Kansas CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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.

Not quite. The answer is Steering box

When you turn the steering wheel, the steering box translates this motion into turning the front wheels. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the steering box is in good condition, securely mounted, and not leaking. Also check that no nuts, bolts, or cotter keys are missing.

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 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 Both of the above

Your steering system is critical to your safety, especially in an emergency. Excessive steering wheel play may make it difficult for you to know which way your front wheels are pointed. A leak of power steering fluid may eventually lead to power steering failure if left uncorrected.

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 Kansas Commercial Driver License Manual.

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 Landing gear

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

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 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 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.

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 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 do either (a) or (b).

If the coolant overflow container is not part of the pressurized system, you can remove the cap to check the coolant level even when the engine is hot. Alternatively, some vehicles have sight glasses to let you check the coolant level. Note: Never attempt to remove the radiator cap or any other part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled thoroughly. While it's hot, pressurized steam or boiling water can spray out and injure you.

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 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).

Not quite. The answer is Poisonous fumes can enter the cab or sleeping compartment.

The exhaust system is designed to help remove toxic gases produced by the engine. A leak in the exhaust system can allow poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) to seep into the cab or sleeping compartment. A buildup of CO is more likely in cold weather, when you may have the cab windows closed.

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 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.