Alabama CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is When you start the engine, the oil temperature gauge should climb to the normal operating range.

When you start the engine, the oil temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range. (The oil may take longer than the coolant to warm up.) If the gauge doesn't rise, the oil temperature sensor may have failed.

Not quite. The answer is Landing gear

You check the landing gear when you inspect the side of the trailer.

Not quite. The answer is the special features of the vehicle.

Class B and Class C CDLs cover the operation of a wide variety of different types of vehicles with their own special features. You must perform the vehicle inspection test in a vehicle that is representative of the kinds of vehicles that you plan to drive professionally. As part of the test, you will have to inspect any special features of your vehicle (such as the special features of school buses if you're using one for the test).

Not quite. The answer is Catwalk

Check that the steps leading up to the cab and catwalk (if any) are clear of obstructions and secured to the tractor frame.

Not quite. The answer is Steering linkage

The steering gearbox (also called the steering box) is connected to the steering column. The steering linkage transmits steering action from the steering box to the front wheels. This linkage includes the Pitman arm, drag link, tie rod, and upper and lower steering knuckles. During your pre-trip inspection, check that these components are securely mounted. Check for loose or missing nuts, bolts, or cotter pins. Check that nothing is wrapped around the tie rod.

Not quite. The answer is Air compressor

The air compressor maintains air pressure for the air brakes by pumping air into the air storage tanks. If your vehicle's air compressor is belt driven, make sure that its drive belt is snug. A belt that is too loose might slip and not drive the air compressor properly.

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

When inspecting the brakes, check that the drums (or discs) do not have cracks longer than one-half the width of the friction area. Also check that the linings (or pads) are neither loose nor soaked with oil or grease. The linings (or pads) must not be worn dangerously thin either.

Not quite. The answer is do all of the above.

As part of your vehicle inspection test, if your vehicle is equipped with a cargo lift, explain how to check it for correct operation. Check for leaking, damaged, or missing parts. Also check that the cargo lift is fully retracted and securely latched.

Not quite. The answer is Spacers

Wheel spacers adjust wheel offset. During your pre-trip inspection, inspect each wheel that has wheel spacers to make sure that no spacers are missing, bent, damaged, or rusted through. Make sure that dual tires aren't touching. Dual tires that touch can catch fire.

Not quite. The answer is If you fail one part of the skills test, you'll have to retake the entire test next time.

Applicants fail the pre-trip inspection more than any other part of the CDL skills test. There's a lot to remember, and you may not be allowed to take a pre-trip inspection checklist or any other "cheat sheet" with you to the test. You will be provided with an official checklist you can use. Inspecting your vehicle in the same order each time will help you remember the steps both for your skills test and in your commercial driving career. If you fail any part of the skills test, you will have to take the entire skills test again and pay additional fees.

Not quite. The answer is Tires

When you drive, you must be able to see and be seen by other road users. During your walk-around inspection, clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you go along. Your vehicle's license plates must also be clean and well secured.

Not quite. The answer is the service brake

To test the service brakes, pull forward at 5 mph and then apply the service brake. Unless the brakes are wet, they should apply evenly and not pull the vehicle to one side or the other. If your vehicle pulls to one side or the other, the service brakes may need repair.

Not quite. The answer is Excessive steering wheel play can make it hard to steer.

If there is more than 10 degrees of play in your steering wheel, it will be harder for you to tell which way your front wheels are pointed. Have the problem corrected before you drive the vehicle. Ten degrees is equivalent to about 1¾ inches at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel. According to federal regulations, there must not be more than 2½ inches of play at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel.

Source: 49 CFR 570.60

Not quite. The answer is air lines and electrical lines

During your pre-trip inspection, check the electrical lines and air hoses (or hydraulic hoses for hydraulic brakes). Make sure that the lines and hoses are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn. Also make sure they are not tangled, pinched, or dragging on parts of the tractor.

Not quite. The answer is Drive shaft

The drive shaft transmits torque from the transmission and the gear box to the drive wheels. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the drive shaft is not bent or cracked and the U-joints aren't loose or worn. A dropped drive shaft while you're driving could be very serious.

Not quite. The answer is Leaks

As part of your engine inspection, check the ground below the engine compartment for puddles or dripping liquids.

Not quite. The answer is the windshield wipers and washer

Check that the windshield wiper blades are in good condition and press hard enough against the windshield to keep it clean without excessive streaking. Also make sure that the windshield washer mechanism works and there is enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.

Not quite. The answer is Check that the steps leading to the cab entry are solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the frame.

During the in-cab inspection, shift into neutral (for a manual) or park (for an automatic) and make sure the parking brake is on. Start the engine and listen for unusual noises. (You do inspect the steps to the cab during the pre-trip inspection, but not during the in-cab part of the inspection.)

Not quite. The answer is Brake hoses and lines

Compressed air (or hydraulic fluid if your vehicle has hydraulic brakes) flows to the brakes through hoses and lines. During your pre-trip inspection, check all hoses and lines for leaks or tangles.

Not quite. The answer is Splash guards

Splash guards (mud flaps) behind the tires prevent debris from hitting other vehicles. During your pre-trip inspection, check that splash guards are present, undamaged, securely mounted, and not dragging on the ground or rubbing on the tires.