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  • 0  (4 mistakes allowed to pass)

WA CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test 2025

6 min

To obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and later a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must pass the Washington CDL General Knowledge Exam. The General Knowledge Exam includes questions about pre-trip inspections. After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, you must pass the Washington Pre-Trip Inspection Test and the other two parts of the three-part CDL skills exam to receive your CDL. This test determines whether drivers can properly identify and check critical vehicle components to prevent breakdowns and accidents. Our Washington CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests help you fully prepare for this section of the knowledge exam by covering all necessary topics related to pre-trip inspections.

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

All 650 exam-like questions specific to Washington

Interactive learning with AI personal tutor

Unique 360° Virtual Road Simulations

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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

Questions are created and maintained by the Driving-Tests.org content team following our multi-layer editorial process and updated whenever the Washington DOL changes its handbook or website information.

Official sources we check: Washington CDL Handbook (2025 edition), Washington DOL website

How to use this practice test

  1. Start here. One of 4 free Washington 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 DOL permit test: What to expect?

The Washington permit test has 20 questions. You must get 16 correct (80%) to pass.
  • Where: Any Washington DOL office (find locations)
  • Bring: ID + SSN + residency proof + permit/license fee (see checklist)
  • If you fail: You may immediately retake the knowledge test as soon as you’re ready (fees may vary by testing location).
  • Commonly missed: safe following distance (3-second rule), passing, and lane marking rules.
  • Ready to schedule? Book your WA DOL appointment

About the Washington CDL

There are three parts to the skills test that must be passed for your CDL: the federally mandated pre-trip inspection test (regulations 49 CFR § 392.7 and 49 CFR § 396.13), the basic control skills test, and the road test. In Washington, if you fail one of the three sections of the skills test, you only need to retake the failed section, as you will receive credit for any segment passed. Also, in Washington, CDL skills test results are valid for six months. If you don’t complete all CDL requirements within this time, you must restart the process​ (and still adhere to the 365-day CLP validity period).

It’s important to note that in Washington, the pre-trip inspection must be conducted in English (no interpreters are allowed). During the pre-trip inspection part of the Skills Test, you must physically point to, touch, and name each component and explain why it is being inspected. We recommend you memorize the structured inspection method for both the Washington CDL General Knowledge Exam and the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test. This process includes thoroughly checking the vehicle’s engine compartment, cab controls, lights, tires, brakes, suspension, and cargo securement.

Our practice test is based on the most recent Washington CDL manual (Washington CDL Handbook 2025) and contains 20 multiple-choice questions to assess your knowledge of pre-trip inspections. All your responses elicit detailed explanations, speeding the learning process and ensuring you pass the official knowledge test on your first attempt.

We also have different practice tests to help you prepare for other parts of your upcoming exams. Please give them a try!

More WA CDL test resources

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

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