Free 20-question practice test covering the CDL pre-trip inspection — one of the three components of the CDL skills test. Covers engine compartment, lights, tires, brakes, coupling, and the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report.
All Alabama CDL Practice Tests by Chapter
Yes. The CDL skills test has three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must pass all three. The pre-trip test requires you to walk around the vehicle and verbally identify components and explain what you are checking.
The CDL skills test pre-trip typically takes 30–50 minutes. For a standard tractor-trailer, you will inspect the engine compartment, cab interior, all lights and signals, tires and wheels, fuel/air/oil systems, coupling components, trailer, and cargo area.
If you find a defect that affects safety, the vehicle must be taken out of service until repaired. Record the defect on the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR). Never drive a vehicle with a known safety defect.
Engine compartment checks include: engine oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, battery connections, belts and hoses, and any visible leaks. All fluid levels should be within their acceptable ranges.
Tires with tread depth below 4/32 inch on steer axles or 2/32 inch on other axles must be removed from service. Tires with bulges, exposed cords, tread separation, or sidewall cuts are also out-of-service conditions.