Iowa CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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 parking brakes

Test the parking brakes first. Then to test the service brakes, start by releasing the parking brakes.

Not quite. The answer is splash guards (mud flaps)

Currently, there are no federal regulations on splash guards (mud flaps). Each state is free to create its own regulations. Some states don't have any such regulations. Some other states regulate how mud flaps can be used without actually requiring that they be used. Check with your state's DMV or transportation department for the regulations for your state. However, if splash guards are installed on your vehicle, check that they are securely mounted and in good condition.

Not quite. The answer is Locking pins

During the pre-trip inspection, check for loose or missing locking pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel.

Not quite. The answer is Lug nuts

During your pre-trip inspection, check that all lug nuts are present and accounted for, tightly fastened, and free of cracks or distortions.

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 the trailer parking brake

Even after you release the truck or tractor parking brake, the trailer parking brake should still hold your vehicle in place when you try to pull forward gently.

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 The windshield and mirrors

Windshields and mirrors should be clean and free of damage, illegal stickers, or obstructions that could impede visibility.

Not quite. The answer is slack adjusters.

The slack adjuster connects to the pushrod. If the slack adjuster has too much slack, the brake can fail.

Not quite. The answer is Neither of the above

The drag link and Pitman arm are two components of the steering 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.

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 Tandem release arm / locking pins

If so equipped, make sure that the locking pins are locked in place and the release arm is secured.

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 on 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 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 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 seals

Damaged door seals allow drafts or rain to get inside. Check if the door seals are intact and undamaged. Replace any leaky door seals.

Not quite. The answer is Fire extinguisher and warning devices for stopped vehicles

Federal regulations require every CMV to carry one of the following sets of warning devices in case the driver must stop the CMV on the road: three reflective triangles and a fire extinguisher. Spare electrical fuses are no longer federally required emergency equipment under current FMCSA regulations. States may require extra emergency equipment on certain vehicles.

Source: 49 CFR 393.95

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.