NC School Bus & CDL Appointments | What to Book

GUIDE FOR NC COMMERCIAL & SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

The NC CDL Process: How to Book Your DMV Appointments

In North Carolina, getting a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a multi-step process that can be incredibly frustrating. Appointments for the required written tests and permit issuance are scarce, often booked solid for months. This creates costly delays for employers and aspiring drivers.

This guide is for anyone navigating the NC CDL system, including:

  • Aspiring Truck Drivers needing a Class A or B license.
  • School Bus Driver candidates requiring their CDL with P & S endorsements.
  • Construction or Utility Workers who operate commercial vehicles.
  • Employers and Fleet Managers trying to get new hires licensed and on the road.

CDL Appointment Roadmap

  1. Appointment 1 — Written Test: book “Knowledge/Computer Test”.
  2. Appointment 2 — CLP Issuance: book “Permits (Adult permit, CDL)”.
  3. Skills Test: scheduled separately (not in the online menu).
  4. Appointment 3 — CDL Issuance: book “Permits (Adult permit, CDL)” again.
  5. (Future) Appointment 4 — Renewals: book “Driver License Renewal”.

Appointment 1 — CDL Knowledge (Written) Test

Take the general knowledge exam and any endorsements you need (air brakes, passenger, school bus, HazMat, etc.).

Book this exact service: “Knowledge/Computer Test”

Appointment 2 — CLP Issuance (Separate Visit)

After you pass the written test, you need a separate appointment for the DMV to verify results, collect fees, and print your Commercial Learner’s Permit.

Book this exact service: “Permits (Adult permit, CDL)”

Skills / Road Test (Outside the Online System)

The behind-the-wheel skills test is scheduled directly with a DMV examiner or a certified third-party testing facility and is not booked using the standard online appointment system we monitor.

Appointment 3 — CDL Issuance

After you pass your skills test, you must return to the DMV one last time to have your official CDL card printed and issued.

Book this exact service: “Permits (Adult permit, CDL)”

(Future) Appointment 4 — CDL Renewals

CDL renewals are required more frequently than standard licenses. Our service can help you find a renewal slot quickly when the time comes.

Book this exact service: “Driver License Renewal”

"We had a new hire who couldn't start driving because the earliest test was six weeks out. I signed up for the alerts and got him a knowledge test slot for the very next day. This service is essential for any school district transportation department."

— Michael S., Transportation Director, NC School District

Start Getting CDL Appointment Alerts

Stop waiting. Start driving. We find the cancellations and open slots you can't.

🚚 CDL Fast Lane

$50 / month

Best for: School districts, professional drivers, and employers who can’t afford downtime.

A single day of a driver waiting costs more than a month of our service.

  • ✔ Instant SMS alerts
  • ✔ Scans all DMV offices within an hour's drive
  • ✔ Monitors all 3 CDL & School Bus appointment types
  • ✔ Helps you line up back-to-back appointments
  • ✔ Cancel anytime after you book your slot
Start Getting Alerts

CDL FAQs

How fast will I get an appointment?
While we can't guarantee a specific timeframe, most users receive their first alert for a new opening within 24-48 hours. Our system finds dozens of cancellations daily, giving you a significant advantage over manual searching.
Do you book the appointment for me?
No. To protect your privacy, we find and alert you to open slots instantly. You then use the link we provide to book the appointment yourself directly on the official NCDMV website. This ensures your personal information remains secure.
Can I track appointments in multiple cities?
Yes. To make it simple, our service automatically monitors all DMV locations within an approximate one-hour drive of the zip code you provide at sign-up. This ensures that any last-minute appointment we find for you is convenient enough to get to.
Do you monitor for the School Bus (S) Endorsement test?
Yes. The School Bus endorsement test is part of the “Knowledge/Computer Test” appointment type, which our service monitors continuously. We help school systems and individual drivers find these slots quickly.
Are you affiliated with the NC DMV?
No, NCDMVAppointments.com is an independent, private service. We provide a monitoring tool to help you navigate their booking system more efficiently. For official information, please visit the NCDOT/DMV website.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes, absolutely. Once you've successfully booked the appointments you need, you can cancel your subscription instantly.