Driving a tractor trailer can be an exciting career. Before you are able to actually get behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, you must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) that is issued by the state of North Carolina. Obtaining a CDL is not a drawn out, difficult process for most individuals, but it does require a significant amount of study and preparation in order to pass the written exam, the pre-trip inspection test, and the road test. One of the best ways to prepare for all three tests is by attending a North Carolina trucking school.

Written Exam
You must pass the written exam with 80% or better before you can obtain your commercial driver's license. You will be tested on your knowledge of the tractor and trailer, stopping and starting a truck, as well as truck driving safety. You will also be tested on North Carolina traffic laws regarding commercial vehicles.

Pre-trip Inspection
You are required to perform a pre-trip inspection with your examiner. You will walk around the tractor and trailer and show the examiner what you look for while inspecting a vehicle. While attending an accredited North Carolina truck driving school, you will be taught how to perform a pre-trip inspection.

Road Test
Many drivers consider the road test to be the most fun and the most difficult part of the exam. You need to bring your own commercial truck in order to take the road test—the state of North Carolina does not provide one for you. You will also need to bring someone who has a current CDL with you for the road test. Additional information about the road test is available at most North Carolina trucking schools, as well as your local North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

In addition to driving on North Carolina's roadways and interstates, you will spend some time driving in a parking lot. In some ways it is easier to test a new driver in a parking lot that in a real-life situation. You will be asked to back up, turn, and drive around cones that are set up on a driving course.

Passing a written exam, a pre-trip inspection, and taking a road test may seem like a lot to do for a commercial driver's license. But, once you have a commercial driver's license, truck driving companies know that you are qualified to drive one of their commercial vehicles.

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