CDL Requirements for North Carolina

Requirements:

In order to apply for the first time issuance of a NC CDL you will need to gather documents from the following categories:

Proof of Age & Identity

You will need 2 documents from this category which provide your full name and date of birth. Listed on the menu below are examples of documents you can use, provided they include your full name (including middle name). Documents that do not include a middle name will not be accepted.

Proof of Social Security

You will need a Social Security card or proof of Social Security Number.

Proof of Residency

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must provide documentation issued by the U.S. government indicating legal presence.

Proof of Liability Insurance

You will need 1 document from this category.

Proof of Clear Driving Record

At time of application, you must certify that;

• Your license is not suspended, disqualified or revoked
• You currently do not hold more than one Driver License

Medical & Physical Requirements

Many commercial motor vehicle drivers are required to have medical cards. Those who require medical cards are required to bring them at the time of both the original application and renewal. If questions arise about a driver’s physical condition, the DMV may require the driver to submit a completed medical report, before or after certification, provided by the DMV Driver License Section.

Application Process:

Written tests are provided at all full service Driver License locations. Skills tests are provided at many Driver License locations throughout NC. Skills tests are also given by Certified Third Party testers to employees of their company.

Knowledge Tests:

Pass knowledge tests by 80% or better and then a skills test. Approximately 1 1/2 hours are required to take the knowledge tests and 2 hours to take the skills test. An appointment is required if the skills test is taken at a Driver’s License Office.

The CDL tests include

• General Knowledge Test -all applicants.
• Passenger Transport Test -for driving vehicles carrying passengers.
• Air Brakes Test -for driving vehicles with air brakes.
• Combination Vehicles Test -for driving combination vehicles.
• Hazardous Materials Test -for driving vehicles carrying hazardous materials or waste.
• Tanker Test -for driving tank vehicles.
• Doubles Test -for pulling double trailers.
• School Bus Test -for driving school bus.

NOTE: All test scores are valid for ninety (90) days from the test date on the Division computer files.

Driving/Skill Tests:

If you pass the required knowledge tests, you may take the CDL skills test. The skills test are administered in three separate steps:

1. Pre-trip inspection test,
2. Basic control skills test, and the road test.

You must take these tests in the type of vehicle you wish to be licensed for. These are described below:

Pre-trip Inspection

Purpose. To determine if you know if the vehicle is safe to drive.

Test Procedure. You may be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why. The examiner will mark on a scoring form each item correctly inspected and explained. This manual provides what you need to inspect (see Sections 2-5 and 2-6).

Basic Control Skills Test

Purpose. To evaluate basic skills in controlling the vehicle.

Test Procedure. The test set-up consists of various exercises marked by lines, traffic cones, or something similar. The exercises may include moving the vehicle forward, backing, and turning maneuvers.

The examiner will explain each exercise to you. You will be scored on how well you stay within the cones and how many pull-ups are made.

During the skills test a driver must remain in a seated position in proper driving posture with seat belt fastened.

Road Test

Purpose. To evaluate ability to drive safely in a variety of on-the-road situations.

Test Procedure. The test drive is administered over a route specified by the examiner. It includes left and right turns, intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, rural or semirural roads, city multi-lane streets, and expressway driving.

You will drive the route following instructions given by the examiner. The examiner will score specific tasks such as turns, merging into traffic, lane changes, and speed control, at specific places along the route. The examiner will score tasks such as signaling, searching for hazards, controlling speed, and lane positioning.

Fees:

• Application Fee, $30
• CDL endorsement, $3/yr per endorsement
• Class A, B, or C CDL, $15/yr
• Duplicate license, $10
• Learner Permit, CDL, $15