ME CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

Before obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), applicants must pass a Maine CDL General Knowledge exam and Maine Pre-Trip Inspection Test as part of the three-part CDL skills exam. Failure to pass means you cannot obtain your CDL, restricting you from driving commercially. This federally mandated test (federal regulations 49 CFR § 392.7 and 49 CFR § 396.13) ensures drivers can identify and evaluate critical vehicle components to prevent breakdowns and accidents. 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. If an applicant fails the pre-trip inspection or basic vehicle control (skills maneuvers) parts, they are required to retake only the failed part. If you fail, 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 Maine CDL General Knowledge exam includes questions on pre-trip inspections, and our Maine CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests are designed to cover all these necessary topics. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the Maine’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.

This practice test has 20 multiple-choice questions and is based on the most recent Maine CDL manual (Maine CDL Handbook 2025). It will assess your knowledge of pre-trip inspections. Detailed explanations after each response are provided to speed learning and help you pass the official test on your first attempt.

Once you’re able to consistently pass our practice tests, you will be fully prepared to pass the pre-trip inspection questions portion of the official General Knowledge Exam on your first attempt. Please check out our different practice tests to help prepare you for other parts of your upcoming exams.