CDL Practice Tests: Pre-Trip Inspection
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Go!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 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)
- 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)
What are two indications of loose lug nuts?
- Rusty trails or shiny threads
- Twisted or bent valve stem and over-inflated tires
- Low hub oil level or brakes squeaking
- All these are correct
When inspecting a passenger bus, which of the following must be checked when inspecting emergency exits?
- All these are correct
- Make sure emergency exits are not damaged
- Check that any emergency exit warning devices are working.
- Make sure the emergency exits operate smoothly and close securely from the inside
Emergency Exits
- Make sure that all emergency exits are not damaged, operate smoothly and close securely from the inside.
- Check that any emergency exit warning devices are working.
When checking the suspension components, what should you check for?
- Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and leaks.
- All these are correct
- Look for missing, shifted, cracked or broken leaf springs.
- Look for broken or distorted coil springs.
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.
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 contaminates, such as debris or oil/grease.
- Check for cracks, dents or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts.
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 steering axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires
- 2/32 on steering axle tires and 4/32 on all other tires
- 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
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, what should you check on the battery box?
- Battery connections should not show signs of excessive corrosion
- Battery box and cover or door must be secure
- Battery(s) are secure, connections are tight and cell caps are present
- 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.
Which is the proper procedure for checking hydraulic brakes?
- All these are correct
- 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
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.
What should you check for on the tires during a pre-trip inspection?
- Look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls
- All these are correct
- Check that tread is evenly worn
- 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 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.
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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