Tennessee CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

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 parking brake

The parking brake is meant to keep your vehicle from moving. The best way to test it is to apply the brake and then try to pull forward gently. The parking brake should hold your vehicle in place.

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 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 Both of the above are true.

Your vehicle must not be driven if one-fourth or more of the leaves in a leaf spring are missing or broken. However, any defect in the leaf springs is potentially dangerous. A brake drum that is cracked more than halfway across must be replaced.

Not quite. The answer is Check that the steps leading to the cab entry are solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the frame.

During the in-cab inspection, shift into neutral (for a manual) or park (for an automatic) and make sure the parking brake is on. Start the engine and listen for unusual noises. (You do inspect the steps to the cab during the pre-trip inspection, but not during the in-cab inspection.)

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 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 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 air lines and electrical lines

During your pre-trip inspection, check the electrical lines and air hoses (or hydraulic hoses for hydraulic brakes). Make sure that the lines and hoses are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn. Also make sure they are not tangled, pinched, or dragging on parts of the tractor.

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 Brake drum / linings

Brake linings use friction to turn the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat. However, excessive heat from overuse of the brakes may cause the brake linings to wear out faster, leading to brake fade or failure. Also, if one brake is out of adjustment and can't do its job, the other brakes will have to work harder, causing them to overheat.

Not quite. The answer is Splash guards

Splash guards (mud flaps) behind the tires prevent debris from hitting other vehicles. During your pre-trip inspection, check that splash guards are present, undamaged, securely mounted, and not dragging on the ground or rubbing on the tires.

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 Seats

In a passenger vehicle, the seats must be safe for passengers to sit in. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the seats are firmly attached to the floor. Make sure that the seatbacks and frames are not broken. Check that the seat cushions are securely attached to the seat frames and are in satisfactory condition.

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 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 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 Catwalk

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