Why should you take the starter key with you during the pre-trip inspection?

So no one drives the vehicle while you are inspecting under it.

You will need it during the inspection.

If the coolant overflow container is not part of the pressurized system, to check the coolant level,

(a) inspect the reservoir sight glass.

(b) remove the container cap and check the level visible.

To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.

the windshield wipers and washer

When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to

the brake linings or brake pads.

When should you test your parking brake?

While the parking brake is applied

While your vehicle is moving at a very low speed

While your vehicle is moving at a speed of at least 10 mph

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Louisiana CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

20 pre-trip inspection questions for the Louisiana CDL Knowledge Test, out of 91 in the app. Answer each to see whether you got it right and why. The real Louisiana 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 OMV. How we write our questions

How it works

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
If the wheel has a sight glass, check that the oil level is adequate. Otherwise, look for leaks around the
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.
2Question 2 of 20
What transforms steering column action into wheel action?
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.
3Question 3 of 20
Which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch?
Not quite. The answer is Steering axle tires
The tires on the steering axle should have at least 4/32 inch of tread, and all other tires should have at least 2/32 inch of tread. Inadequate tread on the front tires increases the risk of a front-wheel skid.
4Question 4 of 20
Which of these items are checked in a pre-trip inspection?
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.
5Question 5 of 20
Why should you take the starter key with you during the pre-trip inspection?
Not quite. The answer is So no one drives the vehicle while you are inspecting under it.
Take the starter key with you during the inspection so no one can drive your vehicle while you are inspecting under it.
6Question 6 of 20
What should you make sure is secure and not leaking and its cap(s) are tight?
Not quite. The answer is Fuel tank(s)
While inspecting the side of your vehicle, check that the fuel tanks are securely mounted and their fuel filler caps are tight. Also make sure that neither the tanks nor the fuel lines are leaking.
7Question 7 of 20
If the coolant overflow container is not part of the pressurized system, to check the coolant level,
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.
8Question 8 of 20
To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.
Not quite. The answer is the windshield wipers and washer
Check that the windshield wiper blades are in good condition and press hard enough against the windshield to keep it clean without excessive streaking. Also make sure that the windshield washer mechanism works and there is enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.
9Question 9 of 20
Apply _________ and then try to pull forward gently. If it works properly, your vehicle shouldn't move.
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.
10Question 10 of 20
Which of these keeps your vehicle from rolling when it's parked?
Not quite. The answer is Parking brake
The parking brake keeps your vehicle from moving when it's parked. The mechanism is separate from the service brakes that you use in normal driving.
11Question 11 of 20
You must be prepared to inspect the brake components on which axles?
Not quite. The answer is Every axle
Be prepared to perform a brake components inspection on every axle. You may need to perform a suspension components inspection on every axle, too.
12Question 12 of 20
What, if loose or missing, may cause movement between the sliding fifth wheel and the slide mounting?
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.
13Question 13 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.
14Question 14 of 20
Which gauge indicates the alternator or generator is charging?
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.
15Question 15 of 20
Which of the following emergency equipment is federally required in a commercial motor vehicle?
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
16Question 16 of 20
What carries air or hydraulic fluid to the wheel brake assembly?
Not quite. The answer is Brake hoses / lines
Compressed air (or hydraulic fluid if your vehicle has hydraulic brakes) flows to the brakes through hoses and lines. During your pre-trip inspection, check all hoses and lines for leaks or tangles.
17Question 17 of 20
When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to
Not quite. The answer is both of the above.
When inspecting the brakes, check that the drums (or discs) do not have cracks longer than one-half the width of the friction area. Also check that the linings (or pads) are neither loose nor soaked with oil or grease. The linings (or pads) must not be worn dangerously thin either.
18Question 18 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.
19Question 19 of 20
When should you test your parking brake?
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.
20Question 20 of 20
Which of the following can disengage the engine from the drivetrain?
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.

Questions people ask

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

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

How old do you have to be to take the Louisiana 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

Our questions are written from these official sources. Always study your official handbook too: rules change, and our practice questions may differ from your real test.

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If the wheel has a sight glass, check that the oil level is adequate. Otherwise, look for leaks around the

What transforms steering column action into wheel action?

Which tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch?

Which of these items are checked in a pre-trip inspection?

Why should you take the starter key with you during the pre-trip inspection?

What should you make sure is secure and not leaking and its cap(s) are tight?

If the coolant overflow container is not part of the pressurized system, to check the coolant level,

To improve visibility during severe or stormy weather, __________ must be secure, undamaged, and operating smoothly and correctly.

Apply _________ and then try to pull forward gently. If it works properly, your vehicle shouldn't move.

Which of these keeps your vehicle from rolling when it's parked?

You must be prepared to inspect the brake components on which axles?

What, if loose or missing, may cause movement between the sliding fifth wheel and the slide mounting?

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

Which gauge indicates the alternator or generator is charging?

Which of the following emergency equipment is federally required in a commercial motor vehicle?

What carries air or hydraulic fluid to the wheel brake assembly?

When inspecting the brakes, you should pay particular attention to

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

When should you test your parking brake?

Which of the following can disengage the engine from the drivetrain?

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