MT CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

To obtain a Montana Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you must first pass the state’s CDL General Knowledge Exam. If you fail, you’ll need to wait at least one day before retaking it, as you’ll have to reschedule and pay a retest fee. The CLP allows you to practice driving under supervision for up to 180 days, with the option of a single renewal. After holding the permit for at least 14 days, you’ll be eligible to take the Montana’s CDL skills exam, which includes the federally mandated Pre-Trip Inspection Test (49 CFR § 392.7 and 49 CFR § 396.13). The inspection test is one of three parts necessary to pass the Montana’s CDL skills exam (the other two being the basic control skills test and the road test). Our Montana Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests are your key to acing all pre-trip inspection questions on the General Knowledge Test.

The Montana 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 must point to and explain each part’s function, why it must be checked, and its condition. Examiners must determine that you can properly ensure your vehicle is in safe operating condition. Without passing, you will not be granted a CDL. If you fail any portion of the skills test, you are required to retake the failed section after a mandatory seven-day waiting period. Montana allows three attempts within one year from the purchase date of your testing receipts. Exceeding three attempts requires a new purchase.

For both the Montana CDL General Knowledge Exam and the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with Montana’s systematic pre-trip vehicle check. 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 testing the brake system.

This 20 multiple-choice-question practice test is based on the most recent Montana CDL manual (Montana 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 General Knowledge test on your first attempt.

Check out our additional practice tests to prepare you for other parts of the General Knowledge Test.