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  • Updated for November 2024
  • Based on 2024 NY commercial driver's license manual

Free NY CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Exam 2024

The 2024 Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam consists of two main sections: the written knowledge test and the skills test. While the skills practical exam will evaluate your ability to operate commercial vehicles, the written test covers various topics of commercial driving theory, such as basic control skills, driving at night, driving in poor weather and the basics of a pre-trip inspection procedure.

Commercial drivers must thoroughly check their vehicle before getting behind the wheel. This pre-trip inspection usually involves checking the brakes, steering mechanism, lights, tires, wheels and emergency equipment, among other things. If you think this procedure is more difficult than the preflight checklist of a Boeing 747, you’ll find it easier to perform this inspection once you fully master it.

As a commercial driver, you may be responsible for transporting expensive cargo, hazardous materials or a large number of passengers. It is crucial that your vehicle is in proper working condition and poses no safety risks. This is why a pre-trip inspection is a beneficial requirement that can prevent accidents.

A great place to start is our CDL pre-trip practice tests specific to the regulations of New York, which are designed to help you better understand what this procedure entails. Each of these practice tests consists of 20 questions based on the official CDL manual (https://driving-tests.org/new-york/ny-cdl-handbook/), updated for November 2024. To pass, you need to pick the correct answer to 16 questions. Since there is no time limit, you won’t feel the pressure of a countdown while you try to understand the basics of becoming a commercial driver in New York.

Each question has multiple answer choices, but only one of them is correct. They are similar to what you’ll get during the official exam, closely reflecting the format and content of the actual written knowledge test.

After each question, you’ll get immediate feedback with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. This way, mistakes can be identified and corrected while you are taking the test since you won’t have to wait until the end.

Mastering the CDL pre-trip inspection exam is easier when you have all the necessary tools and resources at your disposal. That’s why our pre-trip inspection section presents this subject systematically, with separate sections available for all 50 US states plus Washington, DC.

  • 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 NY 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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