Obtaining Your North Carolina Cdl - Endorsement P License Doesn't Have To Be Hard

To get a CDL in the state of North Carolina , you will first need a driver’s license. Having a CDL license is lucrative these days, as more and more drivers are needed to fill the many job openings that exist right now. To get the P endorsement, which qualifies one to drive to drive a passenger vehicle, you will have to qualify for it— read on to find out how to get one.

Documents You Will Need To Secure a CDL

You will need to gather several documents to apply for a CDL in North Carolina. You will need two documents that have your full name and date of birth such as a driver’s license. You will also need a social security card, and proof that you are a resident of the United States.

You must be at least 18 years of age to acquire a Cdl – Endorsement P License . If you are under 21 years of age, you will face a restriction of only being able to use your CDL within the state. You will first have to apply for a learner’s permit, as you learn the basics of driving a commercial vehicle.

A leaner’s permit costs $15. Application fees for a CDL cost $30, plus another $3 for the P endorsement.

Minimum Training Requirements

Requirements for a CDL can vary from state to state. The only requirement by the federal government is that one must pass a CDL test that is written , and pass a driving skills test. A good place to start is getting a copy of the North Carolina commercial driver’s manual, but you will also need to take some professional training in order to secure a Cdl – Endorsement P License.

You will need to master several skills in order to pass the driving skills portion of your CDL test. You must be able to demonstrate that you can couple and uncouple tractors and trailers. You will also have to prove you can drive in many different conditions, as well as brake properly, park, back up, and turn properly.

Some carriers have programs where they train their own employees. Others can take a course at a driving school, a vocational or technical school, or at a community college. These training courses must be approved by the state of North Carolina.

Other State Requirements

You will also need to confirm with the North Carolina Department of Transportation that you have a clean driving record. When you apply for your CDL, your current driver’s license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must not have more than one driver’s license.

If the records at the DOT do not support your contentions, you may be asked to turn over additional documentation to prove you have a clean and clear driving record.

DOT Medical Cards

You also will need to pass a physical examination from a doctor to get a DOT medical card. If you do not have one, or cannot obtain one, you will need to meet with an Exemption Review Officer from the DOT and they will determine if you are fit to have a CDL in the state of North Carolina.

Once you have submitted all of your paperwork, done your homework, and are cleared with the state’s DOT, you are now ready to take the written knowledge test for your CDL. This can be done at any of the state’s DOT full service driver’s license locations. You will be required to pass the test with a score of 80% or better. Expect to take at least an hour and 30 minutes to complete the test in a successful manner.

Once you have passed the written test, you will be ready for the driving skills test. You will need to call in to the office where you want to take the test in order to reserve a time. This test will include an inspection of the vehicle that you plan to take the test with, and this inspection must be passed, so make sure your vehicle is in good working order. If your vehicle passes the inspection, you will then have to take a full road driving test that will assess your skills.

You will be informed immediately after the test whether or not you have passed. If you fail for some reason, you can take the test again at a later date.

The Finish Line

Once you have passed your written test, your driving test, and provided all of the paperwork the state requires, you are ready to hit the road – after you have paid all of the fees that are required. You will be required to renew your license from time to time, and maintain a minimum driving standard in order to keep your CDL.