North Carolina has over 225,000 miles of roads, making it an ideal place to get on the roads as a commercial truck driver. Whether you’re driving to coastal cities like Jacksonville, bigger metros like Raleigh or Charlotte, or cities out towards the Blue Ridge Mountains like Asheville, CDL holders in North Carolina seldom get tired of the scenery. The first step to driving in North Carolina for yourself is studying the 2023 North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual.
How to Prepare
All the information needed to pass the commercial driver’s license written test is contained in the NC CDL Manual; as long as you study it and take practice tests, you should pass easily. The best method for preparing is to read the handbook carefully while taking notes of facts and numbers that may come up in exam questions. The easiest way to remember numbers is simply to review them several times. It’s normal to lose focus occasionally while studying, as you’re trying to cover almost 150 pages of information. Remember to drink water, take plenty of breaks, walk around, and rest your eyes. There’s simply too much information to try to study it all by “cramming.” In addition to general information, the manual also contains all the information you need to pass exams for endorsements to your license that will allow you to drive: vehicles with air brakes, double/triple trailers, combination vehicles, and school buses. These endorsements are not required but having them may be necessary for your job, or may allow you to earn a higher salary, so make sure you know which parts of the manual to study before you begin.
Final Steps
Before you go to the NCDOT Driver License Office to take your written CDL test, take a short while to review your notes, as well as the manual, one more time. This quick review will ensure that the information is fresh in your mind and will help you overcome any nervous feelings. Study the NC Commercial Driver License Manual hard, and soon you’ll be on your way to a successful new career on the North Carolina roads.