Ohio CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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 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 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 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 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 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 both of the above.

When inspecting the brakes, check that the drums (or discs) do not have cracks longer than one-half the width of the friction area. Also check that the linings (or pads) are neither loose nor soaked with oil or grease. The linings (or pads) must not be worn dangerously thin either.

Not quite. The answer is Brake chamber

The brake chamber (one at each wheel) converts air pressure to mechanical force to operate the brake at that wheel. When you press the brake pedal, compressed air from a service tank enters the brake chamber. Air pressure pushes out the brake chamber's pushrod, which moves the slack adjuster. The moving slack adjuster applies the brake.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Neither of the above

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