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Free IA CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Exam 2025

  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
  • Based on 2025 IA commercial driver's license manual
  • Triple-checked for accuracy
  • Updated for September 2025

Before you can train for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must hold a Iowa Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), which attests to your knowledge of pre-trip inspections and other aspects of driving theory. You should be able to identify deficiencies in the systems and components of your vehicle that could put your safety at risk. By using a checklist to thoroughly inspect the most vital parts of your vehicle, such as the tires, battery, mirrors, and engine, you can prevent an accident or mechanical malfunction. Federal regulation 49 CFR § 396.13 requires drivers to conduct a pre-trip inspection to verify the safety of their vehicle before driving on public roads. Some public roads, such as I-80 in Des Moines, can be heavily congested; a malfunctioning commercial vehicle could affect a large number of motorists.

This Iowa DOT CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test contains the most valuable and authoritative information to teach you about this safety measure. Although there are several requirements for getting a CLP, one of the most important is passing the CDL General Knowledge Test. There is no shortage of important skills you must demonstrate on the official knowledge test, including pre-trip inspections. If you are nervous about needing to display your understanding, the practice test will put you at ease with its stress-free approach to your study. The official knowledge test requires you to answer 80% of the 20 questions correctly to receive a passing score. The practice test will effectively train you to reach that target in a time-efficient manner.

The CDL Pre-Inspection Practice Test uses an innovative approach that outperforms every other on-line resource available. Since pre-trip inspections are vital to your safety, you don’t want to skimp on important details. The practice test is based on the most recent Iowa DOT CDL driver’s manual (Iowa CDL Handbook 2025) and up to date as of September 2025. It is interactive and provides additional instruction to fill any knowledge gaps. If you submit an incorrect answer, the practice test provides a detailed explanation of the correct one. This approach helps you track your readiness to take the official knowledge test while helping you overcome all the obstacles to passing it. In comparison, a study guide will not give you any information to help you understand why your answer was incorrect. It is designed to merely help you memorize the answers to the questions. You can rely on the practice test to elevate you to an expert knowledge of pre-trip inspections that will keep you on the road with safety in mind.

Clint Eastwood made Madison County bridges famous, and you can claim your driving fame with practice tests for other U.S. states and Washington D.C. at https://driving-tests.org/academy/drivers-license.

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IA commercial driver's license
  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
  • Triple-checked for accuracy

What you need to know

4.2 out of 5 • 5 votes
6 min to complete
Available in EN and ES
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
Ensuring the accuracy and quality of our program is paramount. Learn more about our rigorous standards in our Commitment to Accuracy article.

What to expect on the actual IA DOT exam

20

questions

16

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

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