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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 Kentucky 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 approaching a vehicle as part of a pre-trip inspection, which of the following could be a sign of trouble?
Fresh oil under the vehicle
Parking brake is on
Inflated tires
All of the above
2. When checking the steering system during your pre-trip inspection you should look for:
mismatched lock rings.
steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees.
shoes or pads with oil or grease on them.
cracked drums.
3. During the external inspection, check that all lug nuts:
are present.
show no signs of looseness.
are free of cracks.
All of the above.
4. During the vehicle inspection, you will be expected to do all of the following except:
touch and name the item you are inspecting and explain why.
walk around the vehicle.
show that the vehicle is safe to drive.
change a tire.
5. When checking the engine compartment in a vehicle inspection, you should check all of the following except:
Spring hangers
Windshield washer fluid level
Engine oil level
Coolant level in radiator
6. If the coolant container is not part of the pressurized system:
you should remove the container cap and wait until the system has cooled.
you should never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled.
you can safely remove the cap and add coolant even when the engine is hot.
None of the above.
7. What maintains air pressure in the air brake system?
Alternator belt
Water pump
Air compressor
Power steering fluid
8. 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.
9. Which of the following is NOT part of a standard vehicle inspection?
Tire problems.
Wheel and rim problems.
Bad brake drums or shoes.
Seating defects.
10. 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 the windshield.
the condition of the steering system.
the condition of your front axle.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Teens under 18 must follow the three steps of the Graduated Licensing Program to obtain a class D driver's license. To apply for a permit, you must be 16 years old. If you are under 21, after holding your permit for 6 months and completing a minimum of practice driving hours, you are eligible for an intermediate license. After holding the intermediate license for 6 months, you are ready for the full unrestricted license.
  • If you are over 18, you can apply for a permit, and after 6 months, you will be eligible for a full-unrestricted license. 
  • If you are over 21, you only need to hold the permit for 30 days before applying for a full-unrestricted license.

You can schedule an appointment online for your DMV written test at the Kentucky State Police website. Locate the Kentucky driver licensing office nearest to you and check its operating hours and available days. 
When applying for the first time, you need to bring specific documents:
  • One proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and an additional document if you have changed your name (marriage certificate, legal name change order).
  • One proof of Social Security number, such as an SS Card.
  • One proof of residency, such as a utility bill, telephone bill, or bank statement.
  • School Compliance Verification Form (for minors).
Use this tool to generate a personalized list of documents.

DMV written tests are available in Albanian, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, Korean, Bosnian, Laotian, Burmese, Pashto, Cambodian, Polish, Chinese, Romanian, Croatian, Russian, Dari, Somali, Farsi, Spanish, French, Swahili, German, Thai, Hindi, Turkish, Japanese, and Vietnamese. If you are unable to read English, you can opt for an oral exam. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, please contact a driver licensing office and request an interpreter.

To pass the DMV written test, study the Kentucky 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!
Restrictions vary according to your age and license type. If you have a permit license:
  • You can drive only under the supervision of a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
  • You cannot transport more than one passenger under 20 (except for family members).
  • You cannot drive between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for emergencies, school, or work activities.
  • Under 21 there is a "Zero Alcohol Tolerance" for those under 21.
If you have an intermediate license, the same driving hours, passenger, and alcohol restrictions apply, but you can drive alone during daylight hours.


The Kentucky instruction permit is valid for three years and can be renewed in person. Appointments are highly recommended because walk-in availability varies at different locations. If the permit is not renewed within one year of its expiration date, both the written and vision tests must be retaken.
If you do not pass your DMV written test in Kentucky, you can retake the test the following day. It is advisable to dedicate time to preparing adequately for the exam to enhance your chances of success.

KY CDL Inspection Test

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