Maine CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is the service brake

To test the service brakes, pull forward at 5 mph and then apply the service brake. Unless the brakes are wet, they should apply evenly and not pull the vehicle to one side or the other. If your vehicle pulls to one side or the other, the service brakes may need repair.

Not quite. The answer is make sure it is securely mounted.

When checking the alternator, check that it is securely fastened. Check that all wires are undamaged and securely fastened. Check that the belt is in good condition and the belt deflection is between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 remove the radiator cap if the engine might be hot.

If the engine is cool to the touch of your bare hand, you can probably remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level safely. If the engine is hot, do NOT remove the radiator cap; it's dangerous. If there is a sight glass or coolant reservoir, you can use it to check the coolant level. Otherwise, just tell the examiner how you would check the coolant level by removing the radiator cap once the engine is cool.

Not quite. The answer is 1/8 full.

According to the CDL manual, the DEF tank should be more than 1/8 full. (Typically, a vehicle uses about 1 gallon of DEF for every 50 gallons of diesel fuel.) Also check the DEF indicator on the dashboard to be sure it is working properly.

Not quite. The answer is Oil level

Use the dipstick to check the oil level in the engine. If the oil level is below the refill mark, add oil before you start to drive.

Not quite. The answer is Release arm

The release arm allows you to disengage the fifth-wheel locking jaws so you can uncouple the trailer. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the release arm is in the engaged position and the safety latch (if so equipped) is in place.

Not quite. The answer is the support frame.

As part of your vehicle inspection test, if your vehicle has a semitrailer, you will have to check the landing gear. Check that it 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 for air or hydraulic leaks.

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 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.

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 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.

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.