How do I get my CDL in North Carolina? Here’s your guide

Are you preparing to enter the commercial driving industry and wondering how do I get my CDL in North Carolina? Well, getting a CDL is one of the first and foremost steps toward accessing greater opportunities in the trucking, logistics, and transportation industries. Not only does a CDL qualify you to operate large vehicles such as trucks, buses, and tankers, but by having one, you are opening doors to career options that are stable and in demand with really good earning potential.

In this guide, we give you all the information about what is needed to prepare so that everything about obtaining your CDL in North Carolina goes smoothly. So let’s jump straight into it!

What are the requirements for a North Carolina CDL?

Before you apply for a Commercial Driver’s License in North Carolina, there are several eligibility requirements such as age, residency, driving record, training and some more to make sure all CDL holders can drive capably and responsibly. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:

Age requirement

To operate a commercial vehicle just within North Carolina, a person must be 18 years and older. But you will be required to be 21 years old before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle for interstate driving, for transport of hazardous materials, or for transporting passengers across 16 persons.

Residency requirement

A person will be required to become a legal resident of North Carolina since it will require proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or any other official document showing the current address.

Valid driver’s license

You need to have a valid North Carolina driver’s license. This is the base for your CDL and proves that you can drive normally.

Medical certification

A valid DOT (Department of Transportation) medical certificate to show that you are physically fit to drive a commercial vehicle. You will have to get this from one of the certified medical examiners listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration registry.

Driving record

You need to have no serious disqualifying offenses, like multiple DUIs, reckless driving, or license suspensions. A clean record essentially demonstrates your capability of driving safely and responsibly.

Legal eligibility

You mustn’t have any disqualification on legal grounds, including a felony conviction related to using a commercial vehicle or any outstanding issues such as fines or unresolved violations.

CLP obtaining

You must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days to be qualified to take the skills test. It allows you to practice driving with CMV on the road with a CDL trainer.

CDL training

You must successfully complete the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – an FMCSA-approved program. The training provides the essential knowledge and hands-on practice you need to safely operate your commercial vehicle.

how do i get my cdl in north carolina​
CDL training

For detailed information, access our post on CDL license NC requirements to be well-prepared before entering the next steps.

How do I get my CDL in North Carolina?

Basically, the 2 most important steps involve passing written tests and skills tests. Gain more insights are broken down below.

Take the CDL written knowledge test

The testing process starts with a number of knowledge tests. Depending on the CDL Class and the endorsements you choose, the tests will follow.

General knowledge test

The General Knowledge Test is required for all applicants seeking a CDL, regardless of the vehicle group they apply for. This test covers general knowledge of traffic laws and vehicle safety practices, and general vehicle operations that are necessary for the safe operation of a CMV.

What the test covers:

  • Traffic laws and regulations: Knowledge of operating a CMV, according to state and federal regulations.
  • Vehicle inspection and maintenance: Knowing pre-trip inspection and identification of potential mechanical issues.
  • Safe driving practices: Dealing with hazardous road conditions, space around the vehicle, and passenger safety.
  • Cargo handling and securement: Proper loading procedures to avoid shifting or falling cargo.
  • Accident prevention: Collision avoidance, emergency responses, and driver fatigue handling strategies.

It normally has about 50 multiple-choice questions which you need to take a passing score of 80% or higher, to continue the licensing process.

Endorsement test (if applicable)

You will need the endorsement test if you intend to drive certain categories of commercial vehicles or transport particular types of cargo. Endorsements are added qualifications on your CDL that show you can manage particular driving circumstances or duties.

There are 6 common types of endorsements:

  1. T endorsement – Double/triple trailers.
  2. P endorsement – Passenger:
  3. H endorsement – Hazardous materials (HazMat).
  4. N endorsement – Tank vehicles.
  5. S endorsement – School bus.
  6. X endorsement – Combination of HazMat and Tank vehicle.

Each endorsement test requires different knowledge, hence the test format varies between them as shown in the table below:

Endorsement test Total Questions Passing score
Hazardous Materials 30 24
Passenger Transport 20 16
Doubles/Triples 20 16
School Bus 20 16
Tank Vehicle 20 16

Air brakes test (if applicable)

You need to take this test if you intend to operate a commercial vehicle that is equipped with an air brake system. It’s about mechanics, operation, and safety procedures when using air brakes. You won’t be able to drive vehicles with air brakes since an “L” restriction on your CDL requires that you pass this test.

What the test covers:

  • Components of an air brake system.
  • Operation of air brakes.
  • Braking techniques.
  • Inspection and maintenance.
  • Emergency procedures.

The test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, and a passing score of 80% is required.

Combination vehicle test (if applicable)

You will need to take the combination vehicle test if you intend to operate any vehicle that has a tractor (or power unit) and one or more trailers. This test will help you understand the special handling, safety, and operating features of combination vehicles, such as semi-trucks. If you do not take this test, your CDL will have a restriction on driving single-unit vehicles only.

What the test covers:

  • Driving combinations.
  • Combination vehicle air brakes.
  • Antilock brake systems.
  • Coupling and uncoupling.
  • Inspecting combinations.

The test includes 20 multiple-choice questions, with a required passing score of 80%.

Take the North Carolina CDL  practice test here!

Take the CDL skills tests

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Take the CDL skills tests

Your Commercial Driver’s License in North Carolina is finally obtained after taking the CDL skills tests. These are practical tests designed to assess whether a driver can competently operate a commercial vehicle in real-world conditions. You need to pass all three skills tests to become eligible for your CDL.

1. Pretrip vehicle inspections

This section checks your ability to check your vehicle to make sure it is safe to drive. You will be required to:

  • Identify essential parts of the vehicle including brakes, tires, lights, and steering.
  • Describe how you would test each component for proper operation.
  • Demonstrate awareness of safety procedures to help identify potential problems.

Take the North Carolina CDL pre-trip inspection practice test now!

2. Basic vehicle control

This part assesses the ability of the candidate to handle a vehicle under controlled conditions. Some of the exercises that a candidate will perform include:

  • Straight-line backing.
  • Left or right offset backing.
  • Parallel parking or alley docking.

3. On-road driving test

You will be tested by a driver with a practical assessment of how you move out of your driveway, around highways, and local streets. How well you do will depend on whether you:

  • Use lanes properly, signal turns and comply with turning traffic rules.
  • Maintain distance with regard to other vehicles, driving according to traffic rules.

Receive the actual license

Having completed the written knowledge and skills tests, you are ready to obtain your actual Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This last step finalizes your status as a licensed commercial driver in North Carolina, thus opening job opportunities in the transportation sector.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to get a CDL license in North Carolina?

These fees could change with various influences like training programs, tests, and licensing fees. The cost will vary, on average, between $1,500 and $5,000 to complete an entire CDL training program. Additional fees you might need to account for are an application fee of approximately $50, the cost for taking a series of tests from $30-$100 each, and other endorsement fees. For more information, click on our post: CDL license North Carolina cost.

2. What disqualified you from getting a CDL in North Carolina?

Several factors can make you ineligible to get a CDL in North Carolina, including:

  • Major traffic violation: This includes DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run offenses.
  • Felony convictions: Felonies concerning the operation of a vehicle as part of a crime.
  • Driving record: Accumulation of too many points or serious violations in the record.
  • Drug or alcohol violations: Your CDL will be disqualified upon a positive test for drug or alcohol.
  • License suspensions or revocations: A history of suspensions or revocations, especially related to driving offenses, can disqualify you.

Gain detailed North Carolina disqualifications, which you can access here.

3. How long does it take to get a CDL in North Carolina?

On average, it takes 4 to 8 weeks to get a CDL in North Carolina. This includes the studying time for written knowledge tests, getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit, a training program, and scheduling skills tests. The timeframe varies depending on the schedule of the training school and your availability for practice and testing. Make your clear plan by referencing our timeline on How long does it take to get a CDL in North Carolina.

4. What is the best way to get a CDL in North Carolina?

Professional truck driving schools in North Carolina are always the best option for one who aspires to get a CDL. The programs incorporate systematic coursework, hands-on experience in driving, and quality guidance by instructors to prepare applicants both for written and skills tests. Taking a training program will allow you to pass the test with higher chances and more knowledge about safety regulations and the best driving practices.

5. How hard is it to get a CDL in North Carolina?

It is hard to get a CDL in North Carolina but not impossible. Time, studying, and practice driving will be required to prepare. The written knowledge tests range from a broad spectrum of topics to the skills testing designed to determine whether you know how to safely operate the vehicle. Some find this rather tough, but if properly prepared with practice and training, it could turn out successfully.

6. Can a felon get a CDL in North Carolina?

It depends. A felon could still acquire a commercial driving license in North Carolina. But whether it is possible majorly depends on the type of felony committed. Certain felonies, especially those involving the use of a vehicle to commit a crime or drug offenses, may bar you from getting your commercial driver’s license.

7. Can you get a North Carolina CDL with a DUI?

It is possible to get a CDL in North Carolina after a DUI but it may be more challenging. First, you might be disqualified from getting a CDL due to a DUI for some period. Generally, one year in the case of a first offense, and longer in the case of multiple offenses. The disqualification period could be much worse if your DUI was committed in the course of operating a commercial vehicle. Once the disqualification period has passed, you will be allowed to apply for a CDL; however, you might need to submit additional documents and fulfill the requirements for reinstatement.

Conclusion

Acquiring your CDL in North Carolina is a great way to pursue an exciting career as a commercial driver. Once you know the requirements, have passed the written and skills tests, and satisfy all other criteria, you will get your CDL and unlock numerous opportunities for employment in transportation. Whether your interest is in long-haul trucking, local delivery, or specialized vehicle operation, your CDL is the ticket to a successful and stable career.

Start your journey today by making a do-to-list of “How do I get my CDL in North Carolina?” and studying for the exams. If you work hard, you will soon find yourself behind the wheel with a North Carolina CDL.


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