Connecticut CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is you'll fail the entire CDL skills test.

If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes but you fail to check them correctly, you'll fail the vehicle inspection portion of your CDL skills test (and therefore, the entire skills test).

Not quite. The answer is Pitman arm

The Pitman arm is attached to the output shaft of the steering box. The Pitman arm changes the rotation of the output shaft into back-and-forth movement, which is used to turn the front wheels of the CMV. The torque arm (also known as a radius rod) and bearing plate are parts of a vehicle's suspension.

Not quite. The answer is 10

If there is more than 10 degrees of play in your steering wheel, your vehicle will be harder to steer. 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 Fire extinguisher

Federal regulations require CMVs to carry a properly rated fire extinguisher and warning devices for stopped vehicles. Spare electrical fuses are no longer federally required, although they are still recommended if the vehicle uses fuses. First-aid kits and wheel chocks may be required by some employers or states, but they are not federally required for all CMVs.

Source: 49 CFR 393.95

Not quite. The answer is All of the above

The external lights that should be checked include the following: high- and low-beam headlights, clearance lights, taillights, backing lights, four-way emergency flashers, left and right turn signals, red and amber reflectors, and brake lights.

Not quite. The answer is Heater/defroster

The heater/defroster provides a stream of warmed air. By selecting the appropriate vents, you can choose whether the air will heat the cab or melt frost on the windshield.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above

There are many things you must check during your pre-trip inspection. In Step 5 (Walkaround Inspection) of the Seven-Step Inspection Method, you'll check many items around the vehicle, including the cargo securement and the condition of the windshield wipers.

Not quite. The answer is Oil pressure

During your pre-trip inspection, make sure that the oil pressure gauge is working and it shows normal or increasing oil pressure. Running the engine without oil will eventually cause serious damage.

Not quite. The answer is Exhaust

Your vehicle's exhaust system consists of a set of pipes and other components for removing the hot combustion gases produced by your engine. One of these gases, carbon monoxide (CO), can be particularly poisonous to you if an exhaust leak causes CO to build up in the cab. During your pre-trip inspection, check the exhaust system for cracks, holes, and severe dents. Check for sounds and signs of leaks. There should be no loose, broken, or missing parts. No exhaust system parts should be rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, wires, air lines, or other moving parts of the vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is Battery fluid level

There are many possible causes of vehicle fires, including poor cargo ventilation and electrical short circuits caused by damaged insulation or loose connections. A low battery fluid level can impair battery performance and even damage the battery, but it's unlikely to cause a fire.

Not quite. The answer is Landing gear

The trailer landing gear is a set of retractable legs that support the trailer when it is parked. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the landing gear is fully raised and no parts are missing. Check that the crank handle is secure and the support frame is undamaged. If the landing gear is power operated, check it for air or hydraulic leaks.

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 While the parking brake is applied

The parking brake is meant to keep your vehicle from moving. The best way to test it is to apply the parking brake and then try to pull forward gently. The parking brake should hold your vehicle in place. If you're pulling one or more trailers, test each trailer's parking brakes in the same way.

Not quite. The answer is the parking brake

The parking brake is meant to keep your vehicle from moving. The best way to test it is to apply the brake and then try to pull forward gently. The parking brake should hold your vehicle in place.

Not quite. The answer is Check the sight glass.

Your vehicle may provide a way for you to check the coolant level even when the engine is hot. Such devices include reservoir sight glasses, see-through coolant overflow containers, and coolant recovery containers.

Not quite. The answer is any of the above

When you check the engine compartment, make sure the engine is off. In this step, you check a number of things, including checking the air compressor, water pump, and hoses for leaks.

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 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. While you're driving, a dropped drive shaft could be very serious.

Not quite. The answer is Dash indicators

During your pre-trip inspection, test that the dash indicators work when the following corresponding lights are turned on: the left turn signal, the right turn signal, the four-way emergency flashers, and the high-beam headlights.

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.