Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Within how many days must you notify your employer if you are convicted of a traffic violation (other than parking)?

   Correct answer: 30 days

   You must inform your employer within 30 days of any traffic conviction, whatever vehicle you happened to be driving at the time.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (1.4)

2. 2. Which endorsement is required to pull double or triple trailers?

   Correct answer: The T endorsement

   The T (doubles/triples) endorsement is required to pull double or triple trailers, and it requires passing a special knowledge test.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (Endorsements)

3. 3. How quickly must you tell your employer when your driving privilege is suspended, revoked, or canceled?

   Correct answer: Within 2 business days

   Within two business days of a suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification, you have to let your employer know.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (1.4)

4. 4. Which of these is classified as a 'serious traffic violation'?

   Correct answer: Following a vehicle too closely

   Serious traffic violations include excessive speeding of 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, erratic lane changes, and following too closely.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (1.3.3)

5. 5. Which vehicle falls under a Class A CDL?

   Correct answer: A combination with a GCWR of 26,001+ pounds and a towed unit over 10,000 pounds

   Class A covers combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed unit's rating is over 10,000 pounds.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (CDL Classifications)

6. 6. A driver with a Class A CDL may also drive vehicles in which classes?

   Correct answer: Classes B and C as well

   Because Class A skills include those for smaller vehicles, a Class A license holder may also drive Class B and Class C vehicles (with proper endorsements).

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (CDL Classifications)

7. 7. Which description matches a Class B CDL vehicle?

   Correct answer: A single heavy vehicle of 26,001+ pounds towing a unit no heavier than 10,000 pounds

   Class B covers a single vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another unit not over 10,000 pounds.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (CDL Classifications)

8. 8. A vehicle designed to carry how many people (including the driver) requires a CDL?

   Correct answer: 16 or more

   A CDL is needed for any vehicle built to carry 16 or more people, the driver included.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (Introduction)

9. 9. What does an 'L' restriction on a CDL indicate?

   Correct answer: No air-brake-equipped CMV

   The L restriction means 'no air-brake-equipped CMV,' added if the applicant does not pass the air brake knowledge test or tests in a vehicle without air brakes.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (Restrictions)

10. 10. Committing two serious traffic violations in a CMV within a three-year period costs you your CDL for at least how long?

    Correct answer: 60 days

    Two serious traffic violations in a CMV within three years result in a loss of the CDL for at least 60 days; three or more within three years means at least 120 days.

    Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (1.3.3)

11. 11. A single vehicle must have a CDL to operate once its gross vehicle weight rating reaches what threshold?

    Correct answer: 26,001 pounds or more

    You need a CDL for any single vehicle whose gross vehicle weight rating reaches 26,001 pounds or more.

    Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (Introduction)

12. 12. Which combination of endorsements does the X endorsement represent?

    Correct answer: Tank vehicle and hazardous materials

    The X endorsement shows the driver has passed the knowledge tests for both tank vehicles and hazardous materials.

    Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 1: Introduction (Endorsements)