CDL Practice Tests: Pre-Trip Inspection
Choose A Section:
Go!Describe the proper service brake check:
- While sitting still, release the parking brake and pump the service brake 5 times, then release it. Make sure the pressure does not drop more than 3 psi in one minute
- Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the service brake and stop. Check to see that the vehicle does not pull to either side and that it stops when the brake is applied
- All of these are correct
- Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the emergency brake and stop. Check to see that the vehicle does not pull to either side and that it stops when the emergency brake is applied
Service Brake Check
- You will be required to check the application of air or hydraulic service brakes. This procedure is designed to determine that the brakes are working correctly and that the vehicle does not pull to one side or the other.
- Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the service brake and stop. Check to see that the vehicle does not pull to either side and that it stops when the brake is applied.
When doing a pre-trip inspection, how much of a gap should there be between the 5th wheel and the trailer?
- 1 inch
- No less than 2 inches
- 1/4 inch
- No gap
When inspecting the air and electrical connections to the trailer, which of the following items does NOT need to be checked?
- Make sure the trailer electrical plug is firmly seated and locked in place.
- Check that trailer air connectors are sealed and in good condition.
- Make sure glad hands are locked in place, free of damage and oil/grease that can cause air leaks.
- Make sure the brake fluid lines are properly attached and not leaking
Air/Electrical Connections
- Check that trailer air connectors are sealed and in good condition.
- Make sure glad hands are locked in place, free of damage and oil/grease that can cause air leaks.
- Make sure the trailer electrical plug is firmly seated and locked in place.
In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed in Section 10.2 of this manual, school bus drivers must also check which of the following lighting indicators:
- Strobe light indicator, if equipped.
- Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if equipped.
- Alternately flashing red lights indicator.
- All these are correct
In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed in Section 10.2 of this manual, school bus drivers must also check the following lighting indicators (internal panel lights):
- Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if equipped.
- Alternately flashing red lights indicator.
- Strobe light indicator, if equipped.
Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on:
- Any tires
- Drive tires
- Steer tires
- Trailer tires
The following items must be inspected on every tire:
- Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on steering axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires).
- Tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn and look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls. Also, make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
- Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge or a mallet. Note: You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation.
- That there is no mismatch tires (size and construction).
- Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on bus steer tires.
Which is the proper procedure for checking hydraulic brakes?
- Pump the brake three times and watch the hydraulic pressure gauge to make sure it's building pressure
- Pump the brake pedal three times and then hold it down for five seconds. The brake pedal should not move (depress) during the five seconds.
- Hold the brake pedal down. Make sure the pedal slowly moves all the way to the floor within 10 seconds
- All these are correct
Hydraulic Brake Check (if equipped)
- Pump the brake pedal three times and then hold it down for five seconds. The brake pedal should not move (depress) during the five seconds.
- If equipped with a hydraulic brake reserve (back-up) system, with the key off, depress the brake pedal and listen for the sound of the reserve system electric motor.
- Check that the warning buzzer or light is off.
When doing a pre-trip inspection of the power steering, play in the steering wheel should not exceed how much?
- There should be zero degrees of play in the steering wheel
- 20 degrees (or about 4 inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front left wheel barely moves.
- 30 degrees (or about 6 inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front left wheel barely moves.
- 10 degrees (or about 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front left wheel barely moves.
When doing an air brake system leak check, which of the following is the correct setup for the test?
- With the air pressure built up to the governor cut-off (120-140 psi), shut off the engine running, chock your wheels, (if necessary), and engage the tractor parking valve and trailer parking valve
- None of these are correct
- With the air pressure built up to the governor cut-off (120-140 psi), shut off the engine, chock your wheels, (if necessary), release the tractor parking valve and trailer parking valve
- Build the air pressure until it is between 50 - 60 pounds, keep the engine running, chock your wheels, (if necessary), release the tractor parking valve and trailer parking valve
When inspecting a passenger bus, which of the following must be checked when inspecting emergency exits?
- Make sure emergency exits are not damaged
- All these are correct
- Make sure the emergency exits operate smoothly and close securely from the inside
- Check that any emergency exit warning devices are working.
Emergency Exits
- Make sure that all emergency exits are not damaged, operate smoothly and close securely from the inside.
- Check that any emergency exit warning devices are working.
Which is the proper procedure for checking the trailer parking brakes?
- Measure the distance between the parking brake shoe and the drum. Make sure it is less than 1 inch
- Check the angle of the S-cam coming out of the brake chamber
- All these are correct
- Gently trying to pull forward with the trailer parking brake on
About The Pre-Trip Inspectin CDL Exam
The The Pre-Trip Inspectin portion of the CDL Exam is required to obtain your CDL. During the pre-trip inspection, you must show that the vehicle is safe to drive. You may have to walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. You will NOT have to crawl under the hood or under the vehicle.
Drivers need to have knowledge of how the actual vehicle(s) that they are conducting the test in operate. The drivers need to be able to explain and demonstrate different checks for the examiner as requested.
Taking the CDL Pre-trip Inspection Test
Class A Pre-trip Inspection Test
If you are applying for a Class A CDL, you will be required to perform a pre-trip inspection in the vehicle you have brought with you for testing. The vehicle must be a combination vehicle, representative of the unit you will be driving and must meet the class weight requirements. If the vehicle is an air brake vehicle, you must first pass the air brake knowledge test. You also must have passed all applicable endorsement knowledge tests that pertain to the vehicle you bring in for testing. Your test will require an inspection of the areas of the vehicle as instructed by your CDL examiner.
Class B and C Pre-trip Inspection Test
If you are applying for a Class B or C CDL, you will be required to perform a pre-trip inspection in the vehicle you have brought with you for testing. The vehicle must be a straight truck, passenger bus or school bus, representative of the vehicle you will be driving and must meet the class weight requirements. If the vehicle is an air brake vehicle, you must first pass the air brake knowledge test. You also must have passed all applicable endorsement knowledge tests that pertain to the vehicle you bring in for testing. Your test will require an inspection of the areas of the vehicle as instructed by your CDL examiner.
TruckingTruth's Pre-Trip Inspection Study Guide
We have an excellent Pre-trip Inspection Study Guide which includes a complete pre-trip inspection with photos and descriptions, numerous pre-trip inspection videos, and a complete vehicle checklist.
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