Which of the following do you NOT have to do during the in-cab inspection?

Check that the steps leading to the cab entry are solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the frame.

Put the gear shift in neutral (for a manual) or park (for an automatic).

Make sure the parking brake is on.

Start the engine and listen for unusual noises.

To inspect the engine compartment, when might it be necessary for you to tilt the cab?

If you want to inspect the driveshaft

If you suspect a problem in the drivetrain

If the vehicle was in an accident

You are checking your steering and exhaust systems during a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?

Excessive steering wheel play can make it hard to steer.

Leaks in the exhaust system are not a problem if they are outside of the cab.

Some leakage of power steering fluid is normal.

When you inspect _________ for leaks, the engine should be off.

hoses in the engine compartment

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Florida CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

20 pre-trip inspection questions for the Florida CDL Knowledge Test, out of 91 in the app. Answer each to see whether you got it right and why. The real Florida Pre-Trip Inspection test has 20 questions and you need 16 correct (80%) to pass.

Facts updated Oct 26, 2026
Official source: law.cornell.edu
Independent, not affiliated with the DMV. How we write our questions

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1Pick an answer20 questions, one tap each.
2See the ruleRight or wrong, every answer is explained.
3Get your scoreCompared with the real 80% pass mark.

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0/20 answered0 correctPass mark 80%

1Question 1 of 20
Which of the following do you NOT have to do during the in-cab inspection?
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.)
2Question 2 of 20
If your vehicle has _________, check that they are securely mounted and in good condition whether or not they are required by law.
Not quite. The answer is splash guards
Currently, there are no federal regulations on splash guards (mud flaps). Each state is free to create its own regulations. Florida requires splash guards on the rearmost wheels of every truck tractor, every truck exceeding 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, and every trailer and semitrailer whose net weight exceeds 2,000 pounds. Florida does not require any minimum ground clearance for the splash guards. Still, if splash guards are mounted on your vehicle, at least check that they are securely mounted and in good condition.
Source: "Commercial Motor Vehicle Manual," Florida Highway Patrol Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, July 2016
3Question 3 of 20
Make sure that the _________ are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn, and not tangled, pinched, or dragged against tractor parts.
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.
4Question 4 of 20
To inspect the engine compartment, when might it be necessary for you to tilt the cab?
Not quite. The answer is If it's a cab-over vehicle
In a conventional vehicle, the engine is mounted forward of the driver. In a cab-over vehicle (also known as a cab-forward vehicle), the cab is located above, or even in front of, the front axle. To inspect a cab-over vehicle, it may be necessary for you to tilt the cab to gain access to the engine compartment. Before doing this, secure any loose items inside the cab so they won't fall when you tilt the cab.
5Question 5 of 20
If this is damaged, it could lead to a loss of the tire or loss of the wheel from the axle. Check that there is no damage and that there are no welding repairs. What are you inspecting?
Not quite. The answer is Rim
The rim is the outer part of the wheel, to which a tire is attached. A damaged rim can result in loss of the tire from the rim, loss of the wheel from the axle, loss of air pressure in the tire, or the wheel rolling off the rim because of damage to the flange. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the rim is undamaged and the flange isn't bent. Check that no welding repairs have been made to the rim. Finally, check that there are no rust trails (which might indicate that the rim is loose on the wheel).
6Question 6 of 20
What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?
Not quite. The answer is Locking pins
On many vehicles, the fifth wheel is designed to slide forward and backward on slider rails. If that is so on your vehicle, check the sliding fifth wheel locking pins. Make sure that none of them are loose or missing and that all of them are fully engaged.
7Question 7 of 20
What maintains air pressure in the air brake system?
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.
8Question 8 of 20
During the pre-trip inspection, which of the following does NOT get checked at the rear of a trailer?
Not quite. The answer is Landing gear
You check the landing gear when you inspect the side of the trailer.
9Question 9 of 20
When you inspect the air lines, which sense should you use to check for air leaks?
Not quite. The answer is Hearing
When you inspect the air lines, listen for the telltale hiss of escaping air, which indicates an air leak.
10Question 10 of 20
If worn, what can cause excessive heat buildup from a reduced ability to absorb and dissipate heat, possibly leading to loss of brake response?
Not quite. The answer is Brake drum / linings
Brake linings use friction to turn the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat. However, excessive heat from overuse of the brakes may cause the brake linings to wear out faster, leading to brake fade or failure. Also, if one brake is out of adjustment and can't do its job, the other brakes will have to work harder, causing them to overheat.
11Question 11 of 20
You pump the pedal three times and hold it down for five seconds, making sure that the pedal does not move. What are you testing?
Not quite. The answer is Hydraulic brakes
If your vehicle has hydraulic brakes, test them by pumping the brake pedal three times and then applying firm pressure to it for five seconds, making sure the pedal does not move during that time. If your vehicle has air brakes, test them by performing the final air brake check as described in the Florida CDL Handbook.
12Question 12 of 20
During your pre-trip inspection of a tractor-trailer, what should be fully raised with the crank handle secured?
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.
13Question 13 of 20
________ are gas or hydraulic devices that cushion the vehicle's ride and stabilize the vehicle.
Not quite. The answer is Shock absorbers
During your pre-trip inspection, check the shock absorbers on every axle of your vehicle (including the trailers if any) to be sure that they are securely mounted and not leaking.
14Question 14 of 20
Which of these converts air pressure to mechanical force to operate the brake at a wheel?
Not quite. The answer is Brake chamber
The brake chamber (one at each wheel) converts air pressure to mechanical force to operate the brake at that wheel. When you press the brake pedal, compressed air from a service tank enters the brake chamber. Air pressure pushes out the brake chamber's pushrod, which moves the slack adjuster. The moving slack adjuster applies the brake.
15Question 15 of 20
_________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.
Not quite. The answer is The windshield and mirrors
The windshield and mirrors should be clean and free of damage, illegal stickers, or obstructions that could impede visibility.
16Question 16 of 20
What system consists of external piping for conducting combustion gases from the engine?
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.
17Question 17 of 20
What transmits power from the transmission to the drive axle?
Not quite. The answer is Driveshaft
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.
18Question 18 of 20
You are checking your steering and exhaust systems during a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?
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
19Question 19 of 20
Which of the following dashboard light indicators should you test?
Not quite. The answer is Turn signals
There are five dashboard indicators that you should ensure are working correctly: the left turn signal, the right turn signal, the four-way emergency flashers, the high beams, and the indicator for the anti-lock braking system (if your vehicle is so equipped).
20Question 20 of 20
When you inspect _________ for leaks, the engine should be off.
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 the air compressor, water pump, and hoses for leaks.

Questions people ask

Is this Florida CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test like the real Florida CDL Knowledge Test?

The questions are written in the same style as the real test, from official sources, with an explanation for each answer. The real test has 20 questions; this free test has 20.

How many questions are on the Florida CDL Knowledge Test?

The General Knowledge test has 20 questions. Each class and endorsement adds its own test.

What score do you need to pass the Florida CDL Knowledge Test?

You need 16 out of 20 correct (80%).

How old do you have to be to take the Florida CDL Knowledge Test?

You can take it from age 18.

Where can I practice more questions?

The Driving Exam Prep app has the full question bank for your test, a step-by-step roadmap, a mistakes review and a readiness score against the real pass mark.

Official sources

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Which of the following do you NOT have to do during the in-cab inspection?

If your vehicle has _________, check that they are securely mounted and in good condition whether or not they are required by law.

Make sure that the _________ are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn, and not tangled, pinched, or dragged against tractor parts.

To inspect the engine compartment, when might it be necessary for you to tilt the cab?

If this is damaged, it could lead to a loss of the tire or loss of the wheel from the axle. Check that there is no damage and that there are no welding repairs. What are you inspecting?

What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?

What maintains air pressure in the air brake system?

During the pre-trip inspection, which of the following does NOT get checked at the rear of a trailer?

When you inspect the air lines, which sense should you use to check for air leaks?

If worn, what can cause excessive heat buildup from a reduced ability to absorb and dissipate heat, possibly leading to loss of brake response?

You pump the pedal three times and hold it down for five seconds, making sure that the pedal does not move. What are you testing?

During your pre-trip inspection of a tractor-trailer, what should be fully raised with the crank handle secured?

________ are gas or hydraulic devices that cushion the vehicle's ride and stabilize the vehicle.

Which of these converts air pressure to mechanical force to operate the brake at a wheel?

_________ should be clean with no dirt, illegal stickers, obstructions, or damage.

What system consists of external piping for conducting combustion gases from the engine?

What transmits power from the transmission to the drive axle?