ASVAB Auto and Shop Information Practice Test
Updated October 27, 2026
On the CAT-ASVAB, Auto Information and Shop Information are separate tests with 10 scored questions each. Auto Information covers how vehicles work; Shop Information covers tools, fasteners and shop practices. Neither counts toward your AFQT, but both feed the line scores for mechanical and maintenance military jobs. Try the free questions below.
What they cover
- Auto Information: engines, the fuel, ignition, cooling, electrical, brake, steering and suspension systems, and diagnosing common problems.
- Shop Information: hand and power tools, measuring tools, fasteners, materials and safe shop practices.
Free Auto and Shop Information practice questions
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What does a car's radiator do?Answer: DThe radiator lets heat from the coolant escape to the air, keeping the engine from overheating.
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Which part creates the spark that ignites the fuel in a gasoline engine?Answer: AThe spark plug creates the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in each cylinder.
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What charges a car's battery while the engine is running?Answer: BThe alternator generates electricity while the engine runs and recharges the battery.
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Which tool is best for measuring the outside diameter of a small part precisely?Answer: CA micrometer measures small dimensions very precisely, often to a thousandth of an inch.
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Which tool is used to drive and remove screws with a cross-shaped slot?Answer: DA Phillips screwdriver fits cross-shaped (Phillips) screw heads.
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Which saw is designed to cut metal?Answer: AA hacksaw has a fine-toothed blade for cutting metal. Crosscut and ripsaws are for wood.
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A car's brake pedal feels spongy. What is the most likely cause?Answer: BAir in the hydraulic brake lines compresses, making the pedal feel soft or spongy. The system usually needs to be bled.
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What is the purpose of engine oil?Answer: DEngine oil lubricates moving parts, reducing friction and wear, and also helps carry away heat and dirt.
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In a four-stroke engine, which stroke produces power?Answer: AThe four strokes are intake, compression, power and exhaust. The power stroke happens when the burning fuel-air mixture pushes the piston down.
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Which part converts the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotating motion?Answer: BThe crankshaft turns the pistons' reciprocating motion into rotation that drives the wheels.
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What does a catalytic converter do?Answer: CA catalytic converter uses chemical reactions to turn harmful gases such as carbon monoxide into less harmful ones.
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Which tool is used to tighten a bolt to an exact specification?Answer: DA torque wrench measures how tightly a fastener is tightened, so it can be set to the manufacturer's specification.
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Which hand tool is best for cutting wood across the grain?Answer: AA crosscut saw is designed to cut across the wood grain. A rip saw cuts along the grain, and a hacksaw cuts metal.
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What is a chisel used for?Answer: BA chisel has a sharp edge used to cut or shape material, often by striking it with a mallet.
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Which fastener has a threaded shaft and is used with a nut?Answer: CA bolt has threads and is tightened with a nut. Nails, rivets and staples aren't threaded.
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A car's engine overheats. Which is a likely cause?Answer: DLow coolant means less heat can be carried away from the engine, which can cause overheating.
See also Mechanical Comprehension and Electronics Information.
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