CDL VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST TENNESSEE

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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 Tennessee 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. What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth-wheel?
Locking pins
Locking jaws
Hitch release lever
Sliding pintle
2. All CDL vehicle inspection tests include:
an in-cab inspection and background check.
an engine start and in-cab inspection.
an engine start and an inspection of the entire vehicle.
an engine inspection and tire check.
3. Rust trails around the lug nuts on the tires indicate that:
the tire hasn't been removed in some time.
the rim is defective.
the lugs may be loose.
All of the above.
4. If you find anything unsafe during the pre-trip inspection, you are required to:
write it in your inspection report.
drive cautiously until it is fixed.
get it fixed before driving.
inform your motor carrier after the trip.
5. If loose or missing, _______ may cause movement between the frame and fifth wheel assembly.
electric connectors
locking pins
safety chains
mounting bolts
6. If you are looking for puddles on the ground and dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission, you are checking for:
Leaks
Coolant level
Oil level
None of the above.
7. In the steering box part of the vehicle inspection test, you should:
check that the steering box is securely mounted.
check that the steering box is not leaking.
look for any missing nuts or bolts.
All of the above.
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 service brake.
the air brakes.
the hydraulic brakes.
the parking brake.
9. If you are checking that the air hoses and electrical lines are not spliced, cut, chafed or worn, you are inspecting:
the exhaust system.
the air / electric lines.
the locking jaws.
the mounting bolts.
10. During the pre-trip inspection, belts should:
checked for leaks.
be checked for tightness and excessive wear.
not be inspected.
checked for oil pressure.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

The age requirements to obtain a class D driver license in Tennessee are established by the four steps of the Graduated Driver License Program:
  • For a learner permit, you must be 15 years old.
  • For an intermediate restricted license, you must be 16 years old and have held the permit for 180 days.
  • For an intermediate unrestricted license, you must be 17 years old and have held an intermediate restricted license for one year.
  • For a regular driver license, you must be 18 years old or have completed high school or obtained a GED.
The Graduated Driver License (GDL) requirements do not apply to emancipated teens (due to active duty military service, marriage, or court order), individuals under 18 who have finished school, or individuals who are 18 or older.

Teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17 can take the DMV written test online under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian registered on the PID (Proctor Identification) App. Alternatively, it is possible to schedule an appointment for permit tests at a Tennessee driver services center. First-time applicants should complete the application before visiting the center.
You'll need to bring the following documents:
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence (in case of a name change, documentation must be provided).
  • Two proofs of Tennessee residency (such as a home utility bill or bank statement).
  • Proof of full Social Security Number.
If you are under 18, you'll also need:


The DMV written test is available in English, Spanish, Korean, or Japanese. Additionally, individuals who speak another language may also utilize translation dictionaries. For applicants with learning disabilities or those unable to read, oral tests are available by appointment. In case the applicants are deaf, an interpreter will be provided to assist them during the oral exam.

To prepare for the DMV written test, study the Tennessee Driver's Handbook thoroughly. At the end of each chapter, you’ll find practice questions to help you verify your knowledge of traffic laws. You can also find additional practice tests on DMV Premium to further improve your preparation.

The DMV written test in Tennessee consists of 30 multiple-choice questions based on the driver's manual. These questions cover topics such as road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. You will have 60 minutes to complete the exam.

You can make up to 6 mistakes on the Tennessee DMV written test. To pass, you need to answer at least 24 questions correctly, achieving an 80% accuracy rate. Take your time to read each question accurately.
If you have a learner permit:
  • You must drive with a licensed driver aged 21 or older seated in the front seat.
  • Driving between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is not permitted.

If you have an intermediate restricted license:  
  • You are allowed to have only one passenger in the car with you unless they are licensed drivers aged 21 or older, or if transporting siblings.
  • Driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. is prohibited unless under the supervision of a parent/guardian, or someone designated by the parent/guardian, or for school or work activities. Exceptions also apply for driving to/from hunting or fishing between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. with a valid hunting or fishing license.


You must wait 1 day before another attempt. However, after a second online failure, you will need to go to a Tennessee driver services center to retake the DMV written test in person. If you were caught cheating, the test will automatically fail and you have to wait 30 days before retaking it.

TN CDL Inspection Test

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