A fuel tank filler cap is missing. How do the minimum periodic inspection standards treat it?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 4.b
Section 393.83(h) has one requirement for how the exhaust system is mounted. What is it?49 CFR 393.83(h)
Under section 393.209(e), which power steering belt passes inspection?49 CFR 393.209(e)
Under section 393.30, how must a storage battery outside the engine compartment be protected?49 CFR 393.30
Under section 393.30, what must a battery compartment have openings for?49 CFR 393.30
Under section 393.83(a), exhaust parts may not sit where they would likely burn, char or damage which of these?49 CFR 393.83(a)
What does section 393.203(c) require of the hood?49 CFR 393.203(c)
What does section 393.209(e) say about the power steering fluid reservoir?49 CFR 393.209(e)
What does section 393.30 require of a removable battery cover?49 CFR 393.30
What does section 396.5 require of every motor vehicle, besides proper lubrication?49 CFR 396.5
Where must a fuel system leak be for Appendix A to Part 396 to count it as a defect?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 4.a
Show all 115 questions (104 more)
Cab and engine start 30
A single windshield crack is not crossed by any other crack. How wide may it be and still pass under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 12
Appendix A to Part 396 allows a small damaged area in the windshield. How large may it be, and how close to another one?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 12
Appendix A to Part 396 leaves borders of the windshield out of its glazing check. How wide is the border at the top?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 12
Appendix A to Part 396 lists one windshield wiper defect for a power unit. What is it?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 13
Besides checking them before driving, what does section 392.7(a) require a driver to do with the listed parts and accessories?49 CFR 392.7(a)
For which vehicle must an applicant have the pre-trip inspection skills of section 383.113(a)?49 CFR 383.113(a)
How accurate must the speedometer be at 50 mph under section 393.82?49 CFR 393.82
How far below the upper edge of the windshield may an antenna or similar device be mounted under section 393.60(e)(1)(i)?49 CFR 393.60(e)(1)(i)
How far up from the bottom of the windshield may a required decal or inspection sticker extend under section 393.60(e)(2)?49 CFR 393.60(e)(2)
How large must the red flags carried as emergency equipment be under section 393.95(k)?49 CFR 393.95(k)
How many inspection areas does section 383.113(a)(1) list for the pre-trip vehicle inspection, counting special features?49 CFR 383.113(a)(1)
How must the hazard warning signal switch work under section 393.19?49 CFR 393.19
How must the outside rear-vision mirrors be attached under section 393.80(a)?49 CFR 393.80(a)
May fog lamps or auxiliary driving lamps stand in for the required headlamps under section 393.24?49 CFR 393.24
Section 392.7(a) names eleven parts a driver must be satisfied are in good working order. Which of these is on the list?49 CFR 392.7(a)
Section 393.95(a)(3) requires the fire extinguisher to be built and kept so that a driver can do what?49 CFR 393.95(a)(3)
Under section 393.78(a), a truck built on or after December 25, 1968 needs a wiping system and what else?49 CFR 393.78(a)
Under section 396.13(c), what does the driver's signature on the last inspection report acknowledge?49 CFR 396.13(c)
What beam choice must the headlamps give the driver under section 393.24(a)?49 CFR 393.24(a)
What does section 393.203(d) require of the seats?49 CFR 393.203(d)
What does section 396.7(a) forbid?49 CFR 396.7(a)
What does the floor of a cab have to keep out under section 393.84?49 CFR 393.84
What light transmittance must tinted glazing keep in the windshield and the windows beside the driver under section 393.60(d)?49 CFR 393.60(d)
What must a CDL applicant be able to do with each safety-related part during the pre-trip inspection, under section 383.113(a)(1)?49 CFR 383.113(a)(1)
What must a windshield defrosting and defogging system keep from blocking the driver's view, in the words of section 393.79(b)?49 CFR 393.79
What must the horn be able to do under section 393.81?49 CFR 393.81
When the hazard warning signal is switched on, what must happen under section 393.19?49 CFR 393.19
Which cab door condition violates section 393.203(a)?49 CFR 393.203(a)
Which commercial vehicle may not carry fusees at all under section 393.95(g)?49 CFR 393.95(g)
Which vehicles does section 393.82 require to have a speedometer?49 CFR 393.82
Steering 13
For a steering wheel size that is not in the section 393.209 table, what lash is allowed on a manual steering system?49 CFR 393.209(b)(2)
How much motion, other than rotation, may a steering linkage member have at its attachment point under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7.g
How much steering wheel free play fails a 20 inch wheel on a manual steering system under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7.a
How must the steering wheel turn under section 393.209(d)?49 CFR 393.209(d)
On a truck with power steering and an 18 inch steering wheel, what free play does the Appendix A table allow?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7.a
What does Appendix A to Part 396 say about a crack in the front axle beam?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7.c
What does Appendix A to Part 396 say about a modification to the steering system?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7.j
What pitman arm condition does Appendix A to Part 396 list?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7.e
When steering wheel free play is measured on a vehicle with power steering, what does Appendix A to Part 396 say about the engine?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7.a
Which steering column condition does Appendix A to Part 396 list as a defect?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7.b
Which steering gear box condition is a defect under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7.d
Which steering wheel condition violates section 393.209(a)?49 CFR 393.209(a)
Which tie rod or drag link condition is a defect under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7.h
Suspension 10
A spring leaf has shifted out of place. When is that a defect under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 8.b
Cracked or missing U-bolts and spring hangers are a defect under Appendix A to Part 396 when they result in what?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 8.a
How does Appendix A to Part 396 treat a deflated air suspension?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 8.b
How much may an air suspension leak at normal operating pressure under section 393.207(f)?49 CFR 393.207(f)
How must a vehicle with air suspension sit under section 393.207(f)?49 CFR 393.207(f)
Under section 393.207(f), how much brake system pressure must there be before the regulator valve lets air into an air suspension?49 CFR 393.207(f)
What does section 393.207(a) say about axle positioning parts?49 CFR 393.207(a)
Which leaf spring condition does Appendix A to Part 396 list as a defect?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 8.b
Which parts does section 396.3(a)(1) name, beyond those in Part 393, as parts that must be in safe and proper operating condition at all times?49 CFR 396.3(a)(1)
Which torque rod condition is left out of the Appendix A defect for torque, radius or tracking components?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 8.c
Brakes (hydraulic and vacuum) 7
A brake failure or low fluid warning light is on. What does Appendix A to Part 396 say for a hydraulic brake system?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 1.j
How does Appendix A to Part 396 treat a hydraulic brake hose that seeps or swells when pressure is applied?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 1.j
How far may a hydraulic brake hose be chafed before Appendix A to Part 396 counts a defect?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 1.j
On a vehicle with hydraulic brakes, how low may the master cylinder be before Appendix A to Part 396 counts a defect?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 1.j
What vacuum reserve must a vacuum brake system keep after the engine is shut off, under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 1.k
Which hydraulic brake pedal condition is a defect under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 1.j
Which warning device does Appendix A to Part 396 expect on a vacuum brake system, where one is required?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 1.k
Wheels and tires 13
A driver checks pressure on tires that are hot from the road. What does section 393.75(i)(2) say to do?49 CFR 393.75(i)(2)
A steering axle tire carries a boot or blowout patch. How does Appendix A to Part 396 treat it?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 10.a
A tire is labeled with a maximum speed of 55 mph or less. What does section 393.75(f) forbid?49 CFR 393.75(f)
A tire is marked "Not for highway use". Where does Appendix A to Part 396 allow it?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 10.b
Appendix A to Part 396 counts an overloaded tire as a defect. What does it say can cause the overload besides weight?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 10.b
The body or frame touches a tire because of how the vehicle is loaded. How does Appendix A to Part 396 treat that?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 9.b
May bias and radial tires be mixed on the same steering axle under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 10.a
Two dual tires touch each other. How does Appendix A to Part 396 treat that?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 10.b
What does Appendix A to Part 396 say about a welded repair on an aluminum wheel on a steering axle?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 11.d
What marks a tube-type radial tire as correctly fitted, according to Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 10.a
Which lock ring or side ring condition is a defect under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 11.a
Which nut or bolt condition violates section 393.205(c)?49 CFR 393.205(c)
Which wheel fastener condition does Appendix A to Part 396 list?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 11.c
Side of vehicle 18
A spare tire could fall onto the roadway from where it is carried. How does Appendix A to Part 396 treat that?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 6.a
Besides frame members, which loose or missing fasteners does Appendix A to Part 396 list under the frame?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 9.a
How far below the fuel tank or its sump may an unprotected fuel line extend under section 393.65(f)?49 CFR 393.65(f)
How must lamps other than headlamps be mounted under section 393.25(a)?49 CFR 393.25(a)
Under section 393.65(f), every fuel line must be secured against what?49 CFR 393.65(f)
Under section 393.83(b), where may an exhaust system not discharge?49 CFR 393.83(b)
What does Appendix A to Part 396 require of the lighting devices and reflectors that Part 393 calls for?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 5
What does section 393.201(c) say about the frame rail flanges between the axles?49 CFR 393.201(c)
What must power all required lamps under section 393.23?49 CFR 393.23
When may a part be welded to the frame under section 393.201(d)?49 CFR 393.201(d)
Where does section 393.201(e) bar drilling holes in a frame rail, unless the manufacturer specifies them?49 CFR 393.201(e)
Where must the exhaust of a truck or truck tractor discharge under section 393.83(e)?49 CFR 393.83(e)
Which condition of the bolts or brackets that hold the cab or body to the frame violates section 393.203(b)?49 CFR 393.203(b)
Which exterior lamps are excepted from the steady-burning rule of section 393.25(e)?49 CFR 393.25(e)
Which frame condition does section 393.201(a) forbid?49 CFR 393.201(a)
Which front bumper condition violates section 393.203(e)?49 CFR 393.203(e)
Which fuel tank mounting condition is a defect under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 4.c
Which of these may not obscure a required lamp or reflector under section 393.9(b)?49 CFR 393.9(b)
Rear of vehicle 3
A vehicle lacks a front-end structure or equivalent device where one is required to stop shifting cargo. Where does Appendix A to Part 396 list that?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 6.b
Before driving, what must be true of the tailgate, tailboard, doors, tarpaulins and spare tire under section 392.9(a)(2)?49 CFR 392.9(a)(2)
When must the stop lamps light under section 393.25(f)?49 CFR 393.25(f)
Special features: trailer and bus 10
A newer semitrailer that must have a rear impact guard has none at all. How does Appendix A to Part 396 treat that?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 15.a
A trailer has sliding tandem axles. Which condition of the adjustable axle assembly is a defect under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 9.c
How far forward of the rear of a newer semitrailer may the rear impact guard sit before Appendix A to Part 396 counts a defect?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 15.a
On a bus that does not burn gasoline, where is an exhaust leak a defect under Appendix A to Part 396, besides more than 15 inches forward of the rear?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 3.b
On a gasoline powered bus, an exhaust leak is a defect under Appendix A to Part 396 when it is how far forward of the rearmost part of the bus?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 3.b
On a two-axle air suspension trailer, a control can dump the air from one axle only. When does section 393.207(g) allow that?49 CFR 393.207(g)
On an older trailer, built before January 26, 1998, how high off the ground may the rear impact guard be before Appendix A to Part 396 counts a defect?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 15.b
What vertical height must the horizontal member of a newer semitrailer's rear impact guard have across its width, under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 15.a
Which container securement condition on an intermodal chassis is a defect under Appendix A to Part 396?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 6.c
Which motorcoach seat condition does Appendix A to Part 396 list as a defect?49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 14
How this list was compiled: Written from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, sections 383.113, 392.7, 392.9, 393.9, 393.19, 393.23, 393.24, 393.25, 393.30, 393.60, 393.65, 393.75, 393.78, 393.79, 393.80, 393.81, 393.82, 393.83, 393.84, 393.95, 393.201, 393.203, 393.205, 393.207, 393.209, 396.3, 396.5, 396.7, 396.13 and Appendix A to Part 396 (Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards), at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49, text in force on 2026-10-01, checked 2026-10-03. Each question names its section. Licence: Own work. Questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site from the regulation text; nothing is copied from a state CDL manual, its walk-around script, the AAMVA test item pool or another practice test.
How it works
This unofficial CDL pre trip inspection practice test asks 115 questions, most from 49 CFR Part 393 and the defects in Appendix A to Part 396, checked 3 October 2026. The spoken walk-around script in state manuals is not asked.
Read the full guide
Nine areas, as the federal rule lists them
49 CFR 383.113(a)(1) names nine areas: engine compartment, cab and engine start, steering, suspension, brakes, wheels, side, rear and special features. The topics here follow that list. Brakes holds hydraulic and vacuum items only; air brake questions are on the air brakes page.
A class B CDL pre trip inspection practice test
The nine areas are the same for every class. With a straight truck or bus, skip the trailer questions in the special features topic. After a round of ten, More options opens the topics. Exam mode draws 25 questions, a length this site chose, and shows no pass mark: 49 CFR 383.135(b) scores the inspection from the examiner manual.
Free play on a 20 inch wheel: Appendix A allows 2 1/2 inches with manual steering, 5 1/4 with power.
Steering axle tires fail under 4/32 inch of tread, other tires under 2/32 inch (Appendix A to Part 396).
Wrong answers go to Missed, under More options, until you answer them right.
Questions and answers
Is a CDL pre trip practice test the same as the real inspection test?
No. The real one is spoken: 49 CFR 383.113 has you identify each safety-related part and explain what needs to be inspected. These questions drill the federal rules behind that. Your state manual has the walk-around order.
Is there a school bus pre trip inspection practice test?
Bus questions sit in the special features topic here: passenger seats that must be fastened down and where a bus exhaust may leak. Stop arms, warning lamps, mirrors and emergency exits are on the school bus endorsement page.
Does the pre-trip come first on test day?
Yes. 49 CFR 383.133 sets the order of the skills test: pre-trip inspection, then basic vehicle control, then the on-road drive.