North Dakota Pre Trip Inspection Test
This test covers what ND examiners look for — from brake adjustments on I-94 to coupling checks for oil field tankers.
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25 questions, 30 minutes, 80% to pass. Focus on the under-vehicle and air brake checks — that's what trips most drivers up in ND.
Key Topics
- •Lights, brakes, tires
- •Coupling and air systems
- •Steering, suspension, emergency gear
About the North Dakota Pre Trip Inspection Test
Topics Covered
- ✓Lighting and reflectors — critical on ND's dark winter mornings and evenings when visibility drops fast
- ✓Brake system checks (air brakes) — ND examiners watch for proper pushrod travel and low-pressure warnings, especially on long hauls across I-94
- ✓Tire condition and inflation — gravel roads in the oil patch chew up tires; you need to know how to spot a sidewall bulge or low tread
- + 3 more topics
📘 Study Tips & State Info
North Dakota examiners don't want you to just memorize a list. They want you to explain why you're checking something. When you say "checking the air brake pushrod travel," also say "to make sure the brakes aren't out of adjustment — common problem in cold weather." That extra sentence shows you understand ND conditions.
Practice the inspection in the order the ND manual gives: engine compartment, cab, front of vehicle, driver-side, rear, passenger-side. Say everything out loud. If you skip a step or check something in the wrong order, the examiner marks it wrong. Many drivers fail because they forget to check the fifth wheel locking mechanism or the glad hands for air leaks.
Use the ND-specific study guide from the DMV. It has pictures of actual ND trucks and trailers. Focus on the air brake section — that's where most people lose points. And don't forget the under-vehicle inspection: oil leaks, loose brake chambers, and cracked spring hangers are common on rigs that run gravel roads.
North Dakota CDL skills tests are administered at DMV offices in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Williston. You must schedule an appointment — no walk-ins for skills tests. The Pre Trip Inspection is the first segment of the skills exam. You'll have about 30 minutes to complete it. The examiner will ask you to perform a full inspection and explain what you're checking.
You need a valid Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and a Medical Examiner's Certificate before you can take the skills test. The fee for the skills test is $40 (as of 2025). If you fail the Pre Trip Inspection, you can retake it after 7 days. The DMV recommends you bring your own vehicle for the test — it must be registered, insured, and roadworthy.
One unique thing about ND: examiners sometimes ask about winter-specific items like block heaters and battery warmers. Not every state does that. Be ready to point out where the block heater cord is and explain how cold starts affect your pre-trip. Also, know the chain requirements for commercial vehicles on ND highways — you might get asked.
About the North Dakota Pre Trip Inspection Test
The Pre Trip Inspection test in North Dakota isn't just a formality. It's the first thing you do on your CDL skills exam, and if you miss more than a few items, the examiner stops you right there. This practice test covers the same components the ND DMV checks: lights, brakes, tires, coupling systems, and emergency equipment. You'll need to know the inspection order and what to say out loud during the real test.
North Dakota roads demand thorough inspections. You're driving through prairie winters where a failed brake line on US-2 can strand you in subzero temps. The Bakken oil fields mean heavy loads on gravel access roads — tire and suspension checks aren't optional. And with harvest season, you might be pulling grain trailers across county roads. The examiners know this. They expect you to check for loose lug nuts, cracked spring hangers, and proper air brake adjustment.
This practice test mirrors the written knowledge portion of the Pre Trip Inspection. It's 25 multiple-choice questions based on the North Dakota CDL Manual. You have 30 minutes. Pass with 80% or better. Don't skip the questions about air brake checks and coupling — those are the most common failure points in ND.
Topics Covered
Study Tips
North Dakota examiners don't want you to just memorize a list. They want you to explain why you're checking something. When you say "checking the air brake pushrod travel," also say "to make sure the brakes aren't out of adjustment — common problem in cold weather." That extra sentence shows you understand ND conditions.
Practice the inspection in the order the ND manual gives: engine compartment, cab, front of vehicle, driver-side, rear, passenger-side. Say everything out loud. If you skip a step or check something in the wrong order, the examiner marks it wrong. Many drivers fail because they forget to check the fifth wheel locking mechanism or the glad hands for air leaks.
Use the ND-specific study guide from the DMV. It has pictures of actual ND trucks and trailers. Focus on the air brake section — that's where most people lose points. And don't forget the under-vehicle inspection: oil leaks, loose brake chambers, and cracked spring hangers are common on rigs that run gravel roads.
North Dakota Specific Information
North Dakota CDL skills tests are administered at DMV offices in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Williston. You must schedule an appointment — no walk-ins for skills tests. The Pre Trip Inspection is the first segment of the skills exam. You'll have about 30 minutes to complete it. The examiner will ask you to perform a full inspection and explain what you're checking.
You need a valid Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and a Medical Examiner's Certificate before you can take the skills test. The fee for the skills test is $40 (as of 2025). If you fail the Pre Trip Inspection, you can retake it after 7 days. The DMV recommends you bring your own vehicle for the test — it must be registered, insured, and roadworthy.
One unique thing about ND: examiners sometimes ask about winter-specific items like block heaters and battery warmers. Not every state does that. Be ready to point out where the block heater cord is and explain how cold starts affect your pre-trip. Also, know the chain requirements for commercial vehicles on ND highways — you might get asked.