CDL VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST ALABAMA

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To obtain a CDL, you will be required to pass a vehicle inspection test. The vehicle inspection test, formerly known as pre-trip, is a skills test to see if you identify which features and equipment on the test vehicle should be inspected before driving. During the test, you will be asked to do an inspection of your vehicle. You will be expected to show your knowledge of the inspection process and you will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. During the CDL inspection test, DMV does not allow the use of testing aids, other than the vehicle inspection guide in the Alabama CDL Manual. To prepare for the test, study the following sections of the CDL manual: Driving Safely and the Vehicle Inspection Test. If you do not pass the CDL inspection test, the other skills tests will be postponed.
1. The most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection is:
Property damage requirements
Safety
Liability insurance
Employer liability
2. During the vehicle inspection, you should check your clutch for:
Looseness
Sticking
Damage
All of the above.
3. How can you tell if your vehicle is equipped with ABS?
Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the left side.
Look under the vehicle for the wheel speed sensor wires coming from the back of the brakes.
Look for yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the instrument panel.
All of the above.
4. Which of the following is a suspension system defect?
Leaking brake fluid
Leaking power steering cylinder
Loose exhaust pipes
Leaking shock absorbers
5. Which of these is NOT something you should check during the pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment?
Engine oil level
Coolant level in radiator
Worn electrical wiring insulation
Brake controls
6. If you are looking for puddles on the ground and dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission, you are checking for:
Oil level
Coolant level
Leaks
None of the above.
7. How can you check slack adjusters?
Check that the spring brakes come on automatically.
Turn the electrical power on and step on and off the brake pedal.
Use gloves and pull hard on each slack adjuster that you can reach.
Wait for normal air pressure, release the parking brake, move the vehicle forward, and apply the brakes firmly using the brake pedal.
8. Wheel bearing seals should be checked for:
leaks.
dirt.
twisted axles.
tears.
9. To check the automatic transmission fluid:
you must go down grades.
you should turn the engine off.
the wheel nuts must be loose.
the engine may have to be running.
10. Brake drums (or discs) must not have cracks longer than:
one third the width of the friction area.
one half the width of the friction area.
the width of the friction area.
twice the width of the friction area.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Make sure you've got all you need when applying. Ensure you bring the following documents to fulfill the necessary requirements:

  • Proof of identity, such as a passport or a certified birth certificate
  • Proof of Social Security Number
  • Proof of residency (at least two documents)
  • Proof of school enrollment (if you are younger than 19)

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will also need a valid passport and a proof of your legal presence in the U.S.

To obtain a class D driver's license in Alabama, teens must follow the three steps of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) system. Here are the age requirements:
  • For a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old.
  • For a restricted license, you must be 16 years old or older.
  • For an unrestricted or regular license, you must be at least 17 years old. However, individuals aged 17 must hold a restricted license for at least six months before applying for a regular license. If you are 18 years old or older, you may apply for a driver’s license immediately (the road skills exam is required).

Individuals who are 18 or older, those aged 17 or older with valid licenses for six months or more, individuals 16 or older who are married and the head of the household, and emancipated individuals are exempt from the GDL program.




After completing a pre-application online for your first license or permit, you can check where the nearest Alabama DMV office is located and its business hours. Call the office or go in person to take your knowledge test.

Alabama provides the option to take the DMV written test in several foreign languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese. For those who are hearing impaired, exams are offered also in American Sign Language at certain driver license offices.

The DMV written test test is based on the Alabama Driver's Manual. Focus on road signs, safe driving practices and road rules. Take our free practice tests to prepare for the test, or sign up for DMV Premium to unlock more resources and prepare for your exam faster!
After passing the required examination, new drivers receive a driver's license with the 'Y' restriction. This allows them to drive accompanied by a driver aged 21 or older or a certified driving instructor seated beside them. For drivers who are 16 years old or 17 with a license of less than 6 months, specific restrictions apply:
  • No more than 1 non-family passenger, excluding parents, guardians, or supervising licensed drivers at least 21 years old.
  • No driving between 12 midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or under certain exceptions like work, school events, religious events, or emergencies.
  • It is unlawful to use handheld communication devices while driving.

Upon passing the road test, a regular license is issued, and the 'Y' restriction is removed.


In Alabama, the learner's license is valid for four years, with the option to renew it once. This waiting period ensures you have ample time to gain valuable driving experience and feel confident before the road exam.

AL CDL Inspection Test

Number of questions: 20
Correct answers to pass:16
Passing score:80%
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