Nebraska CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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 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 Landing gear

You check the landing gear when you inspect the side of the trailer.

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 do all of the above.

As part of your vehicle inspection test, if your vehicle is equipped with a cargo lift, explain how to check it for correct operation. Check for leaking, damaged, or missing parts. Also check that the cargo lift is fully retracted and securely latched.

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.

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 Check that the steps leading to the cab entry are solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the frame.

During the in-cab inspection, shift into neutral (for a manual) or park (for an automatic) and make sure the parking brake is on. Start the engine and listen for unusual noises. (You do inspect the steps to the cab during the pre-trip inspection, but not during the in-cab inspection.)

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.

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 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 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 Safety / seat

You should wear your safety belt at all times while you're riding. (You may fail your skills test if you don't wear it.) Make sure it is in good condition and securely mounted in the cab. Also make sure it adjusts and latches properly.

Not quite. The answer is the trailer parking brake

Even after you release the truck or tractor parking brake, the trailer parking brake should still hold your vehicle in place when you try to pull forward gently.

Not quite. The answer is Excessive steering wheel play can make it hard to steer.

If there is more than 10 degrees of play in your steering wheel, it will be harder for you to tell which way your front wheels are pointed. Have the problem corrected before you drive the vehicle. Ten degrees is equivalent to about 1¾ inches at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel. According to federal regulations, there must not be more than 2½ inches of play at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel.

Source: 49 CFR 570.60

Not quite. The answer is If it's a cab-over vehicle

In a conventional vehicle, the engine is mounted forward of the driver. In a cab-over vehicle (also known as a cab-forward vehicle), the cab is located above, or even in front of, the front axle. To inspect a cab-over vehicle, it may be necessary for you to tilt the cab to gain access to the engine compartment. Before doing this, secure any loose items inside the cab so they won't fall when you tilt the cab.

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 If you fail one part of the skills test, you'll have to retake the entire test next time.

Applicants fail the pre-trip inspection more than any other part of the CDL skills test. There's a lot to remember, and you may not be allowed to take a pre-trip inspection checklist or any other "cheat sheet" with you to the test. Inspecting your vehicle in the same order each time will help you remember the steps both for your skills test and in your commercial driving career. If you fail any part of the skills test, you will have to take the entire skills test again and pay additional fees.

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.

Not quite. The answer is Drive shaft

The drive shaft transmits torque from the transmission and the gear box to the drive wheels. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the drive shaft is not bent or cracked and the U-joints aren't loose or worn. While you're driving, a dropped drive shaft could be very serious.