Free NJ CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Exam 2025

Part of mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training Course Based on 2025 NJ commercial driver's license manualAvailable in EN, ES

20questions

4mistakes allowed

80%passing score

If you haven’t been a commercial driver before, you must obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you may apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Your CLP will allow you to practice operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) while supervised by a CDL holder. The requirements for a CLP include passing a set of official knowledge tests for the class and the type of vehicles you plan to drive. However, one knowledge test is required, regardless of which vehicles you plan to drive: the General Knowledge test, which covers general commercial driving theory.

The official General Knowledge test covers many topics, such as basic vehicle control, hazard perception, cargo handling, accident procedures, and vehicle inspections, including pre-trip inspections. Your test will likely include some questions on pre-trip inspections, including how to tell if your CMV’s systems and components are functioning correctly and how to detect defects or faults. Federal regulation 49 CFR § 392.7 lists the most critical items to inspect. You must be sure that all these systems are in good working order before you drive the vehicle: brakes, coupling devices (if so equipped), emergency equipment, horn, lights and reflectors, mirrors, steering, tires, wheels and rims, and windshield wipers.

All questions on the General Knowledge test are based on the official New Jersey CDL manual (New Jersey CDL Handbook 2025). To prepare for this test, you should start by studying this CDL manual. But don’t be tempted to stop there. There’s a large amount of complex information to absorb and memorize. You can reinforce your newfound knowledge by practicing how to answer test questions about it. That’s where we come in.

This New Jersey CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test will help you master the material on pre-trip inspections and ace the pre-trip inspection questions on the official General Knowledge test. Like the official test, this practice test is multiple choice. Each question comes with several answer options. You must choose the best or most complete answer. Our AI assistant can help you with any practice question. It 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 tell you and provide an explanation of the correct answer.

Unlike the official General Knowledge test, this practice test isn’t timed. Take your time and learn as much as you can. If you want, use the practice test as an open-book test and look things up in the CDL manual as you proceed.

Please also try our other New Jersey CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests!

Perfect for

First-time NJ CDL and CLP applicants
CDL holders adding endorsements
NJ CDL renewal applicants

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What to expect on the actual exam

How many questions	20
How many correct answers to pass	16
Passing score	80%

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List of questions (classic view)

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