CDL Practice Tests: Pre-Trip Inspection
Choose A Section:
Go!Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on:
- Any tires
- Steer tires
- Trailer tires
- Drive 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 a pre-trip inspection, how much of a gap should there be between the 5th wheel and the trailer?
- No gap
- 1 inch
- No less than 2 inches
- 1/4 inch
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
- 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.
- 20 degrees (or about 4 inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front left wheel barely moves.
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.
When doing an emergency system check on air brake systems, how do you begin the test?
- Turn electrical power off 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 electrical power 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
What is the minimum tire tread depth allowed during a pre-trip inspection?
- 2/32 on steering axle tires and 4/32 on all other tires
- 4/32 on steering axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires
- 4/32 on trailer axle tires and 2/32 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.
Which is the proper procedure for checking the trailer parking brakes?
- Gently trying to pull forward with the trailer parking brake on
- Check the angle of the S-cam coming out of the brake chamber
- Measure the distance between the parking brake shoe and the drum. Make sure it is less than 1 inch
- All these are correct
During the pre-trip inspection test you must:
- All these are correct
- 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
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 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 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)
- 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 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)
When doing a pre-trip inspection, which of the following is NOT one of the required pieces of emergency equipment you must have?
- Three red reflective triangles, six fuses or three liquid burning flares.
- A properly charged and rated fire extinguisher
- Spare electrical fuses, unless circuit breaker equipped vehicle.
- A basic tool kit
Emergency Equipment
- Check for spare electrical fuses, unless circuit breaker equipped vehicle.
- Check for three red reflective triangles, six fuses or three liquid burning flares.
- Check for a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.
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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