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Here are sample questions from our Auto & Shop Information practice tests. Each question comes with a clear explanation of the correct answer.
AI/SI format, key topics, and official timing to boost your AS score and qualify for mechanical and maintenance MOS.
Take a Free AS Practice TestASVAB Auto & Shop Information (AS) tests your knowledge of automobile technology and shop practices. It's actually two subtests combined: AI (Auto Information: engines, systems, maintenance) and SI (Shop Information: tools, terminology, workshop practices). Your scores are reported as a combined AS composite.
Auto & Shop Information is one of nine ASVAB subtests. It evaluates two distinct areas of practical knowledge: Auto Information (AI) covers automotive technology: how engines work, drivetrain systems, braking, cooling, and basic vehicle maintenance. Shop Information (SI) covers workshop knowledge: tool identification, shop safety, materials, and common procedures.
AS doesn't count toward your AFQT score, but it's a key component of several line scores, especially the Mechanical Maintenance (MM) composite. This matters if you're targeting automotive, mechanical, maintenance, or construction-related military jobs.
The good news: AS is one of the most practical ASVAB subtests. If you've ever changed oil, used a wrench, or watched a car repair video, you already have a head start. And even with zero background, the content is very learnable in a few weeks.
Here are sample questions from our Auto & Shop Information practice tests. Each question comes with a clear explanation of the correct answer.
On the CAT-ASVAB, AI and SI are administered as separate subtests. On paper, they're combined into one.
| Format | Subtest | Scored Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT-ASVAB | Auto Information (AI) | 10 questions | 7 min (up to 18 min with tryouts) |
| Shop Information (SI) | 10 questions | 6 min (up to 17 min with tryouts) | |
| Paper & Pencil | Auto & Shop combined (AS) | 25 questions | 11 minutes |
About tryout items: The CAT-ASVAB may add up to 15 unscored tryout questions per subtest. You won't know which are tryout, so treat every question as scored. This can significantly extend your session time.
Paper pacing tip: With 25 questions in 11 minutes, you have about 26 seconds per question. AS questions are usually short and visual. If you know the answer, it's fast. If you don't, guess and move on. Don't let one question eat up time.
AS covers two distinct areas. Here's what to prioritize in each.
How cars work under the hood:
Vehicle systems and diagnostic logic:
Know your tools by name and function:
Workshop knowledge and procedures:
It depends on your background. If you've worked on cars or used shop tools, AS will feel straightforward. Most questions test practical knowledge, not theory. If you have zero hands-on experience, it can feel unfamiliar. The good news: AS content is very learnable. A few weeks studying engine basics, common tools, and shop vocabulary is usually enough to score well.
On the CAT-ASVAB, Auto Information (AI) and Shop Information (SI) are separate subtests: AI has 10 scored questions in 7 minutes, SI has 10 scored questions in 6 minutes. Tryout items may extend both sessions. On the paper ASVAB, they're combined into one 25-question subtest (AS) with 11 minutes total.
No. Calculators are not allowed on any ASVAB section. For AS specifically, this is rarely an issue. The vast majority of questions test your knowledge of automotive systems and shop practices, not your ability to calculate.
Start with the basics: learn the four-stroke engine cycle, understand what major car systems do (cooling, braking, electrical), and memorize common hand and power tools by name and function. Use visual guides and diagrams. AS is very visual. YouTube videos of basic car maintenance are surprisingly helpful for building intuition.
If you have no automotive or shop background, plan for 3–4 weeks at 30 minutes per day. If you already have some hands-on experience, 1–2 weeks of focused review and practice tests should be enough. Prioritize engine basics and tool identification first. They cover the most questions.
The PiCAT covers the same content as the CAT-ASVAB but is taken at home without proctoring. It's not inherently easier. The questions are similar. However, some people find it less stressful because there's no test-center environment. You'll still need to verify your score at MEPS with a short confirmation test.
Yes. You can retake the ASVAB after 1 month, then again after another month, and every 6 months after that. There's no lifetime limit. Your most recent score replaces the previous one, so only retake if you're confident you'll improve. Focus your study on the specific areas (AI or SI) where you scored lowest.
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