Washington CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is carbon soot.

As part of your vehicle inspection test, you will inspect the exhaust system for leaks. Obvious signs of leaks include breaks or holes in the pipes or other components. Other signs include rust or carbon soot, increased noise, or increased vibration.

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 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 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 windshield and mirrors

Windshields and mirrors should be clean and free of damage, illegal stickers, or obstructions that could impede visibility.

Not quite. The answer is Fuel tank(s)

While inspecting the side of your vehicle, check that the fuel tanks are securely mounted and their fuel filler caps are tight. Also make sure that neither the tanks nor the fuel lines are leaking.

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 Frame

The frame consists of the structural members for supporting the body of the vehicle or trailer. When inspecting the frame, (1) check for cracks; (2) check for broken welds; and (3) check for illegal holes or other damage to the longitudinal frame members, cross members, box, or floor.

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 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).

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 Neither of the above

The drag link and Pitman arm are two components of the steering system.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.