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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 Minnesota 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, the driver should look under the vehicle for all of the following except:
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Grease
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Coolant
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Fresh oil
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Windshield wiper fluid
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2.
When approaching a vehicle as part of a pre-trip inspection, which of the following could be a sign of trouble?
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Parking brake is on
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Fresh oil under the vehicle
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Inflated tires
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All of the above
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3.
During the vehicle inspection, when asked to check the oil level you should:
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indicate where the dipstick is located.
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make sure the engine is off.
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see that the oil level is within safe operating range.
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All of the above.
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4.
When looking at the gauges during a pre-trip vehicle inspection:
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oil pressuse should come up to normal within seconds after the engine is started.
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you should pump the brake pedal three times to test the parking brake.
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you should immediately turn on the stop lights.
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None of the above.
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5.
Signs of bad brake drums or shoes include the following except:
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Shoes with no oil on them
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Shoes with brake fluid on them
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Shoes worn thin
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Cracked drums
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6.
During the driving test, when approaching a railroad crossing, you should _________ while your vehicle is in the crossing.
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pass slow moving vehicles
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not change gears
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change lanes
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None of the above.
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7.
Which of the following is NOT a key part of the steering system?
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Tie rod
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Axle
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Drag link
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Steering shaft
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8.
When you inspect the front of your vehicle as part of the walk around inspection, you check all of the following EXCEPT:
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the condition of the steering system.
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the condition of the windshield.
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the condition of your front axle.
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the air pressure gauge.
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9.
During the external inspection, you should check that the _______ (if equipped) are evenly centered, with the dual wheels and tires evenly separated, and are not bent, damaged, or rusted through.
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lug nuts
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axle seals
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spacers
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All of the above.
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10.
During the basic control skills test you may be asked to perform any of the following, except:
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Offset back/right
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Straight line backing
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Trailer jackknife
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Parallel park
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you're under 18 years old, you must adhere to the age requirements of the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Program:
- Instruction permit ? you must be at least 15 years old.
- Provisional license ? you must be at least 16 years old and have held your permit for 6 months.
- Class D driver's license ? you must be at least 18 years old or have held a provisional license for 12 consecutive months without alcohol or crash-related convictions.
If you are 18 years old, you must hold the permit for six months before taking the road test and receiving a full license. If you are 19, a waiting period of only three months is required.
You can schedule an appointment online for your DMV written test. Choose dates and times based on your preferences and the available options at different Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam stations.
You will need to present two primary documents, such as a passport or certificate of birth, or one primary document and one secondary document, such as a Social Security Card. For a list of acceptable documents, check here. Additionally, if you are under 18, you must also bring proof of completing driver education ("Blue Card" or "Pink Card").
At certain exam stations, the test is available in multiple languages, including Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, Spanish, and Russian. For an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, contact Driver and Vehicle Services at (651) 284-1234. If you have difficulty understanding English, oral exams are conducted at the Anoka, Eagan, and downtown Saint Paul/Town Square exam stations. It's important to note that individuals must bring their own interpreter, who should hold a valid Minnesota driver's license.
You need to read the Minnesota Driver's Handbook. The exam covers various topics, including road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Remember that you cannot use driver's manuals or personal notes, so read the manual carefully and use our free practice tests to test your preparation.
The Minnesota DMV written test consists of 40 multiple-choice or true/false questions about various aspects of driving regulations and road safety. These questions are based on the official manual, so it's important to study it well to maximize your chances of passing the exam.
You can make up to 8 mistakes on the Minnesota DMV written test. To pass, you need to answer at least 32 questions correctly, achieving an 80% accuracy rate. Take your time to read each question accurately.
Individuals under 18 with an instruction permit in Minnesota must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21. If you are 18 or older, the supervising driver must be at least 18 years old.
After obtaining a license, the following restrictions apply for the first six months:
- Driving is prohibited between midnight and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 25 or for work or school activities.
- Except for siblings, only one passenger under 20 is permitted without the supervision of a parent or guardian. For the second six months, a maximum of 3 passengers under 20 is allowed.
For drivers under 18, it is illegal to use the cell phone except during emergencies. Until the age of 21, it is also illegal to consume alcohol before driving.
In Minnesota, an instruction permit is valid for two years, with the option to renew it upon the payment of a fee. This ensures you have enough time to practice driving and fulfill the necessary requirements before the road test.
If you do not pass your DMV written test, you'll need to wait until the next business day to retake it. A fee is required for the third and any subsequent attempts. Sign up for DMV Premium and practice with extra tests to pass the exam on the first attempt!