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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 Texas 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 test, you will be asked to:
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change the coolant.
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change a tire.
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move your vehicle forward, backward.
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explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.
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2.
During the driving test, when asked to make a lane change you should:
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make the necessary traffic checks first and use proper signals before changing lanes.
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make the change immediately without looking.
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make the lane change before using proper signals.
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None of the above.
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3.
How can you tell if your vehicle is equipped with ABS?
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Look under the vehicle for the wheel speed sensor wires coming from the back of the brakes.
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Look for yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the instrument panel.
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Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the left side.
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All of the above.
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4.
During a walk around inspection, which of the following should you check?
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Condition of wheel and rim.
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Shock absorber condition.
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Condition of the front axle.
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All of the above.
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5.
Which of the following must be inspected on every tire?
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Battery.
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Steering box.
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Brake chambers.
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Hub oil/grease seals and axle seals.
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6.
Name some things you should check on the FRONT of your vehicle during your pre-trip inspection.
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Low beams, high beams, four-way flashers, and turn signals
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Oil, transmission, air compressor, and radiator
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U-Bolts, anchor plate and bellows
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None of the above.
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7.
During the skills test, when driving on the expressway, you should:
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use mirrors to check traffic.
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drive 10 mph or more above the posted limit.
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drive slowly in the left lane of traffic.
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change lanes frequently.
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8.
Brake drums (or discs) must not have cracks longer than:
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the width of the friction area.
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one third the width of the friction area.
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twice the width of the friction area.
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one half the width of the friction area.
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9.
During your inspection, you should look into the fifth-wheel gap and check that the _________ are fully closed around the kingpin.
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lug nuts
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mounting bolts
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locking jaws
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couplings (U-joints)
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10.
What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth-wheel?
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Hitch release lever
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Sliding pintle
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Locking jaws
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Locking pins
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Frequently Asked Questions
Under the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, the age requirements for applicants under 18 are as follows:
- You must be at least 15 years old for a learner license.
- You must be between 16 and 17 years of age to apply for a provisional driver license.
- You must be 18 years old or older to receive a class C driver license.
If you are under 25, you need to enroll in a driver education course and you can take the DMV written test at the driving school. After passing the exam, you have to visit a Texas driver license office to obtain a learner license. Alternatively, you can choose to take the permit test at any driver license office.
You'll need to bring these documents to a driver license office:
- A completed application signed by your parent/legal guardian, either at the driver license office or in front of a public notary.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
- Two proofs of your Texas residency.
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of your Social Security number.
- Texas Vehicle Registration and proof of insurance of your vehicle (if available).
- Texas Driver Education Certificate and proof of passing the DMV written test (if applicable).
- Verification of school enrollment, or a high school diploma or equivalent (for minors).
The DMV written test in Texas is available in English or Spanish and you need to understand road signs written in English. If needed, you can bring a translator, but they can only assist you in communicating with the specialist before and after the exam.
To prepare for the DMV written test, read the Texas Driver's Handbook and take our free practice tests to verify your knowledge. Topics covered on the exam include road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Once your scores are good, you are ready for the real test.
The Texas DMV written test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and is based on the information provided in the manual. Remember, you have 1 hour to complete the exam. Taking numerous practice tests and thoroughly studying the handbook will increase your chances of success.
You must answer at least 21 questions correctly, and you can miss up to 9 questions to pass the test. The minimum score required to succeed in the exam is 70%. Take your time during the test to make sure you understand the questions well.
For new drivers in Texas, specific restrictions apply.
If you have a learner license:
- You must drive only under the supervision of a licensed adult aged 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat.
If you have a provisional driver license:
- You are not permitted to drive with more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member.
- Driving a motor vehicle between midnight and 5:00 a.m. is prohibited, except for work, school-related activities, or medical emergencies.
Additionally, all drivers under 18 years old are prohibited from using any wireless communication device, except in emergencies. Furthermore, drivers under 21 are prohibited from operating a vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol (Zero Tolerance law).
Your learner license will remain valid until your 18th birthday. Use this period to fulfill all the necessary requirements before applying for a provisional driver license. If you are under 18 years old, you can renew it in person at a Texas driver license office.
After the first failure, your application will be held for 90 days. After 90 days or after three failed exams, you will have to submit a new application and pay another fee. If you find the DMV written test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.