SC CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

To obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) in South Carolina, you must first pass the CDL General Knowledge Exam. Failing the knowledge exam results in a one-day waiting period and a fee before retesting. Once passed and your CLP is issued, you must hold it for at least 14 days before taking the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test (or the other parts of the skills test). The pre-trip inspection test is one of three required CDL skills tests, along with the basic control skills test and road test, in accordance with federal regulations (49 CFR § 392.7 and 49 CFR § 396.13). Our South Carolina CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests cover everything needed to help you pass the pre-trip sections of the South Carolina CDL General Knowledge Exam on your first attempt.

Failing any part of the skills test requires retaking the failed section within the CLP validity period of 180 days (with one renewal allowed). Thankfully, South Carolina does not require you to retake passed test sections unless your CLP has expired. The state imposes a 45-minute limit for completing the pre-trip inspection section; exceeding this limit results in an automatic failure. In South Carolina’s Pre-trip Inspection Test Procedures, you must physically point to, touch, and name each component during your pre-trip inspection test, explain why it is being inspected, and declare whether it is in good operational condition. You’ll need to label and thoroughly check the vehicle’s engine compartment, cab controls, lights, tires, brakes, suspension, and cargo securement. Certain elements, such as the air brake test, are especially crucial. Failure to perform these correctly, including using precise terminology, results in immediate failure of the entire skills test. Ultimately, your examiner must attest that you can determine whether all parts are in good working condition.

This practice test is based on the most recent South Carolina CDL manual (South Carolina CDL Handbook 2025) and contains 20 multiple-choice questions to assess your knowledge of pre-trip inspections. Compared with the usual study guides, which simply present test material without any interactive element, our approach includes detailed explanations after each response, which has been scientifically proven to speed learning and retention. This approach helps you pass the official knowledge test on your first attempt.

Be sure to check out our different practice tests to help fully prepare you for other parts of your upcoming exams.