When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to

the brake linings or brake pads.

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

Tandem release arm / locking pins

Which of the following do you NOT have to do during the in-cab inspection?

Check that the steps leading to the cab entry are solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the frame.

Put the gear shift in neutral (for a manual) or park (for an automatic).

Make sure the parking brake is on.

Start the engine and listen for unusual noises.

When you inspect _________ for leaks, the engine should be off.

hoses in the engine compartment

Why should you take the starter key with you during the inspection?

So no one drives the vehicle while you are inspecting under it.

You will need it during the inspection.

You do not need to take the key with you,

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

the windshield wipers and washer

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.

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20 questions
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Vermont CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

20 pre-trip inspection questions for the Vermont CDL Knowledge Test, out of 91 in the app. Answer each to see whether you got it right and why. The real Vermont 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
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.
2Question 2 of 20
Which of these is part of your vehicle's suspension?
Not quite. The answer is Neither of the above
The drag link and Pitman arm are two components of the steering system.
3Question 3 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.
4Question 4 of 20
Which of the following do you NOT have to do during the in-cab inspection?
Not quite. The answer is Check that the steps leading to the cab entry are solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the frame.
During the in-cab inspection, shift into neutral (for a manual) or park (for an automatic) and make sure the parking brake is on. Start the engine and listen for unusual noises. (You do inspect the steps to the cab during the pre-trip inspection, but not during the in-cab inspection.)
5Question 5 of 20
If your vehicle has _________, check that they are securely mounted and in good condition whether or not they are required by law.
Not quite. The answer is splash guards (mud flaps)
Always check that all splash guards (mud flaps) are securely mounted and in good condition. Currently, there are no federal requirements on splash guards. Every state is free to issue its own regulations on splash guards. Under Vermont law, every bus, truck, trailer, or semi-trailer must be equipped with suitable metal protectors or substantial flexible flaps behind the rearmost wheels to prevent, as far as practicable, the wheels from throwing dirt, water, or any other materials onto the windshields of vehicles following or approaching. The only exceptions are farm tractors and pole trailers.
Source: 23 V.S.A. § 1306
6Question 6 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.
7Question 7 of 20
What do you inspect to make sure that all are present and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads?
Not quite. The answer is Lug nuts
During your pre-trip inspection, check that all lug nuts are present and accounted for, tightly fastened, and free of cracks or distortions.
8Question 8 of 20
Which of the following dashboard light indicators should you test?
Not quite. The answer is Turn signals
There are five dash indicators that you should ensure are working correctly: the left turn signal, the right turn signal, the four-way emergency flashers, the high beams, and the indicator for the anti-lock braking system (if your vehicle is so equipped).
9Question 9 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.
10Question 10 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.
11Question 11 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.
12Question 12 of 20
When you inspect _________ for leaks, the engine should be off.
Not quite. The answer is any of the above
When you check the engine compartment, make sure the engine is off. In this step, you check a number of things, including checking the air compressor, water pump, and hoses for leaks.
13Question 13 of 20
Why should you take the starter key with you during the inspection?
Not quite. The answer is So no one drives the vehicle while you are inspecting under it.
Take the starter key with you during the inspection so no one drives your vehicle while you are inspecting under it.
14Question 14 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.
15Question 15 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.
16Question 16 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.
17Question 17 of 20
When you inspect the air lines, which sense should you use to check for air leaks?
Not quite. The answer is Hearing
When you inspect the air lines, listen for the telltale hiss of escaping air, which indicates an air leak.
18Question 18 of 20
According to the CDL manual, if your vehicle has a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, it should be more than
Not quite. The answer is 1/8 full.
According to the CDL manual, the DEF tank should be more than 1/8 full. (Typically, a vehicle uses about 1 gallon of DEF for every 50 gallons of diesel fuel.) Also check the DEF indicator on the dashboard to be sure it is working properly.
19Question 19 of 20
Which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch?
Not quite. The answer is Non-steering axle tires
Steering axle tires must have a tread depth of at least 4/32 inch. All other tires must have a tread depth of at least 2/32 inch.
20Question 20 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.

Questions people ask

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

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

How old do you have to be to take the Vermont 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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When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to

Which of these is part of your vehicle's suspension?

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

Which of the following do you NOT have to do during the in-cab inspection?

If your vehicle has _________, check that they are securely mounted and in good condition whether or not they are required by law.

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

What do you inspect to make sure that all are present and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads?

Which of the following dashboard light indicators should you test?

You are checking for damage to the longitudinal members, cross members, box, or floor. What are you inspecting?

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

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

When you inspect _________ for leaks, the engine should be off.

Why should you take the starter key with you during the inspection?

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

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

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

When you inspect the air lines, which sense should you use to check for air leaks?

According to the CDL manual, if your vehicle has a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank, it should be more than

Which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch?

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

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Questions people ask

Official sources

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