Wisconsin CDL: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice 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 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 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 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 Turn signals

There are five dash indicators that you should ensure are working correctly: the left turn signal, the right turn signal, the four-way emergency flashers, the high beams, and the indicator for the anti-lock braking system (if your vehicle is so equipped).

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 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 Hydraulic brakes

If your vehicle has hydraulic brakes, test them by pumping the brake pedal three times and then applying firm pressure to it for five seconds, making sure the pedal does not move during that time. If your vehicle has air brakes, test them by performing the final air brake check as described in the Wisconsin Commercial Driver's Manual.

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 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 Parking brake

The parking brake keeps your vehicle from moving when it's parked. The mechanism is separate from the service brakes that you use in normal driving.

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 Steering box

When you turn the steering wheel, the steering box translates this motion into turning the front wheels. During your pre-trip inspection, check that the steering box is in good condition, securely mounted, and not leaking. Also check that no nuts, bolts, or cotter keys are missing.

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 Clutch and gearshift

To ensure that your vehicle doesn't move once you start the engine, first depress the clutch (unless the vehicle has an automatic transmission) and put the gearshift in neutral (or Park for an automatic transmission). Once the engine has started, slowly release the clutch.

Not quite. The answer is remove the radiator cap if the engine might be hot.

If the engine is cool to the touch of your bare hand, you can probably remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level safely. If the engine is hot, do NOT remove the radiator cap; it's dangerous. If there is a sight glass or coolant reservoir, you can use it to check the coolant level. Otherwise, just tell the examiner how you would check the coolant level by removing the radiator cap once the engine is cool.

Not quite. The answer is Heater/defroster

The heater/defroster provides a stream of warmed air. By selecting the appropriate vents, you can choose whether the air will heat the cab or melt frost on the windshield.

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 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.