CDL VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST COLORADO

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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 Colorado 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. When inspecting your vehicle for suspension system defects, look for:
cracked or broken spring hangers.
leaking shock absorbers.
missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring.
All of the above.
2. Name some things you should check on the FRONT of your vehicle during your pre-trip inspection.
Low beams, high beams, four-way flashers, and turn signals
U-Bolts, anchor plate and bellows
Oil, transmission, air compressor, and radiator
None of the above.
3. When checking the engine compartment in a vehicle inspection, you should check all of the following except:
Coolant level in radiator
Spring hangers
Windshield washer fluid level
Engine oil level
4. After a trip:
you should get the oil changed.
you should inspect the vehicle.
you should replace the battery.
you should place the vehicle out of service.
5. Without engine oil:
the ABS won't work.
traction will be reduced.
the engine can be destroyed rapidly.
exhaust emissions will be reduced.
6. Doing a vehicle inspection is very important. Why?
Federal and state regulations require that drivers inspect their vehicle.
A defect found during an inspection could save you problems later.
Not doing it could cost time and dollars, or even worse, an accident.
All of the above.
7. During the vehicle inspection test, you may be asked to:
change the coolant.
check the engine oil level.
remove a spare electrical fuse.
replace the electrical and brake lines.
8. When taking the road test, you will be expected to make regular traffic checks. You should do all of the following except:
checking mirrors regularly.
checking engine oil level.
checking for traffic regularly.
check your mirrors for traffic after an intersection.
9. Exhaust system parts should NOT:
be loose.
rub against fuel system parts.
rub against tires.
All of the above.
10. If your vehicle has power steering, during your pre-trip external inspection you must check that:
there are no power steering fluid leaks or damage to the power steering hoses.
there's a function light.
there are 2 lit red lights indicating it's there.
the engine rpm is down close to idle.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

In Colorado, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for a minor instruction permit. Once you reach the age of 16 and have held the permit for 12 months, you become eligible for a minor license. Instead, if you are between 18 and 21 and already possess a permit, you can directly apply for a minor license. Finally, at the age of 21, you can obtain a class R driver's license.

To take the DMV written test in Colorado, you have three options:
  1. You can schedule an appointment online and take the test at any Colorado driver license office.
  2. You can contact an Arizona driving school.
  3. You can take the test at home using the official Colorado knowledge testing platform @HOME. Pre-register and take the test whenever you want. After passing, you'll be required to schedule an appointment to visit a Colorado driver license office and obtain your permit.
You need to bring the following required documents:
  • Proof of identity/lawful presence.
  • Two proofs of residence. Examples of acceptable documents include utility bills, credit card statements, or bank statements.
  • Proof of Social Security Number.

Extra documents for minors:
  • Certificate of driver education course completion (30 hours if you're between 15 and 15 ½, and either 30 hours or a 4-hour driver awareness program if you're 15 ½ to 16.
  • Driving Knowledge Test completion form from your driver education school (if applicable).
  • A parent, guardian, or Colorado driver over 21 must sign the Affidavit of Identity and the Affidavit of Liability and they must come with you to the appointment.
The DMV written test in Colorado is available in both English and Spanish. If you encounter difficulty reading, you can connect speakers to your computer, and the exam will be read aloud in either English or Spanish.

To prepare for the DMV written test, read the Colorado Driver’s Handbook. Pay attention to road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Verify your knowledge with our free practice tests or sign up for Premium, which offers extra resources to get ready for your exam.

The DMV written test consists of 25 questions, covering various aspects of road rules and safe driving practices. You have 60 minutes to complete it. Take your time during the test to make sure you understand the questions well.

You can make up to 5 mistakes on the DMV written test. To pass, you need to answer at least 20 questions correctly, achieving an 80% accuracy rate. Take your time to read each question accurately.
For new drivers under 18 years old, Colorado imposes specific restrictions:
  • They cannot drive unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.
  • During the first six months, they cannot transport passengers under 21, except for a parent or adult over 21. After this period, one passenger under age 21 is allowed (except for medical emergencies).
  • Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.
  • They cannot use a cell phone while driving, except for emergencies.
  • During the first year, drivers cannot operate a motor vehicle between midnight and 5 a.m., unless with an instructor, parent, or guardian. Exceptions include school/work travel, emergencies, and emancipated minors.
  • Driving after drinking alcohol is prohibited (Zero Tolerance law).

In Colorado, an instruction permit remains valid for three years. Now that you have your instruction permit, it's time to start practicing your driving skills before the road test.
If you fail your online DMV written test in Colorado, you can retake it as many times as necessary, but with a maximum of two attempts in a day. After the first attempt, an additional fee is required. If you choose to take the exam at a third-party location, you may be subject to extra fees imposed by that business. 

CO CDL Inspection Test

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