Nevada CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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 carbon soot.

As part of your vehicle inspection test, you will inspect the exhaust system for leaks. Obvious signs of leaks include breaks or holes in the pipes or other components. Other signs include rust or carbon soot, increased noise, or increased vibration.

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.

Not quite. The answer is Spring mounts

Spring mounts consist of the brackets, bolts, shackles, and bushings used for attaching springs or air bags (for an air ride suspension) to the vehicle frame. During your inspection, check that the spring mounts are secured to the vehicle's frame and axles. Check that no bushings are damaged or missing. Check that there are no broken, loose, or missing bolts or U-bolts.

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 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 Lug nuts

During your pre-trip inspection, check that all lug nuts are present and accounted for, tightly fastened, and free of cracks or distortions.

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 Frame

The frame consists of the structural members for supporting the body of the vehicle or trailer. When inspecting the frame, (1) check for cracks; (2) check for broken welds; and (3) check for illegal holes or other damage to the longitudinal frame members, cross members, box, or floor.

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.

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 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.

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 Brake drum / linings

Brake linings use friction to turn the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat. However, excessive heat from overuse of the brakes may cause the brake linings to wear out faster, leading to brake fade or failure. Also, if one brake is out of adjustment and can't do its job, the other brakes will have to work harder, causing them to overheat.

Not quite. The answer is battery

During your pre-trip inspection, check the battery to make sure that its connections are tight and not excessively corroded. Also check that the door or cover of the battery box is secure and undamaged.

Not quite. The answer is Platform

During your pre-trip inspection, check that there are no cracks or other damage to the platform structure that supports the fifth wheel skid plate.

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 Over the trailer bumper; hooks face downward

During your pre-trip inspection, make sure that the safety chains are crossed (if they are long enough for that). Make sure that the safety chains are hooked over the trailer bumper and onto the trailer so that the hooks face downward.

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 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.