NH CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2026

To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), applicants must pass the General Knowledge Exam and the CDL skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. All three sections must be passed to earn a CDL. The General Knowledge Exam is required to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), valid for 180 days (plus one allowed renewal). The CLP allows supervised practice of commercial driving in preparation for the CDL skills tests. You will face pre-trip inspection questions on the initial General Knowledge Exam and the hands-on skills test. This federally mandated test (regulated under 49 CFR § 392.7 and 49 CFR § 396.13) ensures drivers can identify and evaluate critical vehicle components to prevent breakdowns and accidents. Of the three parts of the skills test, you are required to retake any failed portion but are given credit for the parts you passed. This credit for passed sections lasts until your CLP expires. Until you pass all three within the CLP’s validity period, you cannot obtain a CDL.

Failing the General Knowledge exam incurs a one-day waiting period and an additional fee. Our New Hampshire CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests are designed to help applicants prepare by covering all necessary topics of pre-trip inspections. Familiarity with the New Hampshire’s Seven Step Inspection Method is essential, as the test evaluates a driver’s ability to thoroughly check 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, explaining why it is being inspected and whether it is in good operational condition. Your examiner must determine that you can ensure all parts are defect-free and in good working condition.