Minnesota CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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 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 Hearing

When you inspect the air lines, listen for the telltale hiss of escaping air, which indicates an air leak.

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 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.

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.

Not quite. The answer is you'll fail the entire CDL skills test.

If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes but you fail to check them correctly, you'll fail the vehicle inspection portion of your CDL skills test (and therefore, the entire skills test).

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 Battery fluid level

There are many possible causes of vehicle fires, including poor cargo ventilation and electrical short circuits caused by damaged insulation or loose connections. A low battery fluid level can impair battery performance and even damage the battery, but it's unlikely to cause a fire.

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 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 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.

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 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 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.

Not quite. The answer is leaking fluids.

A drum brake isn't designed to contain fluid. Note, however, that grease or oil can seep onto the brake linings or pads from a leak elsewhere. If the lining or pad appears to be soaked in oil or grease, replace it and look for a leak elsewhere.

Not quite. The answer is Shock absorbers

During your pre-trip inspection, check the shock absorbers on every axle of your vehicle (including the trailers if any) to be sure that they are securely mounted and not leaking.

Not quite. The answer is Stop arm

The stop arm is an extensible stop sign on the side of the school bus. A control lets you swing out the stop arm to warn other drivers that you're stopping to pick up or let off passengers. During your inspection, check that the stop arm is undamaged and mounted securely on the vehicle frame, and there are no loose fittings. Activate the stop arm to be sure that it extends fully.

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