CDL Practice Tests: Pre-Trip Inspection
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Go!What should you check for on the tires during a pre-trip inspection?
- Look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls
- Make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
- Check that tread is evenly worn
- All these are correct
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.
In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed in Section 10.2 of this manual, school bus drivers must also check which of the following lighting indicators:
- Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if equipped.
- Alternately flashing red lights indicator.
- Strobe light indicator, if equipped.
- All these are correct
In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed in Section 10.2 of this manual, school bus drivers must also check the following lighting indicators (internal panel lights):
- Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if equipped.
- Alternately flashing red lights indicator.
- Strobe light indicator, if equipped.
When doing an air brake system leak check, which of the following is the correct setup for the test?
- Build the air pressure until it is between 50 - 60 pounds, keep the engine running, chock your wheels, (if necessary), release the tractor parking valve and trailer parking valve
- With the air pressure built up to the governor cut-off (120-140 psi), shut off the engine, chock your wheels, (if necessary), release the tractor parking valve and trailer parking valve
- None of these are correct
- With the air pressure built up to the governor cut-off (120-140 psi), shut off the engine running, chock your wheels, (if necessary), and engage the tractor parking valve and trailer parking valve
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
- 20-45 psi
- 80 - 100 psi
When doing a pre-trip inspection, what should you check on the battery box?
- 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
- All these are correct
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.
During the pre-trip inspection test you must:
- Explain to the examiner what you are checking and why
- All these are correct
- Show that the vehicle is safe to drive
- Walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item
When doing a pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment, which of the following are you NOT looking for?
- Look for puddles on the ground.
- Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
- Look for dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission.
- Make sure the air lines are properly attached to the trailer
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.
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.
Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on:
- Any tires
- Steer tires
- Drive tires
- Trailer 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 dash indicators you will look for during your pre-trip inspection?
- Four-way emergency flashers
- Left turn signal indicator
- Air lines reversed indicator
- 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.
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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