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  • Updated for February 2025
  • Based on 2025 CO commercial driver's license manual

Free CO CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Exam 2025

Want to drive big rigs or buses as a licensed commercial driver? You have a series of requirements to meet first. If you haven’t been a commercial driver before, you must obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you can apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Your CLP will allow you to practice operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) while supervised by a CDL holder. In addition to the documentation and medical requirements for a CLP, you must pass a set of knowledge tests for the class and type of vehicles you plan to drive. For all vehicles, however, you must pass the official General Knowledge test, which covers general commercial driving theory.

The official General Knowledge test covers pre-trip inspections and many other commercial driving topics. Your test will likely include some questions on defects or faults to look for in your vehicle’s components and systems. All questions on the General Knowledge test are based on the official Colorado CDL manual (Colorado CDL Handbook 2025). You should study the manual, but it may leave you feeling you could use more help to absorb the material and pass the General Knowledge test. That’s what we’re here for.

This Colorado CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test, one of several we offer, can help you learn how to correctly answer the General Knowledge test questions on pre-trip inspections. Like the official knowledge test, this practice test is multiple choice. Each question comes with several answer options. You must choose the best or most complete answer. You can also get help from our AI assistant on any question. At your request, it can supply hints and explanations and answer your specific questions on commercial driving. If you still miss a question, the AI assistant will immediately let you know and provide an explanation of the correct answer.

The information you’ll learn through our pre-trip practice tests won’t just help you pass the General Knowledge test. It will also prove helpful as you practice pre-trip inspections to pass the official skills test. And it may prove helpful in your commercial driving career when you must perform pre-trip inspections for real.

Some roads in Colorado can present challenging or even hazardous driving conditions. Some examples are the steep grades and hairpin curves on Wolf Creek Pass, the heavy snowfalls that can occur on Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40, and the high winds and snow on I-76 in winter. A thorough pre-trip inspection will help ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle these conditions safely.

Be sure to try our other Colorado CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Tests, too!

  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements

What you need to know

6 min to complete
Available in EN and ES
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.

What to expect on the actual CO DMV exam

20

questions

16

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. What structure supporting the fifth wheel skid plate should be checked for cracks or breaks?
  2. You pump the pedal three times and hold it down for five seconds, making sure that the pedal does not move. What are you inspecting?
  3. What transmits power from the transmission to the drive axle?
  4. What carries air or hydraulic fluid to the wheel brake assembly?
  5. ________ are gas or hydraulic devices that cushion the vehicle's ride and stabilize the vehicle.
  6. What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?
  7. What do you inspect to make sure that all are present and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads?
  8. What should you check to be sure it is solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the tractor frame?
  9. What maintains air pressure in the air brake system?
  10. According to the Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual, which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch?
  11. Which of the following can disengage the engine from the drivetrain?
  12. What transforms steering column action into wheel action?
  13. Make sure that the _________ are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn, and not tangled, pinched, or dragged against tractor parts.
  14. You are looking for puddles on the ground and dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission. What are you checking for?
  15. What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?
  16. To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.
  17. _________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.
  18. _________ are the brackets, bolts, or bushings that are used to attach the spring or air bag to the axle and vehicle frame.
  19. If the wheel has a sight glass, check that the oil level is adequate. Otherwise, look for leaks around the
  20. What releases the fifth wheel locking jaws so the trailer can be coupled?
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