North Carolina CDL Manual 2026

How to use the North Carolina CDL Manual

The NCDMV draws its 25-question knowledge test from the North Carolina CDL Manual, and you need 80% to pass, which is 20 correct answers. Read the 161 pages once for coverage, then answer practice questions to find the rules that did not stick. Practice tells you what you do not know yet; the CDL Manual is where the rule is actually stated, in the words the state chose.

It is also the only source that settles an argument. When a practice answer and your instinct disagree, the North Carolina CDL Manual decides it, and every explanation we write points back into it.

What is inside the North Carolina CDL Manual

The North Carolina CDL Manual runs to 161 pages. These are the areas it covers that the knowledge test can ask about.

• Vehicle inspection and the pre-trip procedure
• Basic control of a heavy vehicle, including turning and backing
• Shifting, speed management and space management
• Seeing hazards and emergency maneuvers
• Air brakes, if your vehicle has them
• Combination vehicles, coupling and uncoupling
• Cargo loading, weight distribution and securement
• Hazardous materials rules and placarding
• Passenger transport and school bus requirements
• Hours of service, logbooks and driver qualification
• Disqualifications, serious traffic violations and testing

The North Carolina knowledge test at a glance

Everything below comes from the NCDMV directly. It is what the North Carolina CDL Manual is preparing you for.

Questions

25

Passing score

80%

Correct answers needed

20 of 25

Time limit

Time limit not published

Test fee

$20

Minimum age

15

Can you take it online?

No, in person only

Verified against the NCDMV in November 2026.