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IA CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

6 min

To obtain a Iowa Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you must pass the state CDL General Knowledge Exam. The CLP will allow you to practice driving under supervision for 180 days. Then, to obtain a Iowa CDL, you must pass the Pre-Trip Inspection Test, which is a federal requirement (49 CFR § 392.7 and 49 CFR § 396.13). This portion is one of three parts that must be passed in Iowa’s CDL skills exam (the other two are the basic control skills test and the road test). Designed to ensure that drivers can recognize and evaluate the condition of their vehicle’s components, failing even one part of the skills test results in a total test failure. Failing the Knowledge Exam means delaying your CLP by at least one day, as you’ll have to reschedule and likely pay a retest fee. Our Iowa Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests are your key to passing the General Knowledge Test on your first attempt.

The Iowa General Knowledge Exam and Pre-Trip Inspection Test evaluate your ability to inspect engine components, brakes, suspension, and lights, among other items. During the pre-trip inspection test, you will be required to point to and explain each part’s function and why it must be checked. Examiners must determine that you can properly ensure your vehicle is in safe operating condition. Without passing, you will not be granted a CDL, and you cannot drive commercially. While a CLP allows you to drive with supervision, obtaining a full CDL is necessary for independent commercial driving.

IA commercial driver's license
Based on the official IA CDL HandbookHandbook‑based (2025) + exam‑taker feedback
This test is a Premium member exclusive. You'll get

All 650 exam-like questions specific to Iowa

Interactive learning with AI personal tutor

Unique 360° Virtual Road Simulations

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Accuracy & authorship

Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher at Driving-Tests.org

Reviewed for legal and handbook accuracy:

Steven Litvintchouk

M.S., Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)

Last verified for accuracy on

Andrei Zakhareuski, Co-founder & CEO at Driving-Tests.org

Test design and learning experience oversight:

Andrei Zakhareuski

Co-founder & CEO, Driving-Tests.org

How to use this practice test

  1. Start here. One of 4 free Iowa tests. ~6 min. Read explanations as you go.
  2. Cover more ground. All tests have different questions - no repeats.
  3. Finish strong. Try the Exam Simulator for a full-length run.

Why this works

  • Exam-like questions from the current handbook + real test-taker patterns. Explanations cite the manual.
  • AI Assistant explains tricky items in plain language.
  • Performance Insights show your weak topics and what to study next.
  • Challenge Bank™ saves your mistakes for targeted practice.

Actual DOT permit test: What to expect?

The Iowa permit test has 20 questions. You must get 16 correct (80%) to pass.
  • Where: Any Iowa DOT office (find locations)
  • Bring: ID + SSN + residency proof + permit/license fee (see checklist)
  • If you fail: Retake after 1 calendar day.
  • Commonly missed: safe following distance (3-second rule), passing and lane marking rules.
  • Ready to schedule? Book your IA DOT appointment

About the Iowa CDL

For both the Iowa CDL General Knowledge Exam and the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with Iowa’s inspection procedure, which is a systematic pre-trip vehicle check. To ensure road safety and compliance, the inspection includes reviewing past inspections, inspecting the engine compartment, checking in-cab controls and gauges, verifying lights, conducting a full walk-around inspection, testing signal lights, and assessing the brake system.

The 20 multiple-choice-question practice test is based on the most recent Iowa CDL manual (Iowa CDL Handbook 2025) and assesses your knowledge of pre-trip inspections. A detailed explanation is provided after each response to speed learning and help you pass the official knowledge test on your first attempt.

We have additional practice tests to prepare you for other parts of the General Knowledge Test. Check them out!

More IA CDL test resources

  1. Pre-Trip Inspection Test 1
  2. Pre-Trip Inspection Exam Simulator (you are here)

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