pay this fee each time you take the test, even if you are retaking it after a failed attempt. To save money and increase your chances of passing the test, it's recommended that you study and prepare thoroughly before taking the exam.
