Before obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), applicants must pass a Hawaii Pre-Trip Inspection Test as part of the CDL skills exam. This test ensures drivers can identify and evaluate critical vehicle components to prevent breakdowns and accidents. Failure to pass means you cannot obtain your CDL, restricting you from driving commercially. The pre-trip inspection is one section of the three-part skills test 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 on-road driving. Failing just one section results in a total test failure. You may still hold your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for the full 180 days, and it can be renewed once. But until you obtain a CDL, you cannot drive commercially on your own.
Failing the General Knowledge exam means you must wait one day before retakes and pay an additional fee. The Hawaii CDL General Knowledge exam includes questions on pre-trip inspections, and our Hawaii CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests are designed to cover all these necessary topics. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the Hawaii’s essential inspection steps, which involve 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 topics, you must physically point to, touch, and name each component during your pre-trip inspection test and explain why it is being inspected. Your examiner must determine that you can ensure all parts are defect-free and in good working condition.