- 0 Incorrect (4 allowed to pass)
- 0 Correct
- Updated for February 2025
- Based on 2025 PA commercial driver's license manual
Free PA CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Exam 2025
Before you can take the skills test for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 15 days. Your CLP will allow you to practice operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) while supervised by a licensed commercial driver qualified to operate that type of vehicle. One key requirement for a CLP is to pass a set of official knowledge tests for the class and the type of vehicles you plan to drive. However, regardless of the kind of vehicles you plan to drive, you must at least pass the General Knowledge test, which covers general commercial driving theory.
Vehicle inspections, including pre-trip inspections, are among the many commercial driving topics addressed by the official General Knowledge test. Your test will likely include questions on which systems or components you should check during a pre-trip inspection and how to determine whether they are performing adequately. All questions on the General Knowledge test are based on the official Pennsylvania CDL manual (Pennsylvania CDL Handbook 2025). You should study the manual. However, if the sheer volume and complexity of all the information in the manual starts to overwhelm you – don’t worry, we’re here to help!
This Pennsylvania CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test is the first of several we offer. By practicing answering questions about pre-trip inspections, you will reinforce the knowledge you’ve gained from reading the CDL manual. Like the official knowledge test, this practice test is multiple choice. For each question, you must choose the best or most complete answer choice. Our AI assistant can help you. It can supply hints and explanations and answer your own questions on commercial driving.
The information you’ll learn through our Pennsylvania CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests will also help you as you practice pre-trip inspections to pass the official skills test. And it may even prove helpful when you perform pre-trip inspections as part of your commercial driving job.
Driving conditions on a number of Pennsylvania’s roads can be hazardous at times, and your vehicle must be up to the job. For example, Interstate 78 is considered one of the state’s most dangerous highways. It’s been nicknamed “the Killing Fields” for its high number of crashes, especially those involving semi-trucks. Conditions making I-78 dangerous include stretches of winding road, one of the highest volumes of semi-truck traffic in the country, and snow, ice, and frequent heavy fog in winter. However, a thorough pre-trip inspection of your vehicle will help ensure it’s ready to tackle these difficult conditions safely.
- Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
- Triple-checked for accuracy
What you need to know
What to expect on the actual PA DOT exam
questions
correct answers to pass
passing score
Helpful links
List of questions (classic view)
- What structure supporting the fifth wheel skid plate should be checked for cracks or breaks?
- 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?
- What transmits power from the transmission to the drive axle?
- What carries air or hydraulic fluid to the wheel brake assembly?
- ________ are gas or hydraulic devices that cushion the vehicle's ride and stabilize the vehicle.
- What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?
- What do you inspect to make sure that all are present and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads?
- What should you check to be sure it is solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the tractor frame?
- What maintains air pressure in the air brake system?
- Which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch?
- Which of the following can disengage the engine from the drivetrain?
- What transforms steering column action into wheel action?
- Make sure that the _________ are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn, and not tangled, pinched, or dragged against tractor parts.
- 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 should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?
- To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.
- _________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.
- _________ are the brackets, bolts, or bushings that are used to attach the spring or air bag to the axle and vehicle frame.
- If the wheel has a sight glass, check that the oil level is adequate. Otherwise, look for leaks around the
- What releases the fifth wheel locking jaws so the trailer can be coupled?
- Alabama: Test 1 / Test 2
- Alaska: Test 1 / Test 2
- Arizona: Test 1 / Test 2
- Arkansas: Test 1 / Test 2
- California: Test 1 / Test 2
- Colorado: Test 1 / Test 2
- Connecticut: Test 1 / Test 2
- Delaware: Test 1 / Test 2
- District of Columbia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Florida: Test 1 / Test 2
- Georgia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Hawaii: Test 1 / Test 2
- Idaho: Test 1 / Test 2
- Illinois: Test 1 / Test 2
- Indiana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Iowa: Test 1 / Test 2
- Kansas: Test 1 / Test 2
- Kentucky: Test 1 / Test 2
- Louisiana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Maine: Test 1 / Test 2
- Maryland: Test 1 / Test 2
- Massachusetts: Test 1 / Test 2
- Michigan: Test 1 / Test 2
- Minnesota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Mississippi: Test 1 / Test 2
- Missouri: Test 1 / Test 2
- Montana: Test 1 / Test 2
- Nebraska: Test 1 / Test 2
- Nevada: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Hampshire: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Jersey: Test 1 / Test 2
- New Mexico: Test 1 / Test 2
- New York: Test 1 / Test 2
- North Carolina: Test 1 / Test 2
- North Dakota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Ohio: Test 1 / Test 2
- Oklahoma: Test 1 / Test 2
- Oregon: Test 1 / Test 2
- Pennsylvania: Test 1 / Test 2
- Rhode Island: Test 1 / Test 2
- South Carolina: Test 1 / Test 2
- South Dakota: Test 1 / Test 2
- Tennessee: Test 1 / Test 2
- Texas: Test 1 / Test 2
- Utah: Test 1 / Test 2
- Vermont: Test 1 / Test 2
- Virginia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Washington: Test 1 / Test 2
- West Virginia: Test 1 / Test 2
- Wisconsin: Test 1 / Test 2
- Wyoming: Test 1 / Test 2
Your go-to, trusted source
Experience the Driving-Tests differenceOur commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests
Explore our rigorous, multi-tiered verification process that ensures each question mirrors the official manual for unparalleled accuracy.
At Driving-Tests.org, we understand the importance of reliable and accurate practice tests to help you prepare for your DMV exam. That's why we've developed a meticulous process to create and continually update our practice questions, ensuring they reflect the most current driving laws and regulations.
Here's an inside look at how we maintain the highest quality in our practice tests.
Content Creation and Verification Process
- Alignment with Official Manuals:
Every question we develop is based on the most recent version of each state's official driving manual. Our team regularly monitors each state DMV's website for the latest updates to ensure our practice tests are always aligned with the most current information. - Community Feedback Integration:
We leverage feedback from our vast community of users to understand which topics are most frequently tested. This helps us focus on the areas that are most relevant and beneficial for your preparation. - Expert Content Creation:
Our in-house editor, Steven, who has extensive experience in driver education, crafts each question with precision. He conducts a thorough review of each question against the official manuals to ensure accuracy. - Rigorous Review Process:
Once Steven has finalized a set of questions, our team conducts a joint review session. This second level of scrutiny involves content accuracy, proofreading, and fact-checking to eliminate any errors. - User Feedback Mechanism:
After a question goes live on our site, we keep the lines of communication open. Each question features a feedback button, inviting users to report any issues or errors. This continuous feedback loop allows us to address and rectify any concerns promptly. - Responsive Updates:
In line with our commitment to accuracy, we quickly update our practice questions to reflect any changes in the DMV manuals. Additionally, we update the free electronic copy of the state's driver's license manuals on our site, typically within a few days after the DMV publishes them.
Our thorough quality control process ensures that you have access to practice tests that are as accurate and up-to-date as possible. We believe in the power of well-prepared drivers and are dedicated to providing you with the best study tools to help you succeed on your DMV exam.
Get your ELDT certificate and pass CDL exams the first time. Guaranteed.
Get full access to our 3-in-1 program, starting at $79. CDL schools charge $3,000-$4,000 for that.
All 1,500 PA exam-like questions
Pass Guarantee: pass your permit exam, or get your money back
ELDT certification included
Official FMCSA-approved provider, instant completion reporting
Industry-leading 99.06% success rate
Compare with the average US passing rate of 49%
Trusted by over 1.15 Million customers
The only program recommended by DMVs
