North Carolina CDL Test Locations 2026

📅 Updated July 2026 📌 Source: North Carolina DMV ⏱ 6 min read

Both North Carolina CDL tests run through NCDMV, but the skills test has a scheduling quirk worth understanding before you call — and some training schools offer a genuine shortcut.

In This Guide

Knowledge Test Locations

North Carolina CDL knowledge tests, including the standard General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles tests plus the state's traffic sign recognition test, are taken at an NCDMV office.

Skills Test Locations and Scheduling

North Carolina CDL skills tests are scheduled by phone only, at 919-715-7000. There is no online scheduling option. You can call ahead of your 14-day CLP hold period, but you cannot select a test date within that window itself.

On-Site Testing Through Some Schools

Some North Carolina CDL training providers, including several community colleges, offer on-site skills testing through NCDMV-authorized third-party examiners. This can be a genuine convenience, letting you test at the same location where you trained rather than scheduling separately with NCDMV.

Your Own Vehicle Requirement

Unless testing on-site through a school that provides a vehicle, you must bring your own registered, insured vehicle appropriate for the CDL class you're testing for. NCDMV itself does not provide a vehicle for testing.

Study Before You Schedule Your Test

Wherever you test, the knowledge requirements are the same statewide. Practice free now.

Start North Carolina CDL Practice Tests Full CDL Process Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I take the knowledge tests?
At an NCDMV office, including the traffic sign recognition test.
Where do I take the skills test?
At an NCDMV-administered site, or on-site through some authorized schools.
How do I schedule the skills test?
By phone only, at 919-715-7000 — no online scheduling.
Can I schedule before my 14-day hold ends?
Yes, but not for a date that falls within that 14-day window.
Do some schools offer on-site testing?
Yes — several community colleges and private schools offer this through NCDMV-authorized examiners.

Sources: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Last verified July 2026.