DOT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DOT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A Level II walk-around inspection differs from a Level I inspection primarily because the inspector: → Examines only the exterior of the vehicle without going under it
2. Which of the following vehicles is required to use an ELD under current FMCSA rules? → A Class 8 truck operated in interstate commerce with a driver required to keep RODS
3. Under the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rules, how often must employers conduct annual queries on current drivers? → Once per year
4. When checking fifth wheel coupling during an inspection, which of the following indicates a defective condition? → Visible movement between the upper and lower halves under applied tug test
5. Which of the following exhaust system defects is an automatic out-of-service condition? → Exhaust leak forward of or directly below the cab
6. During inspection of a vehicle transporting infectious substances (UN 2814), what is the inspector's primary protocol if packaging damage is suspected? → Do not touch the package; isolate the area and call for hazmat support
7. Under 49 CFR Part 382, how long must employers retain records of a verified negative drug test result? → 1 year
8. What information is NOT required on a hazmat shipping paper? → Driver's license number
9. When securing and preserving an accident scene, which action should an inspector prioritize FIRST upon arrival? → Ensure scene safety and prevent secondary accidents
10. Safety devices such as rear-view mirrors may extend beyond the 102-inch width limit by up to how much on each side? → 6 inches per side
11. An inspector finds a CMV driver has been on duty for 14 hours with 10 hours of driving. The driver wants to continue driving. What regulation applies? → The driver cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour on duty
12. An inspector notices a driver's ELD display shows 'ELD Malfunction' with indicator code 'P'. What does code 'P' signify? → Positioning compliance malfunction
13. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Hazardous Materials Transportation? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
14. Which form is the standard federal inspection report used by FMCSA-certified inspectors to document roadside commercial vehicle inspections? → FMCSA Form MCS-63
15. What is the required minimum supervisor training for reasonable suspicion determinations under 49 CFR Part 382? → 60 minutes on drug use signs and 60 minutes on alcohol misuse signs
16. A CMV's fuel tank has a pinhole leak that drips fuel when the vehicle is stationary. This defect is classified as: → An out-of-service condition
17. Under the Bridge Formula (Formula B), what primary factor determines the allowable weight between any group of axles? → The distance between the outer axles of the group
18. Under 49 CFR Part 395, what is the maximum number of hours a property-carrying CMV driver may drive after coming off 10 consecutive hours off duty? → 11 hours
19. An inspector finds a cracked wheel in the disc area between the hand holes. What is the correct action? → Place the vehicle out of service immediately
20. If a DOT breath alcohol test device produces an EBT error message during the confirmation test, what must the BAT do? → Conduct the confirmation test on a different EBT within 30 minutes
21. Which of the following describes an 'overpack' in hazardous materials transportation? → An enclosure used to consolidate one or more packages for handling
22. After completing an annual periodic inspection, how long must the motor carrier retain the inspection report under 49 CFR 396.21? → 14 months from the date of inspection
23. During a roadside inspection, a tire on a non-steering axle measures 2/32 inch tread depth. What is the correct action? → Out-of-service the vehicle
24. Which federal agency publishes the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs that DOT testing must follow? → SAMHSA
25. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Hours of Service Regulations for DOT professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
26. How should loose cargo be handled during inspection? → Secured with proper restraints
27. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Cargo Securement Requirements? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
28. What is the purpose of a 'compatibility group' letter found on explosives labels and placards? → It indicates which other explosives may be transported together safely
29. When inspecting cargo securement, what is the minimum number of tiedowns required for a single piece of cargo that is 10 feet long and weighs 4,000 lbs? → 2
30. A driver presents a shipping paper describing a flammable liquid shipment. The vehicle has no placard displayed. What action should the inspector take? → Place the vehicle out of service for improper placarding