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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 Iowa 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.
Signs of bad brake drums or shoes include the following except:
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Shoes with brake fluid on them
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Shoes with no oil on them
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Cracked drums
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2.
Broken suspension parts can be very dangerous. When inspecting your vehicle for suspension system defects, look for:
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Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring.
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Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from proper position.
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All of the above.
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3.
To check the signal lights, do the following:
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Turn off all the lights, turn on the right turn signal lights, and turn on the stop lights.
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Turn on all the lights, turn off the stop lights, and turn off the left turn signal lights.
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Turn off all the lights, turn on the stop lights, and turn on the left turn signal lights.
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4.
During the driving test, when approaching a railroad crossing, you should _________ while your vehicle is in the crossing.
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not change gears
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pass slow moving vehicles
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change lanes
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5.
What should you do to test your vehicle's low air pressure warning signal?
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With the engine running, put the vehicle in a forward gear and attempt to drive forward.
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With the key in the "on" or "battery charge" position, rapidly apply and release the foot brake.
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Pump the brakes until the air pressure drops below 80 psi.
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6.
During the vehicle inspection, make sure that the _____ is in the engaged position and that the safety latch is in place.
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locking jaw
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apron
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release arm
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7.
When checking the engine compartment:
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the parking brake should be on.
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wheels should not be chocked.
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you should put the gearshift in neutral.
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8.
Pre-trip inspections of doubles and triples should:
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take more time than inspecting straight trucks.
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be done by the shipper.
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take less time than inspecting straight trucks.
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9.
Key suspension system parts include:
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Tie rod
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Bearing plates
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All of the above.
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10.
Which of the following is NOT a key part of the steering system?
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Leaf spring
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Gear box
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Pitman arm
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you are under 18, you must follow the Iowa Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program. Here are the three phases of the program and the corresponding ages:
- Instruction permit? you must be 14 years old. After holding the permit for six months without traffic violation, you can also apply for a minor school license at 14 ½ years old. This special permit is optional and allows you to drive to school or to school activities within a 50-mile distance from your home.
- Intermediate license ? you must be 16 years old and have held an instruction permit for 12 months.
- Full license ? you must be at least 17 and have held an intermediate license for 12 months. Alternatively, you can directly obtain a class C driver's license at 18.
You have two options:
- You can schedule an appointment to take the exam at a service center. Simply locate the nearest Iowa DMV branch and choose your preferred date and time.
- If you are a minor between 14 and 17, you can take the knowledge test at a participating school/agency or at home using an electronic device connected to the internet. Once your parent completes and submits the application to Proctor Knowledge Exam Form, you’ll receive an email with instructions for proceeding. After successfully passing the exam, make an appointment to obtain the permit.
You can schedule an appointment for either option on the Iowa Department of Transportation website.
When applying for a driver’s license for the first time, you must bring the following documents:
- Proof of identity, date of birth, and lawful status (e.g, U.S. passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization). If your legal name differs from your identity document, provide proof of the change, such as a certified marriage certificate, court order documents, or ID card.
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN).
- Two proofs of Iowa residency and current residential address (e.g, Iowa voter registration card, utility bill, credit card statement…). If you are under 18 and unmarried, your parent/guardian must sign the Written Consent form to establish your residence. Additionally, provide a second printed document displaying your current name and current Iowa residential address, such as a report card or medical form.
You can use the online checklist provided by the Iowa DOT to ensure you have all the required documents.
The DMV written test in Iowa is not exclusively provided in English but is offered in various languages, including Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hmong, Italian, Korean, Laotian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you need an interpreter for a language not provided, you have to schedule an appointment.
To get ready for the DMV written test, start by reading the Iowa Driver License Manual. This manual has all the info you need to study for the exam: traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices. Then, check what you've learned with our free practice tests!
For new drivers in Iowa, various restrictions apply:
Instruction Permit
- You cannot drive alone and you must be accompanied by a driver education instructor, a licensed parent/guardian, a licensed member of your family who is at least 21, or a licensed adult who is at least 25 (with parental permission if you are a minor).
Minor School License
- You can't drive alone, except for school activities between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Intermediate License
- You cannot drive alone between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless a parent/guardian completes a Waiver of Intermediate Driver’s License Hour Restriction form.
- For the first six months, you cannot transport more than one minor without supervision, except for siblings.
The instruction permit is valid for four years. During this period, complete the 20 hours of supervised driving and after holding the permit for 12 months and maintaining a clean driving record for 6 months, you can apply for the intermediate license.
If you fail your DMV written test in Iowa, you have to wait at least one business day before retaking it. Before trying again, focus on the sections of the manual you have overlooked and consider signing up for DMV Premium to access additional practice tests!