Virginia CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is Ammeter or voltmeter

During your pre-trip inspection, check the ammeter gauge or voltmeter gauge to make sure that the alternator or generator is charging properly or the warning light is off.

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 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 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 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 slack adjusters.

The slack adjuster connects to the pushrod. If the slack adjuster has too much slack, the brake can fail.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Steering linkage

The steering gearbox (also called the steering box) is connected to the steering column. The steering linkage transmits steering action from the steering box to the front wheels. This linkage includes the Pitman arm, drag link, tie rod, and upper and lower steering knuckles. During your pre-trip inspection, check that these components are securely mounted. Check for loose or missing nuts, bolts, or cotter pins. Check that nothing is wrapped around the tie rod.

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 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 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 In your pocket

While you are performing the pre-trip inspection, you do not want someone (such as a co-driver) who is unaware of your location to start your vehicle and accidentally injure you. Make sure you have the ignition key with you as you perform the inspection.

Not quite. The answer is Spacers

Wheel spacers adjust wheel offset. During your pre-trip inspection, inspect each wheel that has wheel spacers to make sure that no spacers are missing, bent, damaged, or rusted through. Make sure that dual tires aren't touching. Dual tires that touch can catch fire.