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Dual tires and wheels on a semi-trailer.

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Free CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

CDLP editorial · Published · Updated

Photo by Eric Polk · CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized for this page

How can I practice for a CDL pre-trip inspection?

Practice identifying what must work and what defects need correction, including brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension and coupling. If you are learning the inspection demonstration, use the printable checklist alongside your state’s current test instructions and an instructor’s vehicle-specific procedure. These questions explain federal equipment rules; completing them does not certify that a vehicle is safe.

Print the CDL pre-trip inspection checklist. This page is the practice quiz.

Topics in this set

Driver inspection duties, tires, wheels, lamps, steering, suspension, cab attachment, coupling and trailer connections.

30 questions · Practice mode

Last source review: . Source editions and limits are described below.

Practice pre-trip inspection

Your progress and missed-question deck stay in this browser. No account or email is needed.

10 sample questions and answers

Read these examples here, or practice the full set above. The wording is independent study material based on federal sources.

  2. When a last driver vehicle inspection report is required, what should the next driver do before driving?

    Answer: Review that report

    Section 396.13 requires review of the last report when the report requirement applies.

    Report a problem with this question

  3. What does the required driver signature on a reviewed inspection report acknowledge?

    Answer: Review of the report and certification that required repairs were performed

    The signature acknowledges the review and repair certification, subject to the rule’s exception for a towed unit no longer in the combination.

    Report a problem with this question

  4. What minimum major-groove tread depth applies to the front tires of a truck tractor?

    Answer: 4/32 inch

    The front wheels of buses, trucks and truck tractors have a 4/32-inch minimum; this is not the minimum for every axle.

    Report a problem with this question

  5. What is the usual minimum major-groove tread depth for a trailer tire under the federal tire rule?

    Answer: 2/32 inch

    The 2/32-inch requirement applies to tires outside the front-wheel rule in paragraph (b).

    Report a problem with this question

  7. During a walk-around you hear air escaping from a tire. Which action fits the tire rule?

    Answer: Have the defect corrected before operating on that tire

    A flat tire or a tire with an audible leak must not be used in operation.

    Report a problem with this question

  8. Where should you measure the minimum tread depth?

    Answer: In a major tread groove, away from tie bars, humps and fillets

    The rule specifies major grooves and excludes raised features that would distort the measurement.

    Report a problem with this question

  9. How does the federal rule relate cold tire pressure to the carried load?

    Answer: Pressure must not be below the amount specified for that load

    Use the pressure specified for the load. The regulation does not give one pressure that fits every vehicle and tire.

    Report a problem with this question

Find your state's CDL manual.

Sources and study scope

The bank uses original questions based on federal rules and FMCSA material. The questions use the 2025 annual CFR edition, with selected current eCFR references checked on October 28, 2026. It is not a complete review of every later amendment. Each explanation links to its federal source. State manuals are further-study links; no AAMVA manual text is reproduced.

The 80% knowledge-test pass standard comes from 49 CFR 383.135. This site’s practice pool and session lengths do not determine your state’s official test format.

Use the printable pre-trip checklist and walk-around study guide.

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