To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.

the windshield wipers and washer

What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?

Tandem release arm / locking pins

When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to

the brake linings or brake pads.

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
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Texas CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

20 pre-trip inspection questions for the Texas CDL Knowledge Test, out of 91 in the app. Answer each to see whether you got it right and why. The real Texas 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 checking for damage to the longitudinal members, cross members, box, or floor. What are you inspecting?
Not quite. The answer is Frame
The frame consists of the structural members for supporting the body of the vehicle or trailer. When inspecting the frame, (1) check for cracks; (2) check for broken welds; and (3) check for illegal holes or other damage to the longitudinal frame members, cross members, box, or floor.
2Question 2 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.
3Question 3 of 20
Which of these keeps your vehicle from rolling when it's parked?
Not quite. The answer is Parking brake
The parking brake keeps your vehicle from moving when it's parked. The mechanism is separate from the service brakes that you use in normal driving.
4Question 4 of 20
When you inspect your vehicle's doors, check that the hinges are secure and the _______ are in good condition.
Not quite. The answer is seals
Damaged door seals allow drafts or rain to get inside. Check if the door seals are intact and undamaged. Replace any leaky door seals.
5Question 5 of 20
If worn, what can cause excessive heat buildup from a reduced ability to absorb and dissipate heat, possibly leading to loss of brake response?
Not quite. The answer is Brake drum / linings
Brake linings use friction to turn the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat. However, excessive heat from overuse of the brakes may cause the brake linings to wear out faster, leading to brake fade or failure. Also, if one brake is out of adjustment and can't do its job, the other brakes will have to work harder, causing them to overheat.
6Question 6 of 20
Apply _________ and then try to pull forward gently. If it works properly, your vehicle shouldn't move.
Not quite. The answer is the parking brake
The parking brake is meant to keep your vehicle from moving. The best way to test it is to apply the brake and then try to pull forward gently. The parking brake should hold your vehicle in place.
7Question 7 of 20
To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.
Not quite. The answer is the windshield wipers and washer
Check that the windshield wiper blades are in good condition and press hard enough against the windshield to keep it clean without excessive streaking. Also make sure that the windshield washer mechanism works and there is enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.
8Question 8 of 20
What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?
Not quite. The answer is Tandem release arm / locking pins
If so equipped, make sure that the locking pins are locked in place and the release arm is secured.
9Question 9 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.
10Question 10 of 20
What carries air or hydraulic fluid to the wheel brake assembly?
Not quite. The answer is Brake hoses / lines
Compressed air (or hydraulic fluid if your vehicle has hydraulic brakes) flows to the brakes through hoses and lines. During your pre-trip inspection, check all hoses and lines for leaks or tangles.
11Question 11 of 20
During your pre-trip inspection of a tractor-trailer, what should be fully raised with the crank handle secured?
Not quite. The answer is Landing gear
The trailer landing gear is a set of retractable legs that support the trailer when it is parked. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the landing gear is fully raised and no parts are missing. Check that the crank handle is secure and the support frame is undamaged. If the landing gear is power operated, check it for air or hydraulic leaks.
12Question 12 of 20
Which of these must be securely mounted to prevent road materials from being thrown by your vehicle's tires?
Not quite. The answer is Splash guards
Splash guards (mud flaps) behind the tires prevent debris from hitting other vehicles. During your pre-trip inspection, check that splash guards are present, undamaged, securely mounted, and not dragging on the ground or rubbing on the tires.
13Question 13 of 20
During your pre-trip inspection, what should you test to be sure they work when the corresponding lights are turned on?
Not quite. The answer is Dash indicators
During your pre-trip inspection, test that the dash indicators work when the following corresponding lights are turned on: the left turn signal, the right turn signal, the four-way emergency flashers, and the high-beam headlights.
14Question 14 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.
15Question 15 of 20
Which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch?
Not quite. The answer is Steering axle tires
The tires on the steering axle should have at least 4/32 inch of tread, and all other tires should have at least 2/32 inch of tread. Inadequate tread on the front tires increases the risk of a front-wheel skid.
16Question 16 of 20
When you pull forward, apply _________ and then check to see that the vehicle does not pull to either side.
Not quite. The answer is the service brake
To test the service brakes, pull forward at 5 mph and then apply the service brake. Unless the brakes are wet, they should apply evenly and not pull the vehicle to one side or the other. If your vehicle pulls to one side or the other, the service brakes may need repair.
17Question 17 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.
18Question 18 of 20
________ are gas or hydraulic devices that cushion the vehicle's ride and stabilize the vehicle.
Not quite. The answer is Shock absorbers
During your pre-trip inspection, check the shock absorbers on every axle of your vehicle (including the trailers if any) to be sure that they are securely mounted and not leaking.
19Question 19 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.
20Question 20 of 20
Which belt should you make sure is securely mounted and adjusts and latches properly?
Not quite. The answer is Safety / seat
You should wear your safety belt at all times while you're riding. (You may fail your skills test if you don't wear it.) Make sure it is in good condition and securely mounted in the cab. Also make sure it adjusts and latches properly.

Questions people ask

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

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

How old do you have to be to take the Texas 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 checking for damage to the longitudinal members, cross members, box, or floor. What are you inspecting?

Which gauge indicates the alternator or generator is charging?

Which of these keeps your vehicle from rolling when it's parked?

When you inspect your vehicle's doors, check that the hinges are secure and the _______ are in good condition.

If worn, what can cause excessive heat buildup from a reduced ability to absorb and dissipate heat, possibly leading to loss of brake response?

Apply _________ and then try to pull forward gently. If it works properly, your vehicle shouldn't move.

To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.

What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?

When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to

What carries air or hydraulic fluid to the wheel brake assembly?

During your pre-trip inspection of a tractor-trailer, what should be fully raised with the crank handle secured?

Which of these must be securely mounted to prevent road materials from being thrown by your vehicle's tires?

During your pre-trip inspection, what should you test to be sure they work when the corresponding lights are turned on?

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

Which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch?

When you pull forward, apply _________ and then check to see that the vehicle does not pull to either side.

When you check the alternator,

________ are gas or hydraulic devices that cushion the vehicle's ride and stabilize the vehicle.

You are looking for puddles on the ground and dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission. What are you checking for?

Which belt should you make sure is securely mounted and adjusts and latches properly?

More topic

Questions people ask

Official sources

Keep going

Your license is one lesson closer.