New Mexico CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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 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 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 air lines and electrical lines

During your pre-trip inspection, check the electrical lines and air hoses (or hydraulic hoses for hydraulic brakes). Make sure that the lines and hoses are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn. Also make sure they are not tangled, pinched, or dragging on parts of the tractor.

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 splash guards (mud flaps)

Always check that all splash guards (mud flaps) are securely mounted and in good condition. Currently, there are no federal requirements on splash guards. Every state is free to issue its own regulations on splash guards. However, New Mexico appears to have no such regulations.

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 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 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 Steering box

When you turn the steering wheel, the steering box translates this motion into turning the front wheels. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the steering box is in good condition, securely mounted, and not leaking. Also check that no nuts, bolts, or cotter keys are missing.

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 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 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 Non-steering axle tires

Steering axle tires must have a tread depth of at least 4/32 inch. All other tires must have a tread depth of at least 2/32 inch.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above are true.

Your vehicle must not be driven if one-fourth or more of the leaves in a leaf spring are missing or broken. However, any defect in the leaf springs is potentially dangerous. A brake drum that is cracked more than halfway across must be replaced.

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 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.

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 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 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.