DE CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

The Delaware CDL General Knowledge Exam includes questions specific to pre-trip inspections. Our Delaware CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test is designed to cover all these necessary topics. Failing this part of the General Knowledge exam means you will need to wait one day before retaking it and pay an additional fee. Additionally, before obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), all applicants must pass a Delaware Pre-Trip Inspection Test as part of the CDL skills exam. This test ensures drivers can identify and evaluate critical vehicle components for the primary purpose of preventing breakdowns and accidents. Failure to pass means you cannot obtain your CDL, restricting you from driving commercially.

The pre-trip inspection is one part of the three-part skills test and is required by law to obtain a full CDL (federal regulations 49 CFR § 392.7 and 49 CFR § 396.13). Each of the three parts of the test must be passed for a CDL, including the pre-trip inspection, the basic control skills test, and the road test. Without a CDL, you cannot drive commercially, though you may still hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for 180 days until it expires. While a CLP allows you to drive with supervision, obtaining a full CDL is necessary for independent commercial driving.

You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the Delaware Seven-Step Inspection Method for both the Delaware CDL General Knowledge Exam and the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test. This involves thoroughly checking the vehicle’s engine compartment, cab controls, lights, tires, brakes, suspension, and cargo securement. In addition to the portion of the General Knowledge test covering these materials, you must also physically point to, touch, and name each component during your pre-trip inspection test and explain why it is being inspected. Your examiner must verify that you can show that all parts are in good working condition and free of defects.

The practice test is based on the most recent Delaware CDL manual (Delaware CDL Handbook 2025) and contains 20 multiple-choice questions to assess your knowledge of pre-trip inspections. It includes detailed explanations after each response you provide, which speeds learning and helps you pass the official knowledge test on your first attempt.

Please check out our additional practice tests to help fully prepare you for other parts of your upcoming exams.