CDL VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST MICHIGAN

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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 Michigan 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. During a walk around inspection, which of the following should you check?
Condition of the front axle.
Shock absorber condition.
All of the above.
2. When checking the engine compartment in a vehicle inspection, you should check all of the following except:
Coolant level in radiator
Engine oil level
Spring hangers
3. When taking the road test, you will be evaluated on your use of turn signals. You should do all of the following except:
Activate your turn signals when required.
Activate your turn signals upon completion of a turn or lane change.
Use your turn signals properly.
4. When checking the lights before driving:
you should check them from inside the vehicle.
you should turn off the engine.
make sure the parking brake is not set.
5. When taking the road test, after driving under an overpass, you may be asked:
how wide the overpass was.
what the weight limit was.
what the posted clearance or height was.
6. When checking the condition of the steering system, you must:
Visually inspect the steering mechanism.
grab the steering mechanism to test for looseness.
Check the windshield wiper arms.
7. During the pre-trip inspection, check that the ________  supply air or hydraulic fluid to the brakes.
brake linings
slack adjusters
brake hoses or lines
8. Name some key suspension system parts.
Drag link, spindle and gear box
Pitman arm, hydraulic fluid reservoir and tie rod
Main spring, axle and font axle hanger
9. You are checking the dipstick to see that the oil level is within the safe operating range. The level must be:
above the coolant level.
below the refill mark.
above the refill mark.
10. Which of the following is checked in a pre-trip inspection?
Wiper blades
Steering wheel
All of the above.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

The age requirements for obtaining a class O driver's license in Michigan are established by the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program:
  • For a Level 1 Learner's License, you must be at least 14 years and 9 months old.
  • For a Level 2 Intermediate License, you must be at least 16 and have held a learner’s license for at least six months.
  • For a Level 3 Full License, you must be at least 17 and have held an intermediate license for at least six months.  
If you are age 18 or older, you have to apply for a temporary instruction permit and pass a driving skill test to obtain a standard operator's license.

If you are under 18, after completing the required hours of both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, you must pass a DMV written test at your state-certified driver’s education provider. Once you pass and receive a Certificate of Completion for Segment 1 of the GDL program, you can apply for your learner’s license at a Secretary of State office with your parent/legal guardian. If you are 18 or older, you can schedule an appointment and take the permit test directly at a Secretary of State office.
Before your appointment, make sure you have the required documents:  
  • One proof of your Social Security Number.
  • One proof of your legal presence.
  • One proof of identity (if applicable, provide evidence of any name changes).
  • Two proofs of Michigan residency.
  • Driver Education Certificate of Completion for Segment 1 (for individuals under 18).
You can use this checklist to ensure you have all the correct documents.


The DMV written test at all Secretary of State offices is offered in Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, English, French, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. If you have difficulty speaking or reading English, you can request an interpreter by contacting the Department of State Information Center at 888-767-6424 in advance. Additionally, if you are hearing-impaired, a sign language interpreter can assist you.

The DMV written test is based on the official Michigan Driver's Handbook, 'What Every Driver Must Know'. The manual is also available here in other foreign languages. Focus on road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. After studying it, test your preparation with our free practice tests

The DMV written test includes 80 questions. The questions cover various topics to ensure that applicants have a solid understanding of the rules of the road. Carefully study the manual to enhance your chances of passing the exam.

You need a score of 70% or higher. You should get at least 56 questions right, and you're allowed to miss up to 24 questions out of the total 80. Stay focused and take the time to read the questions carefully.

For individuals with a learner's license:
  • Driving is allowed only under the supervision of a licensed parent/legal guardian or a licensed individual aged 21 or older who has been authorized by your parent/legal guardian.
  • Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
For individuals with an intermediate license:
  • Driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and transporting more than one passenger under 21 (except siblings) is forbidden unless accompanied by a parent/legal guardian, a designated licensed driver aged 21 or older, or for work/authorized activities.
  • Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
Once you have held your intermediate license for 6 months without a traffic violation and have reached at least 17 years of age, these restrictions no longer apply.

If you are under 18 and enrolled in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, your learner's license expires on your 18th birthday. For individuals over 18 years old, the permit is valid for 180 days. You can renew your temporary permit either online or by contacting the Michigan Department of State.

You have three chances to pass the DMV written test. If you don't pass the exam after three attempts, you'll be required to retake the course and pay the enrollment charge again. If you find the permit test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.

MI CDL Inspection Test

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