CDL VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST INDIANA

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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 Indiana 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. Wheel and rim problems include:
mismatched lock rings.
missing clamps.
rust around wheel nuts.
All of the above.
2. During the vehicle inspection, you should check your clutch for:
Damage
Looseness
Sticking
All of the above.
3. During the vehicle inspection test, when asked to check the power steering fluid you should:
indicate where power steering fluid dipstick is located.
ensure that the power steering fluid level is above the refill mark.
check for adequate power steering fluid level.
All of the above.
4. As part of the external inspection, check that all _______ are present, free of cracks and distortions, and show no signs of looseness.
brake linings
axle seals
lug nuts
spacers
5. In a vehicle inspection, all lug nuts should:
be free of cracks.
be free of distortions.
show no signs of looseness.
All of the above.
6. When you inspect the front of your vehicle as part of the walk around inspection, you check all of the following EXCEPT:
the air pressure gauge.
the condition of your front axle.
the condition of the steering system.
the condition of the windshield.
7. During the driving test, when approaching a railroad crossing, you should _________ while your vehicle is in the crossing.
change lanes
not change gears
pass slow moving vehicles
None of the above.
8. During the basic control skills test, what is the maximum number of times you may look to check the position of your vehicle in the the straight-line backing exercise?
4
1
3
2
9. Wheel bearing seals should be checked for:
dirt.
twisted axles.
tears.
leaks.
10. When approaching a vehicle as part of a pre-trip inspection, which of the following could be a sign of trouble?
Inflated tires
Parking brake is on
Fresh oil under the vehicle
All of the above
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

For a learner’s permit, you can apply at the age of 15 if you are enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel training course. Alternatively, if you don’t complete a driver's education course, you must be 16 years of age or older. At the age of 16 years and 90 days, you can obtain a probationary driver's license after you have completed an approved driver education program. For those who have not completed an approved driver education program, the minimum age to obtain a probationary driver's license is 16 years and 270 days. For a standard driver's license, you must be 21 years old.

Generally, you don't schedule an appointment for the BMV written test. Simply choose an Indiana BMV branch and make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to complete the exam. However, if you require an interpreter for a language not provided by the BMV, you will need to schedule an appointment online.
Ensure you bring the following documents:

  • Proof of identity. Provide legal proof of the name change if your current name is different due to marriage, adoption, etc.
  • One lawful status document (such as a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport).
  • Proof of Social Security Number.
  • Two proofs of residency. If you cannot provide two residency documents, you have the option to submit an Indiana Residency Affidavit.
  • Certificate of driver education course (if applicable).
  • If you are a minor, an adult must sign the back of the application for the Agreement of Financial Liability.


The BMV written test in Indiana is available in various languages, including American Sign Language, French, Korean, Serbian, Arabic, German, Mandarin, Spanish, Burmese, Haitian Creole, Polish, Swahili, Chin, Hindi, Punjabi, Tagalog, Croatian, Japanese, Russian, and Vietnamese. If you speak a language not offered by the BMV, you should arrange for an interpreter yourself and make an appointment online for the exam.

You should read the Indiana Driver’s License Handbook to familiarize yourself with the most common road rules and safe driving practices. Evaluate your knowledge with our free practice tests, or sign up for DMV Premium to unlock exclusive PDF Cheat Sheets!

The Indiana BMV test comprises 50 questions divided into two parts. The first part covers 34 questions about traffic rules and laws, while the second part includes 16 questions about road signs. All questions are multiple-choice, so be sure to read them carefully before providing your answers.

To pass, you are allowed to miss up to 8 questions (6 general questions and 2 traffic sign questions). Stay focused during the exam and take the time to review your answers to minimize errors and pass the test on the first attempt.

Learner's permit restrictions:
  • The use of any telecommunications device is prohibited, unless for calling 911.
  • If you are under 16 years of age and enrolled in a driver education program, you are allowed to drive only under the supervision of a driving instructor seated next to you. Additionally, you may drive with a licensed driver aged 25 or older who is a member of your family or with your spouse who must be at least 21 years old.

Probationary driver's license restrictions:
  • The use of any telecommunications device is prohibited, unless for calling 911.
  • During the first 180 days after obtaining your probationary driver’s license, you are not allowed to drive with passengers unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old, your spouse who must be at least 21 years old, or a driver instructor.
  • During the first 180 days after obtaining your probationary driver’s license, driving is forbidden between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. After this period, further restrictions apply:
- from Sunday to Thursday after 11 p.m.
- from Monday to Friday before 5 a.m.
- during the weekend between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Exceptions to these restrictions include situations related to work, school, or religious events, or if you are accompanied by an adult with a valid driver's license aged 25, or your spouse who must be at least 21.


Learner’s permits are valid for two years. You can renew your permit starting 30 days before the expiration date. If you renew it after more than 180 days since your last knowledge test, you will need to retake the exam.
If you fail your BMV written test, you must wait until the next day to make another attempt. Before trying again, carefully study the rules of the road and memorize road signs.

IN CDL Inspection Test

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