CDL Practice Questions for the Knowledge Test

When taking the knowledge portion of the North Carolina CDL test, you can expect multiple choice questions similar to these:

1. Where should your emergency triangles be placed when stopped on an undivided highway?

A. Within 50 feet of the rear and 30 feet of the front of the vehicle.
B. Within 50, 100, and 150 feet of the vehicle.
C. Within 10, 20, and 30 feet of the vehicle.

2. If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow? 

A. Four seconds.
B. Eight seconds.
C. Six seconds.

3. What three things add up to total stopping distance?

A. Road conditions, reaction distance, and braking distance.
B. Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance.
C. Braking distance, controlling speed, and reaction distance.

4. How can you avoid wet brake problems?

A. Speed up, shift to a higher gear.
B. Slow down, shift to a low gear, gently tap the brakes.
C. Drive in a regular manner.

5. What is a hazard?

A. Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger.
B. A flashing yellow light.
C. Wind.

6. Overloading can have a bad effect on?

A. Speed control.
B. Steering.
C. Braking.
D. All of the above.

All of the questions are based on information found in the NC CDL manual. This manual contains everything you'll need to know to become a CDL driver, including explanations about each CDL class and endorsement. You can obtain this informative tome, for free, from any DMV office or by downloading it from the DMV's website. 

After studying the manual, you'll also want to take a CDL practice test. These tests feature similar questions to those found on the actual exam.

NOTE: To obtain an endorsement you will need to pass an additional written test. Unlike the initial general knowledge test, this exam will focus only on information pertaining to your specific endorsement. So if you're applying for a tank endorsement, for example, you will only need to study the CDL manual's tank chapter.

If you pass the written CDL test, you'll next need to take a driving test, the last hurdle for obtaining a commercial license. Unlike the written test, you will need to make an appointment for the road test.