View instructions
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 Rhode Island 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 the vehicle inspection, when approaching the vehicle you should:
|
check that the vehicle is clear.
|
|
|
check that the parking brakes are not set.
|
|
|
look under the vehicle for fresh oil, fuel leaks or coolant.
|
2.
During the basic control skills test you may be asked to perform any of the following, except:
|
Offset back/right
|
|
|
Trailer jackknife
|
|
|
Straight line backing
|
3.
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 your front axle.
|
|
|
the condition of the steering system.
|
4.
When inspecting brakes, you should look for:
|
shoes worn dangerously thin.
|
|
|
cracked drums.
|
|
|
All of the above.
|
5.
Which of these is NOT something you should check during the pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment?
|
Brake controls
|
|
|
Engine oil level
|
|
|
Coolant level in radiator
|
6.
During the vehicle inspection test, after checking the area around the vehicle
for hazards, and before opening the engine compartment door, you should:
|
remove the battery.
|
|
|
check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir.
|
|
|
check that the parking brakes are set and/or the wheels are chocked.
|
7.
Name some things you should check on the FRONT of your vehicle during your pre-trip inspection.
|
Oil, transmission, air compressor, and radiator
|
|
|
Low beams, high beams, four-way flashers, and turn signals
|
|
|
U-Bolts, anchor plate and bellows
|
8.
You pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it down for five seconds, making sure that the pedal does not move. You are checking:
|
the air brakes.
|
|
|
the hydraulic brakes.
|
|
|
the service brake.
|
9.
All CDL vehicle inspection tests include:
|
an engine inspection and tire check.
|
|
|
an engine start and in-cab inspection.
|
|
|
an engine start and an inspection of the entire vehicle.
|
10.
When approaching a vehicle for a pre-trip inspection, you should:
|
make sure the parking brake is on.
|
|
|
look under the vehicle for fuel leaks, fresh oil, coolant or grease.
|
|
|
look under the vehicle for hazards to vehicle movement.
|
Page 1 of 2
Next page
Grade this page
Frequently Asked Questions
You can obtain a limited instruction permit if you are at least 16 but under 18 years old, provided you have completed the 33 hours driver education course. This course can be started at the age of 15 years and ten months. After holding the permit for a minimum of six months, you can apply for a limited provisional license. For a full operator's license, you must be at least 18 years old and have held a learner's permit for 30 days, or be at least 17 and have held a limited provisional license for at least 12 months without any traffic violations within the last six months.
If you're under 18, you'll need to complete the DMV written test at the DMV headquarters in Cranston after finishing the driver education course at a driving school authorized by the Community College of Rhode Island. To schedule your test, you can make a reservation online and choose a date and time that suits you. Applicants over 18 can directly schedule the permit test online without taking the course.
After taking the DMV test, bring the following documents to any Rhode Island DMV branch:
- Green CCRI certificate (for minors who have completed the driver education course and passed the DMV written test).
- Permit application (if you are a minor and your parent/guardian is not present, the form must be notarized).
- Birth certificate or proof of identity.
- Social Security Number, written on the application (LI-1 form).
- Proof of residency (two documents).
The computerized DMV written test is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Applicants who speak a foreign language can request to take the permit test in their language using a printed format. You can make a reservation online and then schedule a Foreign Language Knowledge Exam. On the day of the exam, you must be accompanied by an interpreter, and it's important to arrive at least one hour before the appointed time.
The best way to prepare for the DMV written test is by reading the Rhode Island Driver’s Handbook, which contains information about road signs, safe driving practices, and road rules in Rhode Island. After studying the manual, test your preparation with our free practice tests!
With a limited instructional permit, you can drive under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a license for five years or more. Once you obtain a limited provisional license, the following restrictions apply:
- You may drive at any time with a supervisor seated in the front seat or when you are alone:
- Between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.
- At any time for work reasons or volunteer activities
- From 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. for school athletic activities
- During the first twelve months, you can only transport one passenger under 21 years old unless they are a sibling.
The Rhode Island permit is valid for one year or until the applicant turns 18. Learner's permits can be renewed twice. However, after this period, if the permit holder has not obtained a full operator's license, they are required to pass the DMV test again. Learner’s permits can be renewed at any DMV office with the submission of a completed License/ID/Permit Application and an identity document.
If you don't pass your DMV written test, you'll need to wait for 8 days before trying again. If you find the permit test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.