North Carolina Air Brakes Test — Quick Facts
FormatWritten knowledge test
Questions25 questions
Passing score80% (20/25)
Min. age (intrastate / interstate)18 / 21
CLP hold before skills test14 days min
Government feeSee North Carolina DMV →
Start the Free North Carolina Air Brakes Test →
25 questions · one per page · your progress saves automatically
North Carolina Air Brakes Practice Tests
4 full practice tests, each with 25 questions drawn from the North Carolina CDL question bank. Your score and progress save as you go.
About the North Carolina Air Brakes Test
In North Carolina, passing the Air Brakes test removes the L restriction so you can drive a commercial vehicle equipped with air brakes. It covers the dual air system, low-air warnings, spring brakes, and the proper inspection and leakage checks.
PM
From Pedro, behind the wheelEvery truck I've driven runs air brakes. The test is less about theory than the checks before you roll — the static leakage test and the order of the warnings trip people up. Learn that sequence cold.
What Test-Takers Miss Most
- 1Naming the parts of the air brake system
- 2The leakage check and warning thresholds
- 3Brake fade from riding the brakes downhill
North Carolina CDL Requirements & Fees
North Carolina follows the federal CDL framework: a minimum age of 18 for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate, a commercial learner's permit you must hold at least 14 days before the skills test, and the 80% passing standard. License fees and retake rules are set by North Carolina and change from time to time, so check the official source below for current amounts before you go in.
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Official North Carolina CDL Handbook & FeesCurrent requirements, fees, and the manual this test is based on
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the North Carolina CDL Air Brakes test?
The Air Brakes test has 25 questions, and you need 20 correct to pass at the 80% threshold used across the U.S. under FMCSA standards. Exact counts can vary slightly by state, so confirm with the North Carolina CDL handbook.
What score do I need to pass in North Carolina?
You need 80% — that's 20 of 25 questions correct on the Air Brakes test.
How much does a North Carolina CDL cost?
CDL fees are set by North Carolina's licensing agency and change periodically, so we don't quote a figure that could go stale. Check current amounts on the official North Carolina CDL page.
Is this North Carolina practice test free and accurate?
Yes — it's completely free, based on the North Carolina CDL handbook, and written and verified by Pedro Marin, an active CDL holder. No registration required.
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