Delaware Pre Trip Inspection Test
You'll do this test at the Delaware City or Dover DMV — and the examiner will watch you walk around a truck that's been sitting in coastal salt air all winter.
Select Test Mode
This is the Delaware-specific pre-trip test. 25 questions, 30 minutes, and every answer matters when you're rolling through the fog on I-95.
Key Topics
- •Vehicle front and cab checks
- •Coupling and air brake systems
- •Trailer, tires, and lights
About the Delaware Pre Trip Inspection Test
Topics Covered
- ✓Vehicle front and engine compartment — Delaware's coastal fog makes headlight and windshield washer checks critical for visibility
- ✓Cab checks — you'll need to know the in-cab inspection sequence, especially gauges and warning lights, because DelDOT examiners watch your hands
- ✓Coupling systems — poultry trailers in Sussex County disconnect more often than you'd think; examiners want the full safety catch and air line sequence
- + 3 more topics
📘 Study Tips & State Info
Here's what Delaware examiners actually care about. First: the air brake check sequence. They'll ask you the exact order — build pressure, cut off at 120-125 PSI, fan down to 100 PSI, then 80 PSI for the warning light, then 60 PSI for the pop-out. Don't mix up the numbers. Second: coupling. Delaware has a lot of dry vans and reefer trailers, and the fifth wheel jaw inspection is a common question. Know how to check that the jaws are closed around the kingpin and the locking lever is down.
Third: lights. We have a lot of nighttime fog on DE-1 and I-95 near the C&D Canal. Expect questions about headlight aim, running lights, and how to test turn signals from inside the cab. Fourth: tires. Delaware roads have potholes from the freeze-thaw cycle. They ask about tread depth (4/32 for steering, 2/32 for others) and checking for cuts or bulges.
Don't skip the study guide in the Delaware CDL manual. It's written for our roads and our weather. If you can explain each item in the pre-trip in the order the manual lists, you'll pass. Practice the walk-around sequence out loud. It helps.
Delaware DMV handles all CDL testing. You'll take the written pre-trip test at the same time as your General Knowledge test. You need a valid Delaware commercial learner's permit first. The test fee is included in your CLP application fee — currently $30 for the permit plus $10 per endorsement test. Cash or card works at most offices.
Testing locations: the main CDL testing offices are in New Castle (near Wilmington), Dover, and Georgetown. Appointments are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are possible but you might wait hours. The Delaware DMV website has online scheduling. You'll need to bring your CLP, a valid medical examiner's certificate, and proof of residency.
One thing that trips people up: Delaware requires you to pass the written pre-trip test before you can schedule the skills test. Don't wait until the last minute. Also, if you fail, you can retake it the next business day. No waiting period. But you pay the $10 fee each time.
About the Delaware Pre Trip Inspection Test
The Delaware Pre Trip Inspection Test isn't just a checklist — it's your first real conversation with a DelDOT examiner. They want to see you can spot problems before they strand you on US-13 or get you pulled over at the Port of Wilmington. Delaware roads are short but busy, and our weather doesn't do you any favors. Coastal fog, salt spray, and freeze-thaw cycles beat up trucks fast.
This written test covers the same stuff you'll demonstrate on the skills exam. You need to know every step: vehicle front, cab, coupling systems, trailer sides, rear, brakes, lights, and tires. Delaware examiners are strict about air brake checks because we've got hills on DE-1 and long off-ramps on I-95 that test your stopping ability.
The test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You need 80% — that's 20 out of 25 correct. You get 30 minutes, which is plenty if you've studied. Don't rush. Read each question twice. Some questions have two right-looking answers, but only one fits Delaware's inspection manual.
If you're planning to haul poultry trailers out of Sussex County or container chassis from the Port of Wilmington, pay extra attention to coupling and lighting. Those are the parts that fail most often in real Delaware inspections.
Topics Covered
Study Tips
Here's what Delaware examiners actually care about. First: the air brake check sequence. They'll ask you the exact order — build pressure, cut off at 120-125 PSI, fan down to 100 PSI, then 80 PSI for the warning light, then 60 PSI for the pop-out. Don't mix up the numbers. Second: coupling. Delaware has a lot of dry vans and reefer trailers, and the fifth wheel jaw inspection is a common question. Know how to check that the jaws are closed around the kingpin and the locking lever is down.
Third: lights. We have a lot of nighttime fog on DE-1 and I-95 near the C&D Canal. Expect questions about headlight aim, running lights, and how to test turn signals from inside the cab. Fourth: tires. Delaware roads have potholes from the freeze-thaw cycle. They ask about tread depth (4/32 for steering, 2/32 for others) and checking for cuts or bulges.
Don't skip the study guide in the Delaware CDL manual. It's written for our roads and our weather. If you can explain each item in the pre-trip in the order the manual lists, you'll pass. Practice the walk-around sequence out loud. It helps.
Delaware Specific Information
Delaware DMV handles all CDL testing. You'll take the written pre-trip test at the same time as your General Knowledge test. You need a valid Delaware commercial learner's permit first. The test fee is included in your CLP application fee — currently $30 for the permit plus $10 per endorsement test. Cash or card works at most offices.
Testing locations: the main CDL testing offices are in New Castle (near Wilmington), Dover, and Georgetown. Appointments are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are possible but you might wait hours. The Delaware DMV website has online scheduling. You'll need to bring your CLP, a valid medical examiner's certificate, and proof of residency.
One thing that trips people up: Delaware requires you to pass the written pre-trip test before you can schedule the skills test. Don't wait until the last minute. Also, if you fail, you can retake it the next business day. No waiting period. But you pay the $10 fee each time.