CDL inspection and maintenance practice questions
20 free practice questions from 49 CFR Part 396. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
CDL Inspection and maintenance
20 questions across 7 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
Tip: press A, B, C or D to answer and Enter for the next question. Nothing you answer leaves your browser.
Review all 20 questions
Prefer to read? Here is every question in the CDL Inspection and maintenance set, grouped by topic. Open a question to see the answer, why it is right and the official source.
General maintenance duty
1. Under 396.3(a)(1), which parts and accessories must be in safe and proper operating condition at all times?
- A. Only the parts listed on the most recent driver vehicle inspection report
- B. Those specified in part 393 and any additional parts and accessories which may affect safety of operation, such as frames, suspension systems, axles, wheels and rims, and steering systems
- C. Only brakes and lights
- D. Only parts still under the manufacturer's warranty
Show answer
Answer: B. Those specified in part 393 and any additional parts and accessories which may affect safety of operation, such as frames, suspension systems, axles, wheels and rims, and steering systems
"Parts and accessories shall be in safe and proper operating condition at all times. These include those specified in part 393 of this subchapter and any additional parts and accessories which may affect safety of operation", including "frame and frame assemblies, suspension systems, axles and attaching parts, wheels and rims, and steering systems."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.3, Inspection, repair, and maintenance (as of Nov 3, 2026)
2. What inspection interval does 396.3(a)(2) set for pushout windows, emergency doors, and emergency door marking lights in buses?
- A. At least every 12 months
- B. At least every 180 days
- C. At least every 120 days
- D. At least every 90 days
Show answer
Answer: D. At least every 90 days
Under 396.3(a)(2), these bus items "shall be inspected at least every 90 days."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.3, Inspection, repair, and maintenance (as of Nov 3, 2026)
3. What does 396.5 require every motor carrier to ensure about each motor vehicle subject to its control?
- A. That it is properly lubricated and free of oil and grease leaks
- B. That its engine oil is changed at a mileage set in the rule
- C. That the driver logs each lubrication in the daily report
- D. That only the manufacturer's brand of lubricant is used
Show answer
Answer: A. That it is properly lubricated and free of oil and grease leaks
Every motor carrier "shall ensure that each motor vehicle subject to its control is" "Properly lubricated" and "Free of oil and grease leaks."
4. Under 396.7(b), how far may a motor vehicle discovered to be in an unsafe condition while being operated on the highway be continued in operation?
- A. To the end of the driver's current shift
- B. To the motor carrier's home terminal
- C. Only to the nearest place where repairs can safely be effected
- D. To any destination within the same State
Show answer
Answer: C. Only to the nearest place where repairs can safely be effected
Such a vehicle "may be continued in operation only to the nearest place where repairs can safely be effected," and only if "it is less hazardous to the public than to permit the vehicle to remain on the highway."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.7, Unsafe operations forbidden (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Maintenance records
5. What retention period does 396.3(c) set for the maintenance records required by 396.3?
- A. 1 year where the vehicle is housed or maintained, and 6 months after the vehicle leaves the motor carrier's control
- B. 3 months from the date of each repair
- C. 30 days after the vehicle leaves the motor carrier's control
- D. Only until the vehicle's next periodic inspection
Show answer
Answer: A. 1 year where the vehicle is housed or maintained, and 6 months after the vehicle leaves the motor carrier's control
The records "shall be retained where the vehicle is either housed or maintained for a period of 1 year and for 6 months after the motor vehicle leaves the motor carrier's control."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.3, Inspection, repair, and maintenance (as of Nov 3, 2026)
6. Which kind of motor carrier does 396.3(b) except from the requirement to maintain records for each motor vehicle it controls?
- A. A for-hire motor carrier of property
- B. A private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness)
- C. A motor carrier with fewer than 10 vehicles
- D. A motor carrier that leases all of its vehicles
Show answer
Answer: B. A private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness)
"Motor carriers, except for a private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness), must maintain, or cause to be maintained, records for each motor vehicle they control for 30 consecutive days."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.3, Inspection, repair, and maintenance (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Roadside inspections and out-of-service vehicles
7. Under 396.9(c)(2), how may a vehicle marked "out-of-service" be towed away before the required repairs are completed?
- A. By any truck using a tow bar
- B. In combination behind another vehicle of the same motor carrier
- C. Only after the driver removes the out-of-service sticker
- D. By means of a vehicle using a crane or hoist
Show answer
Answer: D. By means of a vehicle using a crane or hoist
"Operate" includes towing, "except that vehicles or intermodal equipment marked “out-of-service” may be towed away by means of a vehicle using a crane or hoist."
8. Under 396.9(d)(3)(ii), where must the motor carrier retain a copy of the completed roadside inspection form?
- A. In the vehicle's glove box only
- B. With the issuing State agency only
- C. At the motor carrier's principal place of business or where the vehicle is housed
- D. At the driver's home address
Show answer
Answer: C. At the motor carrier's principal place of business or where the vehicle is housed
The carrier must "retain a copy at the motor carrier's principal place of business, at the intermodal equipment provider's principal place of business, or where the vehicle is housed for 12 months from the date of the inspection".
9. Under 396.9(c)(3), when may a person remove the "Out-of-Service Vehicle" sticker from a motor vehicle?
- A. As soon as the vehicle reaches the next terminal
- B. 24 hours after the inspection
- C. When the motor carrier's dispatcher approves
- D. Not before all repairs required by the "out-of-service notice" are completed
Show answer
Answer: D. Not before all repairs required by the "out-of-service notice" are completed
"No person shall remove the “Out-of-Service Vehicle” sticker from any motor vehicle or intermodal equipment prior to completion of all repairs required by the “out-of-service notice.”"
10. Under 396.9(d)(1), what must a driver who receives an inspection report do if the driver is not scheduled to arrive at a terminal or facility of the motor carrier operating the vehicle within 24 hours?
- A. Immediately mail, fax, or otherwise transmit the report to the motor carrier
- B. Keep the report until the next scheduled arrival at a terminal
- C. Send the report to FMCSA instead of the motor carrier
- D. Give the report to the next State inspector met on the route
Show answer
Answer: A. Immediately mail, fax, or otherwise transmit the report to the motor carrier
In that case "the driver shall immediately mail, fax, or otherwise transmit the report to the motor carrier and intermodal equipment provider."
Driver vehicle inspection reports
11. A driver operates three different trucks during one day and finds a defect on each. Under 396.11(a)(2)(i), how many driver vehicle inspection reports must the driver prepare?
- A. One combined report for the day
- B. One, for the last truck driven
- C. One for each vehicle operated, so three
- D. None until the end of the week
Show answer
Answer: C. One for each vehicle operated, so three
"If a driver operates more than one vehicle during the day, a report must be prepared for each vehicle operated."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.11, Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (as of Nov 3, 2026)
12. What does 396.11(a)(2)(i) say about preparing a driver vehicle inspection report when no defect or deficiency is discovered by or reported to the driver?
- A. Drivers are not required to prepare a report
- B. The driver must still prepare a report marked "no defects"
- C. The driver must report by telephone instead of in writing
- D. The motor carrier must prepare the report for the driver
Show answer
Answer: A. Drivers are not required to prepare a report
The rule states: "Drivers are not required to prepare a report if no defect or deficiency is discovered by or reported to the driver."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.11, Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (as of Nov 3, 2026)
13. On a two-driver operation, how many drivers need to sign the driver vehicle inspection report under 396.11(a)(2)(ii)?
- A. Both drivers, in every case
- B. Neither driver; the motor carrier signs it
- C. The driver who drove the most hours, plus a carrier official
- D. Only one, provided both drivers agree as to the defects or deficiencies identified
Show answer
Answer: D. Only one, provided both drivers agree as to the defects or deficiencies identified
"On two-driver operations, only one driver needs to sign the driver vehicle inspection report, provided both drivers agree as to the defects or deficiencies identified."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.11, Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (as of Nov 3, 2026)
14. Which motor carrier does 396.11(a)(5) exempt from the driver vehicle inspection report rules?
- A. Any motor carrier with fewer than 10 drivers
- B. A motor carrier operating only one commercial motor vehicle
- C. Any for-hire motor carrier of property
- D. Any motor carrier whose vehicles are less than 2 years old
Show answer
Answer: B. A motor carrier operating only one commercial motor vehicle
"The rules in this section shall not apply to a private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness), a driveaway-towaway operation, or any motor carrier operating only one commercial motor vehicle."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.11, Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (as of Nov 3, 2026)
15. Under 396.13(c), for which listed defects does the requirement that the driver sign the last driver vehicle inspection report not apply?
- A. Defects the driver considers minor
- B. Listed defects on a towed unit which is no longer part of the vehicle combination
- C. Defects reported by a mechanic
- D. Defects in the tractor's lighting devices
Show answer
Answer: B. Listed defects on a towed unit which is no longer part of the vehicle combination
The driver must "Sign the report to acknowledge that the driver has reviewed it", but "The signature requirement does not apply to listed defects on a towed unit which is no longer part of the vehicle combination."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.13, Driver inspection (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Brake inspectors
16. What retention period does 396.25(e) set for the evidence of a brake inspector's qualifications?
- A. For 30 days after the brake inspector is hired
- B. For the period the brake inspector is employed in that capacity and for one year thereafter
- C. Until the brake inspector's next CDL renewal
- D. For 90 days after each brake inspection
Show answer
Answer: B. For the period the brake inspector is employed in that capacity and for one year thereafter
"The evidence must be maintained for the period during which the brake inspector is employed in that capacity and for one year thereafter."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.25, Qualifications of brake inspectors (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Inspector qualifications and inspection reports
17. What minimum total of training or experience does 396.19(a)(3)(ii) set for an individual qualifying that way to perform annual inspections?
- A. 30 days
- B. 90 days
- C. 1 year
- D. 6 months
Show answer
Answer: C. 1 year
One option is to "Have a combination of training or experience totaling at least 1 year."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.19, Inspector qualifications (as of Nov 3, 2026)
18. A motor carrier did not perform the last annual inspection of a CMV it operates. Under 396.21(b)(3), what is the motor carrier responsible for?
- A. Nothing; the inspecting business answers all requests
- B. Performing a new annual inspection before every trip
- C. Keeping the report in the driver's sleeper berth
- D. Obtaining the original or a copy of the last annual inspection report upon demand of an authorized Federal, State, or local official
Show answer
Answer: D. Obtaining the original or a copy of the last annual inspection report upon demand of an authorized Federal, State, or local official
"If the motor carrier operating the commercial motor vehicles did not perform the commercial motor vehicle's last annual inspection", it "is responsible for obtaining the original or a copy of the last annual inspection report upon demand of an authorized Federal, State, or local official."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.21, Periodic inspection recordkeeping requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Periodic inspection
19. Under 396.17(c)(2), what must a sticker or decal used as documentation of the periodic inspection contain?
- A. The date of inspection, the name and address of the entity where the inspection report is kept, information identifying the vehicle if it is not clearly marked, and a certification that it passed a 396.17 inspection
- B. Only the inspector's initials
- C. Only the vehicle's odometer reading
- D. The driver's CDL number
Show answer
Answer: A. The date of inspection, the name and address of the entity where the inspection report is kept, information identifying the vehicle if it is not clearly marked, and a certification that it passed a 396.17 inspection
Documentation other than the report must contain "The date of inspection", the "Name and address of the motor carrier, intermodal equipment provider, or other entity where the inspection report is maintained", "Information uniquely identifying the vehicle inspected if not clearly marked on the motor vehicle" and "A certification that the vehicle has passed an inspection in accordance with § 396.17."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.17, Periodic inspection (as of Nov 3, 2026)
20. Under 396.17(a), which vehicles of a tractor semitrailer, full trailer combination must each be inspected?
- A. Only the tractor
- B. Only the tractor and the semitrailer
- C. The tractor, the semitrailer, and the full trailer (including the converter dolly if so equipped)
- D. Only the unit with the highest mileage
Show answer
Answer: C. The tractor, the semitrailer, and the full trailer (including the converter dolly if so equipped)
"For example, for a tractor semitrailer, full trailer combination, the tractor, semitrailer, and the full trailer (including the converter dolly if so equipped) must each be inspected."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 396.17, Periodic inspection (as of Nov 3, 2026)