When you check the alternator,

make sure it is securely mounted.

make sure that some of the wires are undamaged.

make sure that belt deflection is at least one inch.

make sure that some of the wires are securely fastened.

What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?

Tandem release arm / locking pins

Why should you take the starter key with you during the inspection?

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

You will need it during the inspection.

You do not need to take the key with you,

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20 questions
Pass mark 80%

Massachusetts CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

20 pre-trip inspection questions for the Massachusetts CDL Knowledge Test, out of 91 in the app. Answer each to see whether you got it right and why. The real Massachusetts 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 RMV. 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.

Start the test

0/20 answered0 correctPass mark 80%

1Question 1 of 20
When you check the alternator,
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.
2Question 2 of 20
The angle between the pushrod and arm should be a little over 90 degrees when the brakes are released and not more than 90 degrees when the brakes are applied. This refers to the
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.
3Question 3 of 20
What do you use the dipstick to check?
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.
4Question 4 of 20
When you pull forward, apply _________ and then check to see that the vehicle does not pull to either side.
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.
5Question 5 of 20
When you inspect your vehicle's doors, check that the hinges are secure and the _______ are in good condition.
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.
6Question 6 of 20
What should not be bent, damaged, or rusted through and should be evenly centered with the dual wheels and tires evenly separated?
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.
7Question 7 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.
8Question 8 of 20
If your vehicle has _________, check that they are securely mounted and in good condition whether or not they are required by law.
Not quite. The answer is splash guards (mud flaps)
Always check that all splash guards (mud flaps) are securely mounted and in good condition. Currently, there are no federal regulations on splash guards (mud flaps). Each state is free to issue its own regulations, and those regulations may vary from one state to another. In Massachusetts, every motor vehicle or trailer, excepting passenger motor vehicles, operated in or upon any way shall be equipped with suitable guards which will effectively reduce the spray or splash to the rear of mud, water or slush caused by the rear wheels. Every passenger motor vehicle that is equipped with tires that extend beyond the fenders or body of such vehicle and that is operated in or upon any way shall be equipped with flaps or suitable guards to reduce such spray or splash to the rear and sides.
Source: MA Gen L c. 90 § 7
9Question 9 of 20
During your pre-trip inspection, what should you test to be sure they work when the corresponding lights are turned on?
Not quite. The answer is Dash indicators
During your pre-trip inspection, test that the dash indicators work when the following corresponding lights are turned on: the left turn signal, the right turn signal, the four-way emergency flashers, and the high-beam headlights.
10Question 10 of 20
What system consists of external piping for conducting combustion gases from the engine?
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.
11Question 11 of 20
What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?
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.
12Question 12 of 20
Why should you take the starter key with you during the 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 drives your vehicle while you are inspecting under it.
13Question 13 of 20
Which external lights should you check?
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.
14Question 14 of 20
You are looking for puddles on the ground and dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission. What are you checking for?
Not quite. The answer is Leaks
As part of your engine inspection, check the ground below the engine compartment for puddles or dripping liquids.
15Question 15 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.
16Question 16 of 20
The Class A vehicle inspection test includes an engine start, an in-cab inspection, and an inspection of
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.
17Question 17 of 20
When performing the air brake tests on a combination vehicle, you should check _________ first.
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.
18Question 18 of 20
During your pre-trip inspection of a tractor-trailer, what should be fully raised with the crank handle secured?
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.
19Question 19 of 20
What heats the cab and prevents frost from forming on the windshield?
Not quite. The answer is Heater/defroster
The heater/defroster provides a stream of warmed air. By selecting the appropriate vents, you can choose whether the air will heat the cab or melt frost on the windshield.
20Question 20 of 20
What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?
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.

Questions people ask

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

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

How old do you have to be to take the Massachusetts 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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When you check the alternator,

The angle between the pushrod and arm should be a little over 90 degrees when the brakes are released and not more than 90 degrees when the brakes are applied. This refers to the

What do you use the dipstick to check?

When you pull forward, apply _________ and then check to see that the vehicle does not pull to either side.

When you inspect your vehicle's doors, check that the hinges are secure and the _______ are in good condition.

What should not be bent, damaged, or rusted through and should be evenly centered with the dual wheels and tires evenly separated?

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

If your vehicle has _________, check that they are securely mounted and in good condition whether or not they are required by law.

During your pre-trip inspection, what should you test to be sure they work when the corresponding lights are turned on?

What system consists of external piping for conducting combustion gases from the engine?

What is the sliding mechanism and locking device for tandem axles on trailers?

Why should you take the starter key with you during the inspection?

Which external lights should you check?

You are looking for puddles on the ground and dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission. What are you checking for?

Which gauge indicates the alternator or generator is charging?

The Class A vehicle inspection test includes an engine start, an in-cab inspection, and an inspection of

When performing the air brake tests on a combination vehicle, you should check _________ first.

During your pre-trip inspection of a tractor-trailer, what should be fully raised with the crank handle secured?

What heats the cab and prevents frost from forming on the windshield?

What should be fully engaged with no loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel?

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Questions people ask

Official sources

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