CDL Practice Tests: Pre-Trip Inspection
Choose A Section:
Go!For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod should not move more than _________ (with the brakes released) when pulled by hand.
- 1 foot
- 1 inch
- 2 inches
- 6 inches
What is the minimum tire tread depth allowed during a pre-trip inspection?
- 4/32 on trailer axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires
- 4/32 on steering axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires
- 2/32 on steering axle tires and 4/32 on all other tires
- 4/32 on drive axle tires and 2/32 on all other 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.
When doing an emergency system check on air brake systems, the low air warning device (buzzer, light, other) should activate when the pressure gets below what reading?
- 140 psi
- 100 psi
- 60 psi
- 80 psi
What should you check for when checking the landing gear on the trailer?
- Make sure the crank handle is secured and the support frame is not damaged
- Make sure there are no missing parts
- Check that the landing gear is fully raised
- All of these are correct
When doing an air brake system leak check, how long do you hold the pedal and what do you check for?
- Hold the pedal for two minutes. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than 1 pound in one minute (single vehicle) or 2 pounds in one minute (combination vehicle)
- Hold the pedal for one minute. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than 3 pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or 4 pounds in one minute (combination vehicle)
- Hold the pedal for 10 seconds. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than 3 pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or 4 pounds in one minute (combination vehicle)
- Hold the pedal for one minute. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than 6 pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or 8 pounds in one minute (combination vehicle)
When doing a pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment, which of the following are you NOT looking for?
- Look for puddles on the ground.
- Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
- Make sure the air lines are properly attached to the trailer
- Look for dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission.
Engine Compartment (Engine Off) Leaks/Hoses
- Look for puddles on the ground.
- Look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and transmission.
- Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
Which is the proper procedure for checking hydraulic brakes?
- 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.
- All these are correct
- Hold the brake pedal down. Make sure the pedal slowly moves all the way to the floor within 10 seconds
- Pump the brake three times and watch the hydraulic pressure gauge to make sure it's building pressure
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.
Which of the following is NOT one of the dash indicators you will look for during your pre-trip inspection?
- Air lines reversed indicator
- Antilock Braking System (ABS) indicator
- Left turn signal indicator
- Four-way emergency flashers
Test that dash indicators work when corresponding lights are turned on:
- Left turn signal
- Right turn signal.
- Four way emergency flashers.
- High-beam headlight.
- Antilock Braking System (ABS) indicator.
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 checking the steering box components under the hood, what should you check for?
- Look for any missing nuts, bolts and cotter keys
- Check that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking
- Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to power steering hoses
- All these are correct
Steering Box/Hoses
- Check that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking. Look for any missing nuts, bolts and cotter keys.
- Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to power steering hoses.
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.
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook