North Carolina CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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 splash guards (mud flaps)

Currently, there are no federal regulations on splash guards (mud flaps). Each state is free to create its own regulations. Some states don't have any such regulations. Some other states regulate how mud flaps can be used without actually requiring that they be used. Check with your state's DMV or transportation department for the regulations for your state. However, if splash guards are installed on your vehicle, check that they are securely mounted and in good condition.

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 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

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 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 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 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 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 Neither of the above

The drag link and Pitman arm are two components of the steering system.

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 10

If there is more than 10 degrees of play in your steering wheel, your vehicle will be harder to steer. 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 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 slack adjusters.

The slack adjuster connects to the pushrod. If the slack adjuster has too much slack, the brake can fail.

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 Landing gear

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

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 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 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 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.