RI CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Rhode Island, applicants must pass a General Knowledge Exam and a CDL skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. Before taking the skills test, applicants must pass the General Knowledge Exam to receive a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), valid for 180 days (plus one allowed renewal). The CLP allows supervised commercial driving in preparation for the CDL skills test. If a section of the skills test is failed, applicants must wait five days before retaking it, but credit is given for the sections that are passed. (This credit expires with CLP expiration.) According to federal regulations, the exam ensures drivers can assess and identify vehicle issues to prevent breakdowns and accidents (49 CFR § 392.7 and 49 CFR § 396.13). Until you pass all three sections 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 to retest. To help applicants prepare, our Rhode Island CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests cover all necessary topics of pre-trip inspections. Familiarity with the Rhode Island’s 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. Additionally, in Rhode Island, applicants must provide proof of vehicle insurance and a current inspection sticker if the vehicle is over two years old or exceeds 24,000 miles. Rhode Island requires the vehicle to be registered in-state unless it belongs to military family members.

Consistently passing our practice tests ensures you are ready for the pre-trip inspection questions on the General Knowledge Exam. Based on the most recent Rhode Island CDL manual (Rhode Island CDL Handbook 2025), our 20 multiple-choice-question practice test assesses your understanding of pre-trip inspections. Detailed explanations are provided after each response to speed the learning process.

Please check out our different practice tests to prepare for other upcoming exams.