1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
  • 0 Incorrect (4 allowed to pass)
  • 0 Correct
Restart
 
 
 
 
 
Advertisement
Explore free tests
  • Updated for April 2025
  • Based on 2025 NC commercial driver's license manual

NC CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

Federal regulations require all commercial drivers to pass the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) General Knowledge Exam and the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test (with additional requirements) to obtain a CDL. Without a CDL, you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle unsupervised. These tests ensure that drivers can properly inspect critical vehicle components to prevent mechanical failures on the road. Failing the knowledge exam results in a mandatory one-day waiting period before retesting and paying an additional fee. Federal law (49 CFR § 392.7 and 49 CFR § 396.13) mandates the pre-trip inspection as part of the CDL skills exam, which includes basic control skills and a road test. Our North Carolina CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests are designed to cover all necessary topics, ensuring you ace all the pre-trip inspection questions on your General Knowledge exam on the first attempt.

To obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you must pass the General Knowledge Exam. Once you hold a CLP, you must pass all three sections of the CDL Skills Test within your CLP’s 180-day validity period (one renewal is allowed before requiring a full retest). According to the North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Manual (North Carolina CDL Handbook 2025), if you fail any section of the skills test, you must retake only the failed section. If you fail the road/skills test twice, a fee will be charged for any additional attempts. The North Carolina CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test requires you to demonstrate your knowledge and hands-on inspection skills by identifying and explaining essential vehicle parts.

The North Carolina’s required pre-trip inspection process involves thoroughly checking the vehicle’s engine compartment, cab controls, lights, tires, brakes, suspension, and cargo securement. Your examiner must declare that you can ensure all parts are in good working condition and defect-free. To do this, you must successfully point to, touch, and name each component during your Pre-Trip Inspection test and explain why it is being inspected.

This North Carolina CDL Pre-Trip Practice Test is based on the most recent North Carolina CDL manual and contains 20 multiple-choice questions to assess your knowledge of pre-trip inspections. It includes immediate and detailed explanations for each response, ensuring you pass the official knowledge test on your first attempt.

We have three more Pre-Trip Inspection practice tests. Please check them out!

  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
This test is a Premium member exclusive. You'll get

All 650 exam-like questions specific to North Carolina

Interactive learning with AI personal tutor

Unique 360° Virtual Road Simulations

Get your money back if you don’t pass

About this test

6 min to complete
Available in EN and ES
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.

What to expect on the actual NC DMV exam

20

questions

16

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

Are you in another state?

Your go-to, trusted source

Experience the Driving-Tests difference
Since our foundation in 2010, Driving-Tests.org has led the way in online driver's education, with over a decade of experience. Our dedicated experts, bringing together more than 50 years of collective expertise, have established us as the largest non-governmental organization in the U.S. solely focused on driver education. We go beyond the official manuals, offering unique interactive experiences and support like audio guides and an AI Assistant, to cater to different learning styles and needs.
Helping hundreds of thousands to ace their tests, our resources have earned a 4.7-star rating from over 14,500 reviews. Our goal is to make your path to becoming a confident driver as straightforward and effective as possible.
 (4  allowed to pass)
Restart test
Ask AI Coach
Ask DMV Genie AI
new
    Calculating your test results Your test results are ready
    Pass Your CDL Exam the First Time - Guaranteed

    Before you see your results, discover how CDL Premium helps you:

    • Real CDL Exam-Like North Carolina Questions
      Questions match official CDL tests
    • Official FMCSA-approved
      ELDT Certification included
    • 99.06% Verified Pass Rate vs. 49% Average
      Proven success, specialized for CDL drivers

    Trusted by 1.15 Million drivers

    Secure Your CDL & ELDT Certification Continue to my results
    Opens in a new tab — your results are saved
    Try Driving-Tests Premium

    Pass the knowledge test the first time, guaranteed.