TX CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

To legally operate a commercial vehicle, drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which requires passing both the General Knowledge Exam and the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test (plus additional requirements). Federal law (49 CFR § 392.7 and 49 CFR § 396.13) mandates the pre-trip inspection as part of the CDL skills exam, in addition to the basic control skills and road test. Drivers must demonstrate that they 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. Our Texas CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests are designed to ensure you pass all the pre-trip inspection questions on your General Knowledge exam on the first attempt.

You must hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before you can take the CDL Skills Test. To get the 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 period renewal allowed). According to the Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Manual (Texas CDL Handbook 2025), if you fail any section of the skills test, you must retake only the failed section after a minimum two-day waiting period.

The Texas CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test requires you to demonstrate your knowledge and hands-on inspection skills by identifying, touching, and describing essential vehicle parts and declaring whether they are in good working condition. The inspection process involves thoroughly checking the vehicle’s engine compartment, cab controls, lights, tires, brakes, suspension, and cargo securement. If an applicant fails the vehicle inspection, they cannot proceed to the next section of the skills test. The order of testing is as follows: 1: Vehicle Inspection Test (Pre-Trip); 2: Basic Control Maneuver Test; 3: On-Road Driving Test. In Texas, each segment must be passed before proceeding to the next. You must pass all three segments to pass the skills test.

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

Don’t miss our three other Pre-Trip Inspection practice tests!