CDL VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST NORTH DAKOTA

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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 North Dakota 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 conducting the vehicle inspection test:
you may have to check that the minimum tread depth is 2/32 on steering axle tires.
you may be asked to check that the steering box is not leaking.
applicants will not have to see that the brake chambers are not leaking.
the air ride suspension should not be checked for leaks.
2. Exhaust system parts should be:
rubbing against fuel system parts.
loose.
leaking.
None of the above.
3. During the road test, you will be expected to do all of the following EXCEPT:
temporarily exceed the posted speed limit when passing other vehicles.
wear your safety belt.
maintain a safe following distance.
make regular traffic checks.
4. If you are checking that the air hoses and electrical lines are not spliced, cut, chafed or worn, you are inspecting:
the mounting bolts.
the air / electric lines.
the exhaust system.
the locking jaws.
5. Name some things you should check on the FRONT of your vehicle during your pre-trip inspection.
Low beams, high beams, four-way flashers, and turn signals
U-Bolts, anchor plate and bellows
Oil, transmission, air compressor, and radiator
None of the above.
6. During the driving test, when asked to make a lane change you should:
make the lane change before using proper signals.
make the change immediately without looking.
make the necessary traffic checks first and use proper signals before changing lanes.
None of the above.
7. During the driving test, the examiner will be scoring you on:
how many times you turn.
how fast you drive.
general driving behavior.
your general attitude.
8. When checking tires as part of the pre-trip inspection, you should check for all of the following except:
minimum tread depth.
tread separation.
cracked valve stems.
that all tires come from the same manufacturer.
9. Wheel bearing seals should be checked for:
leaks.
tears.
twisted axles.
dirt.
10. A battery/box check is important. Wherever located, see that battery(ies) are secure, connections are tight, and cell caps are present. Also, make sure that:
the battery box and cover or door is open.
battery connections show signs of corrosion.
battery connections do not show signs of excessive corrosion, and battery box and cover or door is not damaged and is secure.
None of the above.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

In North Dakota, teens must follow the three steps of the Graduated Licensing Program to obtain a class D driver license:
  1. For a learner’s permit, you must be at least 14 years old.
  2. For an intermediate license, you must either hold the permit for one year or be 16 years old and have held the permit for at least six months.
  3. For a standard license, you must be at least 16 years old and complete a road test.

You can visit a North Dakota driver license office or take the DMV written test at home using KnowTo Drive, the official knowledge testing platform. For this second option, if you are under 18, you must be supervised by a parent/legal guardian with a valid driver's license. After passing the exam, you are still required to visit the DOT to validate your identity and complete the testing process. 

You'll need to bring the following documents:
  • Completed application (if you are under 18, a parent/legal guardian must sign your application and assume financial liability).
  • Proof of identification (if your name has changed, please provide proof of your current legal name).
  • Proof of Social Security Number.
  • Proof of North Dakota residence (two documents).
Use this checklist to ensure you have all the required documents before your appointment.


You can take the DMV written test in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Nepali, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Turkish, Vietnamese, Pashto, and Dari. Additionally, automated American Sign Language and audio testing are provided at the following offices: Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson, Williston, Minot, Devils Lake, and Grand Forks.

To prepare for the DMV written test, you can refer to the official North Dakota Driver's Handbook. The manual covers various information about road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Study carefully the different sections and test your knowledge with our free practice tests!

The DMV written test has 25 questions, and you have 60 minutes to answer them. The questions cover different topics about road rules and safe driving practices. 

You are allowed up to 5 wrong answers. This means that the passing score is 80%. It's important to stay focused during the exam and take the time to read the questions carefully to minimize errors and pass the DMV written test on the first attempt.

For new drivers in North Dakota, various restrictions apply:
  • With a learner's permit, you must drive under the supervision of a parent/guardian or an adult aged 18 or older who has a minimum of three years of driving experience, seated beside you.
  • With an intermediate license, if you are under 16, you can drive alone except between sunset or 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. or for work, school, and religious activities.

Additionally, all drivers under 21 are considered legally under the influence of alcohol if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .02 or greater. For those under 18, using cell phones while driving is forbidden except during emergencies.

You must wait 24 hours before retaking the DMV written test after a failure. You have 5 attempts within a year, but each time you need to pay another fee. If you leave the testing area early before completing the exam or if you bring cell phones or electronic devices, you may be disqualified. Additionally, attempting to cheat during an online test will result in automatic failure.

ND CDL Inspection Test

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