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View All Plans- Updated for May 2025
- Based on 2025 DC commercial driver's license manual
Free DC CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Exam 2025
Commercial drivers can avoid the perils caused by costly accidents and untimely mechanical breakdowns by conducting a pre-trip inspection of their vehicles. The Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge is no place to find out your vehicle has an operational issue. By using a checklist to confirm the safe operation of vehicle components and systems, such as the engine, brakes, tires, and windshield wipers, drivers will be compliant with federal regulation 49 CFR § 396.13. The safe operation of these vehicle features is critical to protecting lives and cargo. In addition, your knowledge of pre-trip inspections will benefit you in applying for your District of Columbia Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). Before applying for your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a CLP allows you to practice the various skills needed for commercial driving, including pre-trip inspections.
As part of the DMV CDL General Knowledge Test (one of several requirements for a CLP), your understanding of pre-trip inspections will be assessed. The official knowledge test requires you to answer 80% of the 20 to earn a passing score. Our District of Columbia DMV Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test will enhance and expand your knowledge of the specific steps involved in conducting the process and identifying potential safety issues. By developing a firm grasp of this process, you will not need to worry about missing questions about it that could result in failing the official knowledge test. The practice test simulates the actual testing environment, which will calm any nervous feelings while boosting your confidence.
Many on-line resources are available to you, but the Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test is the most fully developed one to help you understand the entire process. The practice test is interactive and provides feedback on the details you may not know or understand. In comparison, a study guide is designed to help you memorize the answers to the questions but offers no additional instruction. If you want to know pre-trip inspections inside and out, you need a resource capable of providing complete instruction. The practice test is based on the most recent District of Columbia DMV CDL driver’s manual (District of Columbia CDL Handbook) and up to date as of May 2025. It contains 20 questions pertaining to pre-trip inspections, just like those on the official knowledge test. If you get a question wrong, the practice test will provide a detailed explanation of the correct answer. This approach provides you with reliable information that you can use each day to guarantee you are operating your vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.
Your vision may get cloudy in Foggy Bottom, but you’ll find clear visibility to safe driving with practice tests for the entire nation at https://driving-tests.org/academy/drivers-license.
- Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
- Triple-checked for accuracy
What you need to know
What to expect on the actual DC DMV exam
questions
correct answers to pass
passing score
List of questions (classic view)
- What structure supporting the fifth wheel skid plate should be checked for cracks or breaks?
- You pump the pedal three times and hold it down for five seconds, making sure that the pedal does not move. What are you inspecting?
- What transmits power from the transmission to the drive axle?
- What carries air or hydraulic fluid to the wheel brake assembly?
- ________ are gas or hydraulic devices that cushion the vehicle's ride and stabilize the vehicle.
- What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?
- What do you inspect to make sure that all are present and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads?
- What should you check to be sure it is solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the tractor frame?
- What maintains air pressure in the air brake system?
- Which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch?
- Which of the following can disengage the engine from the drivetrain?
- What transforms steering column action into wheel action?
- Make sure that the _________ are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn, and not tangled, pinched, or dragged against tractor parts.
- You are looking for puddles on the ground and dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission. What are you checking for?
- What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?
- To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.
- _________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.
- _________ are the brackets, bolts, or bushings that are used to attach the spring or air bag to the axle and vehicle frame.
- If the wheel has a sight glass, check that the oil level is adequate. Otherwise, look for leaks around the
- What releases the fifth wheel locking jaws so the trailer can be coupled?
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