Oklahoma CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is Tandem release arm / locking pins

If so equipped, make sure that the locking pins are locked in place and the release arm is secured.

Not quite. The answer is Turn signals

There are five dash indicators that you should ensure are working correctly: the left turn signal, the right turn signal, the four-way emergency flashers, the high beams, and the indicator for the anti-lock braking system (if your vehicle is so equipped).

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 Leaks

As part of your engine inspection, check the ground below the engine compartment for puddles or dripping liquids.

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 Alternator

While the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery to power your vehicle’s electrical system. During your inspection, check that the alternator is securely mounted. Check that the electrical wire connections are uncorroded, tight, and securely fastened, with no bare wires. Check that the alternator belt is in good condition, and belt deflection is between ½ inch and ¾ inch.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Fuel tank(s)

While inspecting the side of your vehicle, check that the fuel tanks are securely mounted and their fuel filler caps are tight. Also make sure that neither the tanks nor the fuel lines are leaking.

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 Tires

When you drive, you must be able to see and be seen by other road users. During your walk-around inspection, clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you go along. Your vehicle's license plates must also be clean and well secured.

Not quite. The answer is When you start the engine, the oil temperature gauge should climb to the normal operating range.

When you start the engine, the oil temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range. (The oil may take longer than the coolant to warm up.) If the gauge doesn't rise, the oil temperature sensor may have failed.

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.