CDL Practice Tests: Pre-Trip Inspection
Choose A Section:
Go!Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on:
- Trailer tires
- Any tires
- Steer 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 of the power steering, play in the steering wheel should not exceed how much?
- 20 degrees (or about 4 inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front left wheel barely moves.
- There should be zero degrees of play in the steering wheel
- 10 degrees (or about 2 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.
What do you check for with the safety belt during a pre-trip inspection?
- All these are correct
- The belt is securely mounted
- The belt adjusts and latches properly
- The belt is not ripped or frayed
Which of the following is NOT one of the dash indicators you will look for during your pre-trip inspection?
- Four-way emergency flashers
- Antilock Braking System (ABS) indicator
- Left turn signal indicator
- Air lines reversed 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.
Describe the proper service brake check:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- All of these are correct
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.
What are two indications of loose lug nuts?
- Low hub oil level or brakes squeaking
- All these are correct
- Twisted or bent valve stem and over-inflated tires
- Rusty trails or shiny threads
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.
- Pump the brake three times and watch the hydraulic pressure gauge to make sure it's building pressure
- 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 an emergency system check on air brake systems, the tractor parking valve and the trailer parking valve should close (pop out) when the pressure gets below what reading?
- 10-30 psi
- 60-80 psi
- 80 - 100 psi
- 20-45 psi
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
- Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to power steering hoses
- Look for any missing nuts, bolts and cotter keys
- 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.
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 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 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 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)
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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