CA CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2026

To preserve public safety and comply with federal transportation regulations, commercial drivers are required to perform pre-trip inspections. In the time it takes to run through a checklist to inspect the brakes, the coupling devices (if so equipped), the lights and reflectors, the tires, and other items, drivers can reduce the chances of their vehicles being involved in an accident or experiencing untimely malfunctions. Up in the Sierra Nevada and down in Silicon Valley, drivers need to be prepared for hazardous road conditions and mechanical problems. If you’re planning on getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you should become familiar with the vehicle pre-inspection process. The importance of this process cannot be overstated, and it’s covered on the official DMV Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) General Knowledge Test.

While there are several other requirements you need to meet to obtain a CLP, a portion of the official general knowledge test assesses your ability to perform a pre-trip inspection. Our California DMV Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test uses questions similar to those on the official knowledge test for you to study and expand your understanding of the process. To pass the official knowledge test, you must answer 80% of the 20 questions correctly. By making sure that you have a thorough understanding of the pre-inspection process, you can increase your chance of meeting this requirement. There are various on-line resources to choose from, but the practice test outperforms all the rest.