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Free IN CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Exam 2025

Part of mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training Course Based on 2025 IN commercial driver's license manualAvailable in EN, ES
20questions
4mistakes allowed
80%passing score

Interested in becoming a licensed commercial driver for the first time? Then you’ve got a lot of study and practice ahead of you. But stay undaunted. After you get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and begin your new career in commercial driving, you’ll see that all that effort was well worth it!

Before you may obtain a CDL, you must obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and hold it for at least two weeks. This permit will allow you to practice operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) while supervised by a CDL holder. There are documentation, medical, and knowledge requirements for a CLP. The knowledge requirement involves passing a set of knowledge tests for the class and type of vehicles you plan to drive. At minimum, you must pass the official General Knowledge test, which covers general commercial driving theory.

The official General Knowledge test covers many commercial driving topics, including pre-trip inspections. Questions on pre-trip inspections include defects or faults to look for in a CMV’s systems and components. All questions on the General Knowledge test are based on the official Indiana CDL manual (Indiana CDL Handbook 2025). You should study the manual, but it’s more of a reference than a study aid. If you would like additional help to prepare for the test questions on pre-trip inspections, rest assured we have just what you’re looking for!

This Indiana CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test will help you learn how to correctly answer test questions on pre-trip inspections. Like the official knowledge test, this practice test is multiple choice. Each question comes with several answer options. You must choose the best or most complete answer. You can also get help from our AI assistant on any question. At your request, the AI assistant can rephrase the question, supply a hint, or answer your own questions about commercial driving theory. If you still miss the question, the AI assistant will immediately let you know and provide an explanation of the correct answer.

The information you’ll learn through our pre-trip practice tests won’t just help you pass the General Knowledge test. It will also prove helpful as you prepare for the official skills test for a CDL. One of the three parts of this test is a pre-trip inspection test, in which you’ll conduct a pre-trip inspection before a test examiner.

Be sure to try our other Indiana CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests, too!

4.83 out of 5 • 6 votes.

Perfect for

  • First-time IN CDL and CLP applicants
  • CDL holders adding endorsements
  • IN CDL renewal applicants
IN commercial driver's license

What to expect on the actual exam

How many questions20
How many correct answers to pass16
Passing score80%
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List of questions (classic view)

  1. What structure supporting the fifth wheel skid plate should be checked for cracks or breaks?
  2. You pump the pedal three times and hold it down for five seconds, making sure that the pedal does not move. What are you inspecting?
  3. What transmits power from the transmission to the drive axle?
  4. What carries air or hydraulic fluid to the wheel brake assembly?
  5. ________ are gas or hydraulic devices that cushion the vehicle's ride and stabilize the vehicle.
  6. What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?
  7. What do you inspect to make sure that all are present and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads?
  8. What should you check to be sure it is solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the tractor frame?
  9. What maintains air pressure in the air brake system?
  10. Which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch?
  11. Which of the following can disengage the engine from the drivetrain?
  12. What transforms steering column action into wheel action?
  13. Make sure that the _________ are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn, and not tangled, pinched, or dragged against tractor parts.
  14. You are looking for puddles on the ground and dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission. What are you checking for?
  15. What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?
  16. To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.
  17. _________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.
  18. _________ are the brackets, bolts, or bushings that are used to attach the spring or air bag to the axle and vehicle frame.
  19. If the wheel has a sight glass, check that the oil level is adequate. Otherwise, look for leaks around the
  20. What releases the fifth wheel locking jaws so the trailer can be coupled?

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