South Carolina CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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 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 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 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 Shock absorbers

During your pre-trip inspection, check the shock absorbers on every axle of your vehicle (including the trailers if any) to be sure that they are securely mounted and not leaking.

Not quite. The answer is If you fail one part of the skills test, you'll have to retake the entire test next time.

Applicants fail the pre-trip inspection more than any other part of the CDL skills test. There's a lot to remember. Inspecting your vehicle in the same order each time will help you remember the steps both for your skills test and in your commercial driving career. If you fail any part of the skills test, you will have to take the entire skills test again and pay additional fees.

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 Release arm

The release arm allows you to disengage the fifth-wheel locking jaws so you can uncouple the trailer. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the release arm is in the engaged position and the safety latch (if so equipped) is in place.

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 the service brake

To test the service brakes, pull forward at 5 mph and then apply the service brake. Unless the brakes are wet, they should apply evenly and not pull the vehicle to one side or the other. If your vehicle pulls to one side or the other, the service brakes may need repair.

Not quite. The answer is make sure it is securely mounted.

When checking the alternator, check that it is securely fastened. Check that all wires are undamaged and securely fastened. Check that the belt is in good condition and the belt deflection is between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch.

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 Both of the above

There are many things you must check during your pre-trip inspection. In Step 5 (Walkaround Inspection) of the Seven-Step Inspection Method, you'll check many items around the vehicle, including the cargo securement and the condition of the windshield wipers.

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 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 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 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 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 the parking brakes

Test the parking brakes first. Then to test the service brakes, start by releasing the parking brakes.

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.