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

Free WI CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Exam 2025

If you want to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) but have never passed the official skills test for the vehicles you plan to drive, you must first obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 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. Before you can be issued a CLP, you must pass the official General Knowledge test (which covers general commercial driving theory) and specialized knowledge tests that pertain to the class and the type of vehicles you plan to drive.

The General Knowledge test covers a wide range of topics in commercial driving, including pre-trip and other types of vehicle inspections. All questions on the General Knowledge test are based on the official Wisconsin CDL manual (Wisconsin CDL Handbook 2025). To prepare for pre-trip inspection questions on the knowledge test, you should study the sections in the manual dealing with this topic. However, if you’re stunned by how much you have to learn and wish you could have more help to learn it – that’s what we’re here for!

This Wisconsin CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test is the first of several we offer. By practicing answering questions about pre-trip inspections, you will absorb the material in the CDL manual much faster. Like the official knowledge test, this practice test is multiple choice. You must choose the best or most complete answer for each question. Our AI Assistant can help you. It can supply hints and answer your own questions on commercial driving. If you still miss a question, the AI Assistant will immediately tell you and explain the correct answer.

The information you’ll learn through our Wisconsin CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests will also help you as you practice pre-trip inspections to pass the official skills test.

Several of Wisconsin’s commercial routes can be dangerous at times. You and your vehicle must be able to handle such conditions safely. For example, Interstate 94 is a major east-west commercial route – and one of the state’s most dangerous highways. Multiple factors are responsible: potentially severe winter weather (snow and ice), heavy truck traffic and frequent urban congestion in the Milwaukee area, and several off-ramps close together, leading to driver confusion and a higher risk of accidents. However, a comprehensive pre-trip inspection of your vehicle’s safety-critical systems will help ensure it’s ready to tackle these difficult conditions.

  • 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 WI DMV 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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