Kentucky CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is Turn signals

There are five dash 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).

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 Seats

In a passenger vehicle, the seats must be safe for passengers to sit in. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the seats are firmly attached to the floor. Make sure that the seatbacks and frames are not broken. Check that the seat cushions are securely attached to the seat frames and are in satisfactory condition.

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 Clutch and gearshift

To ensure that your vehicle doesn't move once you start the engine, first depress the clutch (unless the vehicle has an automatic transmission) and put the gearshift in neutral (or Park for an automatic transmission). Once the engine has started, slowly release the clutch.

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 coupling system.

A Class A CDL allows you to pull a trailer whose gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds. Thus, you must know how a trailer is coupled to a tractor. The Class A vehicle inspection test will evaluate your ability to inspect the coupling system.

Not quite. The answer is hub oil seals and axle seals.

As part of your pre-trip inspection of the wheels, check the axle seals and the hub oil/grease seals for leaks. Look for oil or grease on the wheels and any visible evidence of cracks or leaks. If the wheel has a sight glass, you can visually confirm that the oil level is adequate.

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 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 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 Frame

The frame consists of the structural members for supporting the body of the vehicle or trailer. When inspecting the frame, (1) check for cracks; (2) check for broken welds; and (3) check for illegal holes or other damage to the longitudinal frame members, cross members, box, or floor.

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 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 Non-steering axle tires

Steering axle tires must have a tread depth of at least 4/32 inch. All other tires must have a tread depth of at least 2/32 inch.

Not quite. The answer is Locking pins

If so equipped, look for loose or missing locking pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel. Make sure that the pins are fully engaged.

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 battery

During your pre-trip inspection, check the battery to make sure that its connections are tight and not excessively corroded. Also check that the door or cover of the battery box is secure and undamaged.

Not quite. The answer is Ammeter or voltmeter

During your pre-trip inspection, check the ammeter gauge or voltmeter gauge to make sure that the alternator or generator is charging properly or the warning light is off.

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.