CDL Practice Tests: Pre-Trip Inspection
Choose A Section:
Go!What should you check for on the tires during a pre-trip inspection?
- All these are correct
- Check that tread is evenly worn
- Look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls
- Make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
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 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.
- Make sure the brake fluid lines are properly attached and not leaking
- 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.
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.
When checking the suspension components, what should you check for?
- All these are correct
- Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
- Look for missing, shifted, cracked or broken leaf springs.
- Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and leaks.
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.
When doing a pre-trip inspection, what should you check on the battery box?
- All these are correct
- Battery connections should not show signs of excessive corrosion
- Battery(s) are secure, connections are tight and cell caps are present
- Battery box and cover or door must be secure
Battery/Box
- Wherever located, see that battery(s) are secure, connections are tight and cell caps are present.
- Battery connections should not show signs of excessive corrosion.
- Battery box and cover or door must be secure.
Which is the proper procedure for checking the trailer parking brakes?
- All these are correct
- 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
- Gently trying to pull forward with the trailer parking brake on
Which of the following is NOT one of the dash indicators you will look for during your pre-trip inspection?
- Left turn signal indicator
- Air lines reversed indicator
- Four-way emergency flashers
- Antilock Braking System (ABS) indicator
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 checking the steering box components under the hood, what should you check for?
- Check that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking
- All these are correct
- Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to power steering hoses
- Look for any missing nuts, bolts and cotter keys
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.
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
- Tool kit and tire patching kit
- None of these are correct
- 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
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
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.
- 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
- 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.
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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