Many consider the pre-trip inspection to be the toughest segment of the CDL skills test. The mechanical concepts are actually quite simple, but the real challenge is the amount of information you have to memorize. During the test, you must walk around the vehicle and call out every single part and safety check perfectly, without using any of your own notes or guides. Some of the components to be checked include brakes, seatbelts, wipers, emergency equipment, tires, and mirrors.
This procedure is discussed in Section 11 (Vehicle Inspection) of the official Commercial Driver License Manual (New Mexico CDL Handbook 2026). You should read its contents multiple times to familiarize yourself with the steps involved. When you’re ready, you can use our New Mexico CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test to evaluate your knowledge.
The practice test that you’re about to take is the second in this series. It is available online and can be accessed on any compatible device. Since this tool is browser-based, you’ll need a stable internet connection at all times. Answer each question at your own pace and pay attention to the detailed explanations provided. They will help you learn from your mistakes as soon as they occur, so you won’t have to wait until the test ends to know what went wrong. You should note this feedback in a notebook or notebook app and revisit the material during future practice sessions.
Use our free CDL pre-trip inspection checklist to prepare for the hands-on exam.