CDL Practice Tests: Pre-Trip Inspection
Choose A Section:
Go!What should you check for on drum brakes during a pre-trip inspection?
- Check for contaminates, such as debris or oil/grease.
- Check for cracks, dents or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts.
- All these are correct
- Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn dangerously thin.
Drum Brake
- Check for cracks, dents or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts.
- Check for contaminates, such as debris or oil/grease.
- Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn dangerously thin.
When inspecting the air and electrical connections to the trailer, which of the following items does NOT need to be checked?
- Make sure glad hands are locked in place, free of damage and oil/grease that can cause air leaks.
- Check that trailer air connectors are sealed and in good condition.
- Make sure the trailer electrical plug is firmly seated and locked in place.
- 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.
During the pre-trip inspection test you must:
- Show that the vehicle is safe to drive
- Walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item
- Explain to the examiner what you are checking and why
- All these are correct
When doing a pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment, which of the following are you NOT looking for?
- Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
- Make sure the air lines are properly attached to the trailer
- Look for puddles on the ground.
- 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.
Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on:
- Any tires
- Drive tires
- Trailer tires
- Steer 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 of the following is NOT one of the belts you will check during a pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment?
- Water pump belt
- Power steering belt
- Alternator belt
- Camshaft belt
Check the following belts for snugness (up to 1/4-inch play at center of belt), cracks or frays:
- Power steering belt.
- Water pump belt.
- Alternator belt.
- Air compressor belt.
In addition to checking for spare electrical fuses (if equipped), three red reflective triangles and a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher, school bus drivers must also inspect which of the following emergency equipment?
- First aid kit and body fluid cleanup kit
- None of these are correct
- Tool kit and tire patching kit
- Emergency flares and flashlight
In addition to checking for spare electrical fuses (if equipped), three red reflective triangles and a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher, school bus drivers must also inspect the following emergency equipment:
- First Aid Emergency Kit
- Body Fluid Cleanup Kit
When doing an emergency system check on air brake systems, how do you begin the test?
- Turn electrical power on and begin fanning off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the foot brake
- Turn the engine on and begin fanning off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the foot brake
- Turn off the electrical power and begin fanning off the air pressure by pulling out the red parking brake knob
- Turn electrical power off and begin fanning off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the foot brake
When checking the suspension components, what should you check for?
- All these are correct
- Look for missing, shifted, cracked or broken leaf springs.
- Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and leaks.
- Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
Suspension Springs/Air/Torque
- Look for missing, shifted, cracked or broken leaf springs.
- Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
- If vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, torque arms or other types of suspension components, check that they are not damaged and are mounted securely.
- Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and leaks.
What is the minimum tire tread depth allowed during a pre-trip inspection?
- 4/32 on drive 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 trailer axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires
- 4/32 on steering 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.
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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