CDL Practice Tests: Pre-Trip Inspection
Choose A Section:
Go!Describe the proper service brake check:
- All of these are correct
- 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
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 do you check for with the safety belt during a pre-trip inspection?
- The belt is securely mounted
- The belt adjusts and latches properly
- The belt is not ripped or frayed
- All these are correct
Which is the proper procedure for checking the trailer parking brakes?
- Measure the distance between the parking brake shoe and the drum. Make sure it is less than 1 inch
- All these are correct
- Check the angle of the S-cam coming out of the brake chamber
- Gently trying to pull forward with the trailer parking brake on
What are two indications of loose lug nuts?
- Twisted or bent valve stem and over-inflated tires
- Low hub oil level or brakes squeaking
- All these are correct
- Rusty trails or shiny threads
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 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 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 checking the suspension components, what should you check for?
- Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and leaks.
- Look for missing, shifted, cracked or broken leaf springs.
- Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
- All these are correct
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 of the engine compartment, which of the following are you NOT looking for?
- Make sure the air lines are properly attached to the trailer
- Look for dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission.
- Look for puddles on the ground.
- Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
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.
When doing a pre-trip inspection, how much of a gap should there be between the 5th wheel and the trailer?
- No gap
- No less than 2 inches
- 1/4 inch
- 1 inch
What should you check for on drum brakes during a pre-trip inspection?
- Brake linings (where visible) should not be worn dangerously thin.
- All these are correct
- Check for cracks, dents or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts.
- Check for contaminates, such as debris or oil/grease.
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.
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
- 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
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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