- Alabama: Test 1 / Test 2
- Alaska: Test 1 / Test 2
- Arizona: Test 1 / Test 2
- Arkansas: Test 1 / Test 2
- California: Test 1 / Test 2
- Colorado: Test 1 / Test 2
- Connecticut: Test 1 / Test 2
- Delaware: Test 1 / Test 2
- District of Columbia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Florida: Test 1 / Test 2
- Georgia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Hawaii: Test 1 / Test 2
- Idaho: Test 1 / Test 2
- Illinois: Test 1 / Test 2
- Indiana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Iowa: Test 1 / Test 2
- Kansas: Test 1 / Test 2
- Kentucky: Test 1 / Test 2
- Louisiana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Maine: Test 1 / Test 2
- Maryland: Test 1 / Test 2
- Massachusetts: Test 1 / Test 2
- Michigan: Test 1 / Test 2
- Minnesota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Mississippi: Test 1 / Test 2
- Missouri: Test 1 / Test 2
- Montana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Nebraska: Test 1 / Test 2
- Nevada: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Hampshire: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Jersey: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Mexico: Test 1 / Test 2
- New York: Test 1 / Test 2
- North Carolina: Test 1 / Test 2
- North Dakota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Ohio: Test 1 / Test 2
- Oklahoma: Test 1 / Test 2
- Oregon: Test 1 / Test 2
- Pennsylvania: Test 1 / Test 2
- Rhode Island: Test 1 / Test 2
- South Carolina: Test 1 / Test 2
- South Dakota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Tennessee: Test 1 / Test 2
- Texas: Test 1 / Test 2
- Utah: Test 1 / Test 2
- Vermont: Test 1 / Test 2
- Virginia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Washington: Test 1 / Test 2
- West Virginia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Wisconsin: Test 1 / Test 2
- Wyoming: Test 1 / Test 2
Free NC CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Exam 2025
Part of mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training Course Based on 2025 NC commercial driver's license manualAvailable in EN, ES
20questions
4mistakes allowed
80%passing score
Before you may take the skills test for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and hold it for at least two weeks. Your CLP will allow you to practice operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) while supervised by a licensed commercial driver qualified to operate that type of vehicle. In North Carolina, you must be 18 years old for a CLP. A key requirement for a CLP is to pass a set of official knowledge tests for the class and the type of vehicles you plan to drive. But no matter which vehicles you plan to drive, you must at least pass the General Knowledge test, which covers general commercial driving theory.
The official General Knowledge test covers many commercial driving topics, including pre-trip and other vehicle inspections. Your test will likely include questions on which systems or components you should check during a pre-trip inspection and how to determine whether they are performing adequately. All questions on the General Knowledge test are based on the official North Carolina CDL manual (North Carolina CDL Handbook 2025). You should study the manual. However, if all that complex information leaves you wishing for additional help to pass the General Knowledge test – well, that’s what we’re here for!
This is the first of our North Carolina CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests. Practicing with these tests will help reinforce the knowledge you gained from reading the official CDL manual and get you accustomed to answering test questions on pre-trip inspections. Like the official knowledge test, this practice test is multiple choice. For each question, you must choose the best or most complete answer choice. Our AI Assistant can help you out. It can supply hints and explanations and answer your questions on commercial driving.
The information you’ll learn through our North Carolina CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests should also help you as you practice pre-trip inspections to pass the official skills test. And it may even prove helpful when you perform pre-trip inspections in your commercial driving career.
In North Carolina, rapid growth, especially in cities like Charlotte, has increased traffic congestion, which has led to more traffic accidents. Two of the most dangerous stretches of road are in Charlotte: I-77 and I-85. I-77 has seen numerous accidents involving semi-trucks and other large vehicles. I-95 is also considered hazardous because of heavy congestion and aging or obsolete infrastructure. However, a thorough pre-trip inspection of your vehicle will help ensure it’s ready to tackle even hazardous roads safely.
Perfect for
- First-time NC CDL and CLP applicants
- CDL holders adding endorsements
- NC CDL renewal applicants
What to expect on the actual exam
| How many questions | 20 |
|---|---|
| How many correct answers to pass | 16 |
| Passing score | 80% |
Unlock all 1,500+ exam-like questions for North Carolina. Pass Guarantee
Become a member to unlock our extensive library of 1,500+ exam-like questions and get your North Carolina ELDT certification online. Official FMCSA-approved national Entry-Level Driver Training provider.
Pass the first time, guaranteed
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?
More resources
You may also like
NC CDL Practice Test App
Download our free iOS or Android app and practice for your driving test offline or on the go.
10 Things You Should Do Before Your Driving Knowledge Exam (PDF)
Many people do their best but still get to the DMV overconfident and underprepared because they fail to do some of the simple...
Open PDF
Are you in another state?
