CDL VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST ALASKA

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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 Alaska 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. All CDL vehicle inspection tests include:
an engine start and an inspection of the entire vehicle.
an engine start and in-cab inspection.
an engine inspection and tire check.
2. Vehicle inspections should be done routinely _______ operating the vehicle.
before
while
after
3. To check the signal lights, do the following:
Turn off all the lights, turn on the right turn signal lights, and turn on the stop lights.
Turn on all the lights, turn off the stop lights, and turn off the left turn signal lights.
Turn off all the lights, turn on the stop lights, and turn on the left turn signal lights.
4. During the road test, you will be expected to do all of the following EXCEPT:
wear your safety belt.
temporarily exceed the posted speed limit when passing other vehicles.
make regular traffic checks.
5. 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
6. In the steering box part of the vehicle inspection test, you should:
look for any missing nuts or bolts.
check that the steering box is securely mounted.
All of the above.
7. During the skills test, when driving on the expressway, you should:
use mirrors to check traffic.
change lanes frequently.
drive slowly in the left lane of traffic.
8. You pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it down for five seconds, making sure that the pedal does not move. You are checking:
the air brakes.
the service brake.
the hydraulic brakes.
9. During the basic control skills test you may be asked to perform any of the following, except:
Straight line backing
Offset back/right
Trailer jackknife
10. Which of the following is not part of the air brake system?
Air storage tanks
Air compressor
Air filter
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

When you reach the age of 14 in Alaska, you become eligible to obtain an instruction permit. If you are 16 or 17 years old and have held your learner's permit for six months with a good driving record, you can apply for a provisional driver's license. If you're 18 years or older, you can directly apply for your class D driver's license without provisional restrictions and without the need for parental consent. 
You can schedule and take the DMV written test at various locations such as schools, police departments, and government offices. After you pass the test, you are still required to visit an Alaska DMV office to complete the testing process. Alternatively, you can take the exam online at Knowto Drive, the official Alaska knowledge test platform. If you are under 18, you must be supervised by an adult who is at least 18 years of age, possessing a valid driver's license or ID from a U.S. State.
Ensure you bring these documents:

  • The Application (Form D1) and the Parental Consent Form (Form 433).
  • A primary document (proof of legal name, date of birth, and citizenship).
  • Proof of residential address (such as a utility bill, bank statement or mortgage documents).
  • Social Security Number (if you don't have it, you must provide documentation from the Social Security Administration to confirm).

Check the list of acceptable documents on the Alaska DMV website.

During the exam, if you understand English but have difficulty reading, you can bring someone to assist with reading the questions. It's important to note that, even with reading assistance, you must independently answer the questions to successfully complete the DMV written test. The online version of the permit test is also available in Spanish or with audio support.

To pass the DMV written test, study the Alaska Driver's Manual. Pay attention to road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Practice with our free tests or choose DMV Premium for additional resources!

The DMV written test has 20 questions, and you have 25 minutes to answer them. The questions cover different topics about driving, and the goal is to make sure you understand the rules of the road.

You must answer at least 16 questions correctly, and you can miss up to 4 questions to pass the test. The minimum score required to succeed in the exam is 80%. Take your time during the test to make sure you understand the questions well.

For at least six months after obtaining the provisional license, there are specific restrictions for new drivers in Alaska:
  • You are not allowed to carry passengers unless one of them is a parent, legal guardian, or a person aged at least 21. However, you are permitted to carry siblings without a parent in the vehicle.
  • Driving is not permitted between 1:00 am and 5:00 am unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a person at least 21 years old who holds a license for the class of vehicle in use. An exception is made for employment reasons. 

After six months of driving without convictions and maintaining a clean record regarding alcohol or drug use, you may qualify to have the provisional restrictions removed. Alternatively, once you reach 18 years of age, these limitations no longer apply.

These restrictions do not apply if you have an "off-system" license restricted to areas not linked to the land highway system or not connected to a highway with an average daily traffic volume of 499 or greater.


In Alaska, an instruction permit is valid for two years, with the option to renew it once. This ensures you have enough time to practice driving and fulfill the necessary requirements before the road test.

If you do not pass your DMV written test in Alaska, you can retake it the following day. You have five attempts available in one year. It is advisable to dedicate time to preparing adequately for the test to enhance your chances of success. Study the manual and sign up for DMV Premium to unlock exclusive PDF Cheat Sheets with the Top 100 Questions!

AK CDL Inspection Test

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