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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 Ohio 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.
Vehicle inspections:
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should not be done by the shipper.
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are important because vehicle defects found during an inspection could save you problems later.
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should only be done when a vehicle defect is found.
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2.
During the road test, you will be expected to do all of the following EXCEPT:
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temporarily exceed the posted speed limit when passing other vehicles.
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wear your safety belt.
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make regular traffic checks.
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3.
If you are checking that the air hoses and electrical lines are not spliced, cut, chafed or worn, you are inspecting:
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the air / electric lines.
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the mounting bolts.
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the exhaust system.
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4.
When conducting a vehicle inspection test, while the engine is off you may be asked to identify any of the following parts of the engine compartment, except:
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the Anti-lock Braking System indicator.
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the alternator.
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the water pump.
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5.
Exhaust system parts should be:
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loose.
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rubbing against fuel system parts.
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None of the above.
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6.
When checking the engine compartment in a vehicle inspection, you should check all of the following except:
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Windshield washer fluid level
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Shock absorbers
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Engine oil level
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7.
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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Inflated tires
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Fresh oil under the vehicle
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Parking brake is on
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8.
When taking the road test, after driving under an overpass, you may be asked:
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how wide the overpass was.
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what the weight limit was.
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what the posted clearance or height was.
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9.
_______ are one of the most common problems found in roadside inspections.
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Brake drums
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Out-of-adjustment brakes
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Slack adjusters
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10.
During the vehicle inspection, when approaching the vehicle you should:
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check that the vehicle is clear.
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look under the vehicle for fresh oil, fuel leaks or coolant.
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check that the parking brakes are not set.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you are 15 ½, you can get a TIPIC (temporary instruction permit identification card) within 60 days of passing the knowledge and vision tests. After holding the permit for six months and completing your driving instruction, you can apply for a probationary license within 60 days after passing the driving and skills tests. If you're 18 or older, after obtaining the permit, you can obtain a class D driver license without the six-month waiting period.
You have two options:
- You can visit an Ohio driver exam office. No appointment is required, but check days and business hours of the chosen office.
- You can take the test online at KnowTo Drive, the official knowledge testing platform. If you are between 15 ½ and 19 years old, you must be supervised by a driver who is at least 19 years old. After passing the test, you are still required to visit a local Ohio BMV office to validate your identity and pass the vision screening.
Applicants can choose between a compliant and a standard license. Ensure you have proof for the following based on your card preference:
- Full legal name (and proof of name change, if applicable)
- Date of birth
- Legal presence in the U.S.
- Social Security number (SSN)
- Ohio street address (you'll need two documents for a compliant card and one document for a standard card)
Refer to the acceptable documents list for more information.
The BMV written test is offered in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, Somali, and Spanish. If you speak another language or are hearing impaired, you may use an interpreter.
The BMV written test covers road rules, safe driving practices, and road signs. Studying the official Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws is the first step to pass the exam because it contains all of this information. Once you've read it, you can take our free practice tests!
The Ohio BMV written test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and is based on the information provided in the manual. Remember, you have 60 minutes to complete the online test. Taking numerous practice tests and thoroughly studying the handbook will increase your chances of success.
To pass the Ohio BMV written test, you need to reach a score of 75%. This means that you must correctly answer 30 questions and can miss up to 10 questions. Sign up for DMV Premium to test your preparation and check if you are ready for the real exam.
With a permit in Ohio, the following restrictions apply:
- You must have your permit while driving.
- If you are under 16, a parent/guardian, or a licensed driving instructor must be in the passenger seat. If you are 16 or older, driving is allowed with any licensed driver over 21 in the passenger seat, except between midnight and 6 a.m. During this time you must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, custodian, or an approved driver aged 21 years or older (form BMV 2438).
- Everyone in the vehicle must use safety belts.
With a probationary license, these restrictions apply:
- Driving is prohibited from midnight to 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or custodian, or an approved driver aged 21 years or older. Exceptions for driving during restricted hours include employment activities and school-sponsored or religious events (form BMV 2826).
- You can transport only one non-family member unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Everyone in the vehicle must use safety belts.
- The driver is prohibited from using any mobile devices, including cellular phones.
If you are under 18, during the first 12 months of holding a license, you cannot drive from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or an approved driver aged 21 years or older, authorized by the BMV 2438 form, or for employment activities and school-sponsored or religious events (form BMV 2826).
In Ohio, an instruction permit is valid for a period of one year. If you are under 18, use this time to complete a driver education class (24 hours of instruction and 8 hours of driving time) at a training school and accumulate 50 hours of driving before scheduling the road test to obtain a probationary driver license.
If you don't pass your BMV written test, you'll need to wait for 24 hours before attempting it again. There's no restriction on the number of retests available in person. However, if you opt for the online permit test, you're allowed a maximum of two attempts within a six-month period.