When inspecting the drum brake, you should look for all of the following EXCEPT

dents, holes, or cracks in the brake drum.

contaminants such as grease or oil in the brake drum.

dangerously thin brake linings.

As part of your vehicle inspection test, if your vehicle has a cargo lift, you will have to

explain the process of checking it for correct operation.

check it for any missing parts.

When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to

the brake linings or brake pads.

If the examiner asks you to check the coolant level, you should NOT

remove the radiator cap if the engine might be hot.

remove the radiator cap if the engine is cool to the touch.

check the sight glass or the coolant reservoir.

tell the examiner how you would do it.

When you check the alternator,

make sure it is securely mounted.

make sure that some of the wires are undamaged.

make sure that belt deflection is at least one inch.

make sure that some of the wires are securely fastened.

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20 questions
Pass mark 80%

New Hampshire CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

20 pre-trip inspection questions for the New Hampshire CDL Knowledge Test, out of 91 in the app. Answer each to see whether you got it right and why. The real New Hampshire Pre-Trip Inspection test has 20 questions and you need 16 correct (80%) to pass.

Facts updated Oct 26, 2026
Official source: law.cornell.edu
Independent, not affiliated with the DMV. How we write our questions

How it works

1Pick an answer20 questions, one tap each.
2See the ruleRight or wrong, every answer is explained.
3Get your scoreCompared with the real 80% pass mark.

Start the test

0/20 answered0 correctPass mark 80%

1Question 1 of 20
You are looking for puddles on the ground and dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission. What are you checking for?
Not quite. The answer is Leaks
As part of your engine inspection, check the ground below the engine compartment for puddles or dripping liquids.
2Question 2 of 20
What structure supporting the fifth wheel skid plate should be checked for cracks or breaks?
Not quite. The answer is Platform
During your pre-trip inspection, check that there are no cracks or other damage to the platform structure that supports the fifth wheel skid plate.
3Question 3 of 20
When inspecting the drum brake, you should look for all of the following EXCEPT
Not quite. The answer is leaking fluids.
A drum brake isn't designed to contain fluid. Note, however, that grease or oil can seep onto the brake linings or pads from a leak elsewhere. If the lining or pad appears to be soaked in oil or grease, replace it and look for a leak elsewhere.
4Question 4 of 20
As part of your vehicle inspection test, if your vehicle has a cargo lift, you will have to
Not quite. The answer is do all of the above.
As part of your vehicle inspection test, if your vehicle is equipped with a cargo lift, explain how to check it for correct operation. Check for leaking, damaged, or missing parts. Also check that the cargo lift is fully retracted and securely latched.
5Question 5 of 20
Which of these is part of the steering system?
Not quite. The answer is Pitman arm
The Pitman arm is attached to the output shaft of the steering box. The Pitman arm changes the rotation of the output shaft into back-and-forth movement, which is used to turn the front wheels of the CMV. The torque arm (also known as a radius rod) and bearing plate are parts of a vehicle's suspension.
6Question 6 of 20
When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to
Not quite. The answer is both of the above.
When inspecting the brakes, check that the drums (or discs) do not have cracks longer than one-half the width of the friction area. Also check that the linings (or pads) are neither loose nor soaked with oil or grease. The linings (or pads) must not be worn dangerously thin either.
7Question 7 of 20
Which of the following do you NOT need to clean during a walk-around inspection?
Not quite. The answer is Tires
When you drive, you must be able to see and be seen by other road users. During your walk-around inspection, clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you go along. Your vehicle's license plates must also be clean and well secured.
8Question 8 of 20
What should you make sure is secure and not leaking and its cap(s) are tight?
Not quite. The answer is Fuel tank(s)
While inspecting the side of your vehicle, check that the fuel tanks are securely mounted and their fuel filler caps are tight. Also make sure that neither the tanks nor the fuel lines are leaking.
9Question 9 of 20
Which gauge indicates the alternator or generator is charging?
Not quite. The answer is Ammeter or voltmeter
During your pre-trip inspection, check the ammeter gauge or voltmeter gauge to make sure that the alternator or generator is charging properly or the warning light is off.
10Question 10 of 20
_________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.
Not quite. The answer is The windshield and mirrors
Windshields and mirrors should be clean and free of damage, illegal stickers, or obstructions that could impede visibility.
11Question 11 of 20
Steering wheel play should NOT exceed ____ degrees.
Not quite. The answer is 10
If there is more than 10 degrees of play in your steering wheel, your vehicle will be harder to steer. Have the problem corrected before you drive the vehicle. Ten degrees is equivalent to about 1¾ inches at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel. According to federal regulations, there must not be more than 2½ inches of play at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel.
Source: 49 CFR 570.60
12Question 12 of 20
Which external lights should you check?
Not quite. The answer is All of the above
The external lights that should be checked include the following: high- and low-beam headlights, clearance lights, taillights, backing lights, four-way emergency flashers, left and right turn signals, red and amber reflectors, and brake lights.
13Question 13 of 20
If the examiner asks you to check the coolant level, you should NOT
Not quite. The answer is remove the radiator cap if the engine might be hot.
If the engine is cool to the touch of your bare hand, you can probably remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level safely. If the engine is hot, do NOT remove the radiator cap; it's dangerous. If there is a sight glass or coolant reservoir, you can use it to check the coolant level. Otherwise, just tell the examiner how you would check the coolant level by removing the radiator cap once the engine is cool.
14Question 14 of 20
You are checking that the electrical wire connections are uncorroded, tight, and securely fastened, with no bare wires. What are you inspecting?
Not quite. The answer is Alternator
While the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery to power your vehicle’s electrical system. During your inspection, check that the alternator is securely mounted. Check that the electrical wire connections are uncorroded, tight, and securely fastened, with no bare wires. Check that the alternator belt is in good condition, and belt deflection is between ½ inch and ¾ inch.
15Question 15 of 20
When you check the alternator,
Not quite. The answer is make sure it is securely mounted.
When checking the alternator, check that it is securely fastened. Check that all wires are undamaged and securely fastened. Check that the belt is in good condition and the belt deflection is between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch.
16Question 16 of 20
During your pre-trip inspection, check the ________ to make sure that its connections are tight and not excessively corroded.
Not quite. The answer is battery
During your pre-trip inspection, check the battery to make sure that its connections are tight and not excessively corroded. Also check that the door or cover of the battery box is secure and undamaged.
17Question 17 of 20
The angle between the pushrod and arm should be a little over 90 degrees when the brakes are released and not more than 90 degrees when the brakes are applied. This refers to the
Not quite. The answer is slack adjusters.
The slack adjuster connects to the pushrod. If the slack adjuster has too much slack, the brake can fail.
18Question 18 of 20
What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?
Not quite. The answer is Locking pins
On many vehicles, the fifth wheel is designed to slide forward and backward on slider rails. If that is so on your vehicle, check the sliding fifth wheel locking pins. Make sure that none of them are loose or missing and that all of them are fully engaged.
19Question 19 of 20
What do you use the dipstick to check?
Not quite. The answer is Oil level
Use the dipstick to check the oil level in the engine. If the oil level is below the refill mark, add oil before you start to drive.
20Question 20 of 20
What heats the cab and prevents frost from forming on the windshield?
Not quite. The answer is Heater/defroster
The heater/defroster provides a stream of warmed air. By selecting the appropriate vents, you can choose whether the air will heat the cab or melt frost on the windshield.

Questions people ask

Is this New Hampshire CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test like the real New Hampshire CDL Knowledge Test?

The questions are written in the same style as the real test, from official sources, with an explanation for each answer. The real test has 20 questions; this free test has 20.

How many questions are on the New Hampshire CDL Knowledge Test?

The General Knowledge test has 20 questions. Each class and endorsement adds its own test.

What score do you need to pass the New Hampshire CDL Knowledge Test?

You need 16 out of 20 correct (80%).

How old do you have to be to take the New Hampshire CDL Knowledge Test?

You can take it from age 18.

Where can I practice more questions?

The Driving Exam Prep app has the full question bank for your test, a step-by-step roadmap, a mistakes review and a readiness score against the real pass mark.

Official sources

Our questions are written from these official sources. Always study your official handbook too: rules change, and our practice questions may differ from your real test.

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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 structure supporting the fifth wheel skid plate should be checked for cracks or breaks?

When inspecting the drum brake, you should look for all of the following EXCEPT

As part of your vehicle inspection test, if your vehicle has a cargo lift, you will have to

Which of these is part of the steering system?

When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to

Which of the following do you NOT need to clean during a walk-around inspection?

What should you make sure is secure and not leaking and its cap(s) are tight?

Which gauge indicates the alternator or generator is charging?

_________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.

Steering wheel play should NOT exceed ____ degrees.

Which external lights should you check?

If the examiner asks you to check the coolant level, you should NOT

You are checking that the electrical wire connections are uncorroded, tight, and securely fastened, with no bare wires. What are you inspecting?

When you check the alternator,

During your pre-trip inspection, check the ________ to make sure that its connections are tight and not excessively corroded.

The angle between the pushrod and arm should be a little over 90 degrees when the brakes are released and not more than 90 degrees when the brakes are applied. This refers to the

What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?

What do you use the dipstick to check?

What heats the cab and prevents frost from forming on the windshield?

More topic

Questions people ask

Official sources

Keep going

Your license is one lesson closer.