NM CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

To earn a New Mexico Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you must first pass the state’s CDL General Knowledge Exam. Failing this exam results in a minimum one-day waiting period and an additional fee to reschedule. The CLP allows you to practice supervised driving for up to 180 days, with the option of one renewal. After holding the CLP for at least 14 days, you’ll be eligible to take the New Mexico’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 New Mexico’s CDL skills exam (the others being the basic control skills test and road test). Our New Mexico Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests are your key to acing all pre-trip inspection questions on the General Knowledge Test.

The New Mexico 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, examiners must determine that you can properly ensure your vehicle is in safe operating condition. You must point to and explain each part’s function, why it must be checked, and its condition. If you fail any portion of the skills test, you must retake the failed section after a mandatory seven-day waiting period. New Mexico allows three attempts within one year. After a third failure, you cannot retake the test until the one-year anniversary of your first testing attempt. Additionally, at that one-year mark, you must reapply for a CLP and pay fees again.

The New Mexico’s systematic pre-trip vehicle check 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. For both the New Mexico CDL General Knowledge Exam and the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test, you’ll need to be very comfortable with this process.

This 20 multiple-choice-question practice test is based on the most recent New Mexico CDL manual (New Mexico CDL Handbook 2025) and assesses your knowledge of pre-trip inspections. To speed learning, our tests provide a detailed explanation after each response, ensuring you pass the General Knowledge test on your first attempt.

We have other practice tests to prepare you for different parts of the General Knowledge Test. Please give them a try!