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ND CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

6 min

To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must pass the General Knowledge Exam and all three sections of the CDL skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. The CDL Skills Test evaluates your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, with pre-trip inspection questions included in both the General Knowledge Exam and the hands-on skills test. A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is required before taking the CDL skills test and is valid for 180 days (plus one allowed renewal). The CLP allows supervised driving practice, but a full CDL cannot be obtained until all of the skills test is passed within the permit’s validity period. 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. In North Dakota, unlike some other states, testing is in English only. Of the three parts of the skills test, you are required to retake any failed portion. Until you pass all three within the CLP’s validity period, you cannot obtain a CDL.

ND commercial driver's license
Based on the official ND CDL HandbookHandbook‑based (2025) + exam‑taker feedback
This test is a Premium member exclusive. You'll get

All 650 exam-like questions specific to North Dakota

Interactive learning with AI personal tutor

Unique 360° Virtual Road Simulations

Get your money back if you don’t pass

Accuracy & authorship

Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher at Driving-Tests.org

Reviewed for legal and handbook accuracy:

Steven Litvintchouk

M.S., Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)

Last verified for accuracy on

Andrei Zakhareuski, Co-founder & CEO at Driving-Tests.org

Test design and learning experience oversight:

Andrei Zakhareuski

Co-founder & CEO, Driving-Tests.org

How to use this practice test

  1. Start here. One of 4 free North Dakota tests. ~6 min. Read explanations as you go.
  2. Cover more ground. All tests have different questions - no repeats.
  3. Finish strong. Try the Exam Simulator for a full-length run.

Why this works

  • Exam-like questions from the current handbook + real test-taker patterns. Explanations cite the manual.
  • AI Assistant explains tricky items in plain language.
  • Performance Insights show your weak topics and what to study next.
  • Challenge Bank™ saves your mistakes for targeted practice.

Actual DOT permit test: What to expect?

The North Dakota permit test has 20 questions. You must get 16 correct (80%) to pass.
  • Where: Any North Dakota DOT office (find locations)
  • Bring: ID + SSN + residency proof + permit/license fee (see checklist)
  • If you fail: Retake the next day.
  • Commonly missed: railroad crossing procedures, roundabouts and lane usage, and emergency vehicle right-of-way.
  • Ready to schedule? Book your ND DOT appointment

About the North Dakota CDL

Failing the General Knowledge Exam results in a one-day waiting period and an additional fee before retesting. Our North Dakota CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests cover all necessary topics of pre-trip inspections. Many states have a single pre-trip inspection format; however, North Dakota requires different versions depending on the vehicle type. Familiarity with the North Dakota’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 its operational condition. Your examiner must determine that you can properly inspect all parts and deem their working condition.

Consistently passing our practice tests is an effective way to prepare for the pre-trip inspection section of the General Knowledge Exam. Based on the most recent version of the North Dakota CDL manual (North Dakota CDL Handbook 2025), our 20 multiple-choice-question practice test includes detailed explanations after each response, speeding the learning process.

Check out our different practice tests to prepare for other parts of your upcoming exams.

More ND CDL test resources

  1. Pre-Trip Inspection Test 1
  2. Pre-Trip Inspection Exam Simulator (you are here)

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