Learn how to conduct thorough pre-trip inspections with our guide, a critical component for commercial vehicle safety.
In a hurry? Quick summary: The Pre-Trip Inspection is one of the three parts of your CDL Skills test, You will be required to demonstrate a thorough pre-trip inspection of your vehicle to ensure it is safe to drive. This includes checking the engine compartment, brake system, fuel system, and more.
The CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Exam is an integral part of obtaining your commercial driver’s license. This guide covers Class A and Class B pre-trip inspections, provides a checklist, and offers tips for memorizing the inspection process.
Start a free Pre-Trip Inspection practice test:
Alabama - AL - Alabama Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Alaska - AK - Alaska Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Arizona - AZ - Arizona Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Arkansas - AR - Arkansas Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
California - CA - California Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Colorado - CO - Colorado Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Connecticut - CT - Connecticut Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Delaware - DE - Delaware Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
District of Columbia - DC - District of Columbia Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Florida - FL - Florida Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Georgia - GA - Georgia Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Hawaii - HI - Hawaii Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Idaho - ID - Idaho Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Illinois - IL - Illinois Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Indiana - IN - Indiana Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Iowa - IA - Iowa Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Kansas - KS - Kansas Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Kentucky - KY - Kentucky Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Louisiana - LA - Louisiana Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Maine - ME - Maine Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Maryland - MD - Maryland Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Massachusetts - MA - Massachusetts Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Michigan - MI - Michigan Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Minnesota - MN - Minnesota Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Mississippi - MS - Mississippi Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Missouri - MO - Missouri Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Montana - MT - Montana Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Nebraska - NE - Nebraska Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Nevada - NV - Nevada Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
New Hampshire - NH - New Hampshire Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
New Jersey - NJ - New Jersey Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
New Mexico - NM - New Mexico Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
New York - NY - New York Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
North Carolina - NC - North Carolina Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
North Dakota - ND - North Dakota Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Ohio - OH - Ohio Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Oklahoma - OK - Oklahoma Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Oregon - OR - Oregon Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Pennsylvania - PA - Pennsylvania Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Rhode Island - RI - Rhode Island Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
South Carolina - SC - South Carolina Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
South Dakota - SD - South Dakota Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Tennessee - TN - Tennessee Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Texas - TX - Texas Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Utah - UT - Utah Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Vermont - VT - Vermont Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Virginia - VA - Virginia Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Washington - WA - Washington Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
West Virginia - WV - West Virginia Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Wisconsin - WI - Wisconsin Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Wyoming - WY - Wyoming Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test
Class A
Engine Compartment Inspection
Includes checking for leaks, belt tension, and the condition of hoses, among other components.
Cab Check/Engine Start
Involves inspecting the cab’s interior, gauges, and starting the engine to check for abnormalities.
Brake Check
Focuses on air brake systems, including air brake checks and the parking brake test.
Class B
Here’s what to know for the CDL class B.
Vehicle Overview
Begin with a general overview of the vehicle, checking for obvious signs of damage or issues.
External Inspection
Inspect all external components, including tires, lights, and mirrors.
Internal Inspection
Check all internal controls, ensuring everything is functional and within reach.
What to Remember
Lights and reflectors: Ensure all are clean and functional.
Engine oil and coolant levels: Check for adequate levels.
Steering mechanism: Ensure it’s secure and functioning.
Horn: Test for functionality.
Windshield wipers: Check for operability and condition.
Mirrors: Adjust for optimal visibility.
Emergency equipment: Ensure presence and accessibility.
Air brake system: Test for leaks and proper pressure.
Memorization Tips to Help You Out
Create a Routine: Develop a consistent order in which to conduct your inspection.
Use Mnemonics: Create acronyms or phrases to help remember the steps.
Practice Regularly: Hands-on practice is the most effective way to memorize the inspection process.
Visual Aids: Use diagrams or checklists as visual reminders — try our interactive pre-trip inspection checklist that walks you through every zone.
Pro Tip: Practice the pre-trip inspection in a real-world setting. The more you perform the inspection in a practical environment, the more natural it will become.
Remember, the pre-trip inspection is not just a test requirement – it’s a fundamental safety practice every commercial driver should master. For more resources and detailed guides, visit Driving-Tests.org.
Our exclusive CDL Premium program offers comprehensive online training with an ELDT certificate, authentic exam questions, and a solid Pass Guarantee, starting at only $69. Ideal for first-time applicants, seasoned drivers, and those new to the U.S. road rules.
