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  • Updated for February 2025
  • Based on 2025 MN commercial driver's license manual

Free MN CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Exam 2025

Many experts say that U.S. Highway 169 is the most dangerous road in Minnesota. As in the rest of the state, winter weather on this road can be difficult. However, the leading cause of serious accidents on U.S. 169 is increasingly heavy traffic congestion as southern Minnesota experiences strong population growth. Snowstorms, blizzards, and even mudslides add to the hazards on this road.

U.S. 169 isn’t the only dangerous road that you may encounter. Interstate 94 has experienced numerous multi-vehicle pile-ups and fatal semi-truck accidents. The main culprits here are high traffic volume and urban traffic congestion, made worse by severe winter weather.

As a commercial driver, you must be able to handle adverse weather and perform emergency maneuvers if necessary to avoid an accident. And so must your Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). Federal regulation 49 CFR § 392.7 requires you to be satisfied that all these vehicle components and systems are in good working order before you drive the vehicle: brakes, coupling devices (if so equipped), emergency equipment, horn, lights and reflectors, mirrors, steering gear, tires, wheels and rims, and windshield wipers. To be sure they’re all working properly, you must conduct a comprehensive pre-trip inspection before your first trip of the day in that vehicle.

Your official Minnesota CDL manual (Minnesota CDL Handbook 2025) discusses how to perform a pre-trip inspection: the systems and components you should check for defects and a suggested order in which you should perform these checks.

The official General Knowledge test, which you must pass to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), will likely have some questions on pre-trip inspections. All questions on the General Knowledge test are based on the official Minnesota CDL manual. To prepare for this test, you should study the manual. But to be sure you pass, you should do even more.

This Minnesota CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test will help you learn how to correctly answer the questions on pre-trip inspections on the General Knowledge test. Like the official knowledge test, this practice test is multiple choice. Each question comes with several answer options. You must choose the best or most complete answer. You can also get help from our AI assistant on any question. At your request, the AI assistant can rephrase the question, supply a hint, or answer your own questions about commercial driving theory. If you still miss the question, the AI assistant will immediately let you know and provide an explanation of the correct answer.

Be sure to try our other Minnesota CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests, too!

  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements

What you need to know

6 min to complete
Available in EN and ES
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.

What to expect on the actual MN DVS exam

20

questions

16

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. What structure supporting the fifth wheel skid plate should be checked for cracks or breaks?
  2. You pump the pedal three times and hold it down for five seconds, making sure that the pedal does not move. What are you inspecting?
  3. What transmits power from the transmission to the drive axle?
  4. What carries air or hydraulic fluid to the wheel brake assembly?
  5. ________ are gas or hydraulic devices that cushion the vehicle's ride and stabilize the vehicle.
  6. What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?
  7. What do you inspect to make sure that all are present and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads?
  8. What should you check to be sure it is solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the tractor frame?
  9. What maintains air pressure in the air brake system?
  10. Which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch?
  11. Which of the following can disengage the engine from the drivetrain?
  12. What transforms steering column action into wheel action?
  13. Make sure that the _________ are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn, and not tangled, pinched, or dragged against tractor parts.
  14. You are looking for puddles on the ground and dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission. What are you checking for?
  15. What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?
  16. To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.
  17. _________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.
  18. _________ are the brackets, bolts, or bushings that are used to attach the spring or air bag to the axle and vehicle frame.
  19. If the wheel has a sight glass, check that the oil level is adequate. Otherwise, look for leaks around the
  20. What releases the fifth wheel locking jaws so the trailer can be coupled?
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