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If you fail to pass the North Carolina DMV CDL Air Brakes Knowledge Test, your CDL will include the “L” restriction, preventing you from operating heavy commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with air brakes. This restriction will negatively affect your job prospects in commercial driving. Failing the air brakes test in North Carolina also results in a one-day waiting period and a fee should you decide to retake the test. Our North Carolina DMV CDL Air Brakes Practice Tests are the perfect tool for passing your knowledge exam on the first attempt.
Navigating North Carolina’s diverse terrain, from the coastal plains in the east to the Appalachian Mountains in the west, requires careful handling on steep grades and sharp curves, making reliable braking systems essential. Additionally, North Carolina experiences strong thunderstorms, winter snow, and ice, compounding the need for air brake-qualified drivers. Key transportation routes in North Carolina include I-40 (an east-west corridor connecting Wilmington to the western mountains), I-85 (a north-south route linking North Carolina and Georgia), I-95 (a north-south route along the East Coast), and US-64 (connecting the western and eastern parts of the state). Most semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and commercial buses rely on air brakes for safe travel; therefore, removing the air brake restriction from your CDL is vital for expanded job opportunities.
M.S., Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)
Last verified for accuracy on
The Tar Heel State’s economy depends on air brake-qualified drivers in key industries, including agriculture (tobacco, poultry, and sweet potatoes), manufacturing (furniture and textiles), and logistics. Companies requiring the air brake qualification include Tyson Foods and Smithfield Foods in the agriculture industry and Volvo Trucks (Greensboro) and Carolina Biological Supply in the manufacturing sector. FedEx Freight and XPO Logistics in the logistics and freight industry and Duke Energy in the energy sector rely on air brake-qualified drivers. Major charter bus companies, including Greyhound Lines and Carolina Trailways, rely on air brake-equipped vehicles. Additionally, the North Carolina school districts use air brake-equipped full-size school buses. The “L” restriction makes these jobs unattainable.
The written Air Brakes knowledge test features multiple-choice questions based on the state’s CDL manual (North Carolina CDL Handbook 2026) and requires a minimum passing score of 80%. With our practice tests, you’ll learn faster with instant feedback on all your responses, ensuring you pass the knowledge test.
Our CDL Air Brakes Practice Tests cover everything you’ll need and mimic the official DMV Air Brakes Knowledge Test.
Driver’s Ed is - nobody wants to set foot inside the DMV. That’s why millions of learners trust us for simple, visual, effective prep.
We are an officially recognized FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training provider and a proud partner to over 2,500 libraries. We work with safety organizations like GHSA and the National Safety Council to help create safer roads for everyone.
Our trademarked system automatically saves questions you miss, creating personalized tests that target your weak spots until you’ve mastered the material.
Get smarter as you study. Our new AI-powered feedback provides detailed, question-level insights to help you understand the why behind each answer.
Go beyond the boring black-and-white manual. Our interactive handbook lets you read, listen with an MP3 audio version, or even chat with it to find the information you need, faster.
We build our practice questions from the current 2026 NC Driver Handbook and refine them using patterns recent test‑takers report.
Driver handbook • Knowledge‑test/permit overview • Fees & ID requirements • Office/appointment info
We mirror recurring themes (e.g., right‑of‑way traps, sign look‑alikes) and use similar distractors and wording styles.
We don’t collect or publish actual test items and we’re not affiliated with DMV.
