Oregon CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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 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 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 Rim

The rim is the outer part of the wheel, to which a tire is attached. A damaged rim can result in loss of the tire from the rim, loss of the wheel from the axle, loss of air pressure in the tire, or the wheel rolling off the rim because of damage to the flange. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the rim is undamaged and the flange isn't bent. Check that no welding repairs have been made to the rim. Finally, check that there are no rust trails (which might indicate that the rim is loose on the wheel).

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 the coupling system.

A Class A CDL allows you to pull a trailer whose gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds. Thus, you must know how a trailer is coupled to a tractor. The Class A vehicle inspection test will evaluate your ability to inspect the coupling system.

Not quite. The answer is Fire extinguisher

Federal regulations require CMVs to carry a properly rated fire extinguisher and warning devices for stopped vehicles. Spare electrical fuses are no longer federally required, although they are still recommended if the vehicle uses fuses. First-aid kits and wheel chocks may be required by some employers or states, but they are not federally required for all CMVs.

Source: 49 CFR 393.95

Not quite. The answer is Parking brake

The parking brake keeps your vehicle from moving when it's parked. The mechanism is separate from the service brakes that you use in normal driving.

Not quite. The answer is the support frame.

As part of your vehicle inspection test, if your vehicle has a semitrailer, you will have to check the landing gear. Check that it 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 for air or hydraulic leaks.

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 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 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 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 Catwalk

Check that the steps leading up to the cab and catwalk (if any) are clear of obstructions and secured to the tractor frame.

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 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 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 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 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 the special features of the vehicle.

Class B and Class C CDLs cover the operation of a wide variety of different types of vehicles with their own special features. You must perform the vehicle inspection test on a vehicle that is representative of the kinds of vehicles that you plan to drive professionally. As part of the test, you will have to inspect any special features of your vehicle (such as the special features of school buses if you're using one for the test).