Pennsylvania 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 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 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 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 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 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 compressor

The air compressor maintains air pressure for the air brakes by pumping air into the air storage tanks. If your vehicle's air compressor is belt driven, make sure that its drive belt is snug. A belt that is too loose might slip and not drive the air compressor properly.

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 do either (a) or (b).

If the coolant overflow container is not part of the pressurized system, you can remove the cap to check the coolant level even when the engine is hot. Alternatively, some vehicles have sight glasses to let you check the coolant level. Note: Never attempt to remove the radiator cap or any other part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled thoroughly. While it's hot, pressurized steam or boiling water can spray out and injure you.

Not quite. The answer is secure and undamaged.

A front-end header board is located at the front part of a trailer. The header board prevents cargo from moving forward (and possibly injuring you) in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Check to make sure that the header board is secure, upright, undamaged (no dents, no corrosion, no missing rivets, etc.), and strong enough to prevent the cargo from moving forward past it.

Not quite. The answer is Clutch and gearshift

To ensure that your vehicle doesn't move once you start the engine, first depress the clutch (unless the vehicle has an automatic transmission) and put the gearshift in neutral (or Park for an automatic transmission). Once the engine has started, slowly release the clutch.

Not quite. The answer is Poisonous fumes can enter the cab or sleeping compartment.

The exhaust system is designed to help remove toxic gases produced by the engine. A leak in the exhaust system can allow poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) to seep into the cab or sleeping compartment. A buildup of CO is more likely in cold weather, when you may have the cab windows closed.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.