While CDL standards are federal, the actual exam questions may vary slightly from state to state.
Total questions
235
Tests
5
Per attempt
25
Explanations
Every question
Test 1
45 questions →
Test 2
45 questions →
Test 3
45 questions →
Test 4
45 questions →
Test 5
45 questions →
What Does the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test Cover?
The Pre-Trip Inspection portion of the CDL exam checks whether you can identify what to inspect on a commercial vehicle before driving it, and explain why each item matters. Our question set covers the same categories examiners focus on: engine compartment items, brakes, coupling systems, lights, and emergency equipment. Passing score is 20 out of 25 (80%), the FMCSA standard used across CDL knowledge tests.
Studying this material builds the knowledge you need before demonstrating the actual walk-around inspection to an examiner. Our tests do not replace that hands-on practice, but they reinforce what to look for and why it matters:
- Full Question Set: All 5 tests draw from a set of 235 questions covering the complete inspection checklist.
- Answer Explanations: Every question includes a detailed explanation referencing the official CDL manual.
- Randomized Attempts: Each attempt selects 25 questions from the set, so retaking a test surfaces different material.
- Premium Access: Pre-Trip Inspection tests are part of our Premium CDL question bank, alongside Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and other endorsement categories.
Common Questions
The Pre-Trip Inspection is the vehicle inspection portion of the CDL skills exam. During this segment, you walk around your vehicle and point out to an examiner what you’re checking and why it matters for safety. It’s one of the required skills components, alongside Basic Control Skills and the Road Test. Check with your state’s licensing agency for the exact testing procedure used in your state.
No. The actual Pre-Trip Inspection is a hands-on walk-around where you explain each item out loud, not a multiple-choice test. Our question set is built around the same inspection checklist and reasoning examiners look for, so it helps you learn what to check and why before you practice the physical walk-around with an instructor or vehicle. This is a supplementary study resource, not a substitute for hands-on practice.
Yes. Unlike endorsements such as HazMat or Passenger, the vehicle inspection is part of the standard skills test required for Class A, B, and C CDL applicants. The exact items and inspection order can vary slightly by vehicle type and state, so confirm current procedures with your state’s licensing agency.
The set covers the categories examiners focus on during the walk-around: engine compartment items, brakes, steering and suspension, coupling devices, lights and reflectors, and emergency equipment. Federal requirements for keeping a commercial vehicle safe to operate are set out in 49 CFR 396.13; for CDL testing background, see FMCSA’s commercial driver’s license page.
