West Virginia CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

When inspecting the brakes, check that the drums (or discs) do not have cracks longer than one-half the width of the friction area. Also check that the linings (or pads) are neither loose nor soaked with oil or grease. The linings (or pads) must not be worn dangerously thin either.

Not quite. The answer is While the parking brake is applied

The parking brake is meant to keep your vehicle from moving. The best way to test it is to apply the parking brake and then try to pull forward gently. The parking brake should hold your vehicle in place. If you're pulling one or more trailers, test each trailer's parking brakes in the same way.

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 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 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 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 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 windshield wipers and washer

Check that the windshield wiper blades are in good condition and press hard enough against the windshield to keep it clean without excessive streaking. Also make sure that the windshield washer mechanism works and there is enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.

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, and you may not be allowed to take a pre-trip inspection checklist or any other "cheat sheet" with you to the test. 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 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 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 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 the support frame.

As part of your vehicle inspection test, if your vehicle has a semitrailer, you will have to check the landing gear. Check that it is fully raised and no parts are missing. Check that the crank handle is secure and the support frame is undamaged. If the landing gear is power operated, check for air or hydraulic leaks.

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 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 10

If there is more than 10 degrees of play in your steering wheel, your vehicle will be harder to steer. Have the problem corrected before you drive the vehicle. Ten degrees is equivalent to about 1¾ inches at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel. According to federal regulations, there must not be more than 2½ inches of play at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel.

Source: 49 CFR 570.60

Not quite. The answer is Alternator

While the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery to power your vehicle’s electrical system. During your inspection, check that the alternator is securely mounted. Check that the electrical wire connections are uncorroded, tight, and securely fastened, with no bare wires. Check that the alternator belt is in good condition, and belt deflection is between ½ inch and ¾ inch.

Not quite. The answer is Oil pressure

During your pre-trip inspection, make sure that the oil pressure gauge is working and it shows normal or increasing oil pressure. Running the engine without oil will eventually cause serious damage.

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 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.