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Pre-Trip Inspection Test – 20 Questions with Answers

Practice for the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection with 20 questions covering engine components, tires, wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, coupling systems, emergency equipment, and vehicle safety checks.

20
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15 min
Time limit
Medium
Difficulty

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  1. 1. What is the primary purpose of a CDL pre-trip inspection?

    • A. To improve fuel economy
    • B. To identify safety defects before operating the vehicle
    • C. To increase the vehicle's maximum speed
    • D. To reduce the number of required stops
    Show answer

    B. To identify safety defects before operating the vehicle

    A pre-trip inspection helps ensure that the commercial vehicle and its safety equipment are in proper operating condition.

  2. 2. What should you check on the tires during a pre-trip inspection?

    • A. Only the tire brand
    • B. Inflation, tread condition, and damage
    • C. Only the tire color
    • D. Only the age of the vehicle
    Show answer

    B. Inflation, tread condition, and damage

    Tires should be properly inflated and free from cuts, excessive wear, bulges, and other dangerous defects.

  3. 3. What should you look for when inspecting the wheels?

    • A. Cracks, damaged components, and loose or missing lug nuts
    • B. Only the wheel color
    • C. Only the tire pressure
    • D. The vehicle's radio settings
    Show answer

    A. Cracks, damaged components, and loose or missing lug nuts

    Wheels and rims should be checked for cracks, damage, loose or missing lug nuts, and other defects.

  4. 4. What should you inspect on the steering system?

    • A. Only the steering wheel cover
    • B. Steering components for excessive looseness, damage, or wear
    • C. Only the horn button
    • D. Only the driver's seat
    Show answer

    B. Steering components for excessive looseness, damage, or wear

    Steering components must be secure and free from excessive play, damage, or wear that could affect vehicle control.

  5. 5. What should you check on the suspension system?

    • A. Springs, spring hangers, and other suspension components
    • B. Only the vehicle's mirrors
    • C. Only the fuel gauge
    • D. Only the windshield
    Show answer

    A. Springs, spring hangers, and other suspension components

    Suspension components should be inspected for cracks, damage, looseness, shifting, or other conditions that could affect safe operation.

  6. 6. What should you check on an air brake system during a pre-trip inspection?

    • A. Only the brake pedal color
    • B. Brake components, air lines, and air pressure
    • C. Only the vehicle's headlights
    • D. Only the steering wheel
    Show answer

    B. Brake components, air lines, and air pressure

    Air brake inspections include checking brake components, hoses and lines, air pressure, and the system for leaks or defects.

  7. 7. What is the purpose of the air compressor in an air brake system?

    • A. To cool the engine
    • B. To supply compressed air to the brake system
    • C. To inflate the fuel tank
    • D. To control the headlights
    Show answer

    B. To supply compressed air to the brake system

    The air compressor produces compressed air used by the vehicle's air brake system and other pneumatic equipment.

  8. 8. What should you check on the brake hoses and lines?

    • A. That they are properly connected and free of leaks, cuts, and damage
    • B. Only their length
    • C. Only their color
    • D. That they are touching the tires
    Show answer

    A. That they are properly connected and free of leaks, cuts, and damage

    Brake hoses and lines must be properly connected and should not have leaks, abrasions, cuts, or other damage.

  9. 9. What should you inspect on the vehicle's lights?

    • A. Only the headlights
    • B. Required lights for proper operation, condition, and visibility
    • C. Only the interior lights
    • D. Only the dashboard lights
    Show answer

    B. Required lights for proper operation, condition, and visibility

    Required lamps and reflectors should be clean, securely mounted, and functioning properly.

  10. 10. What should you check on the windshield and windshield wipers?

    • A. Only the windshield tint
    • B. The windshield for damage and the wipers for proper operation
    • C. Only the windshield washer fluid color
    • D. Only the dashboard
    Show answer

    B. The windshield for damage and the wipers for proper operation

    The windshield should provide clear visibility, and wipers should operate properly and be in good condition.

  11. 11. What should you check on the mirrors during a pre-trip inspection?

    • A. That they are clean, secure, and provide proper visibility
    • B. Only their color
    • C. Only the mirror brackets
    • D. That they are folded inward
    Show answer

    A. That they are clean, secure, and provide proper visibility

    Mirrors must be securely mounted, clean, and positioned so the driver has the required view around the vehicle.

  12. 12. What should you inspect under the hood?

    • A. Engine components, fluid levels, belts, hoses, and visible leaks
    • B. Only the engine paint
    • C. Only the hood latch
    • D. Only the vehicle's radio
    Show answer

    A. Engine components, fluid levels, belts, hoses, and visible leaks

    The engine compartment should be checked for proper fluid levels, secure components, damaged belts or hoses, and leaks.

  13. 13. Why should you check fluid levels during a pre-trip inspection?

    • A. To ensure important vehicle systems can operate properly
    • B. To increase the vehicle's speed
    • C. To reduce tire size
    • D. To change the vehicle's weight rating
    Show answer

    A. To ensure important vehicle systems can operate properly

    Proper fluid levels are necessary for systems such as the engine, cooling system, power steering, and other vehicle components.

  14. 14. What should you check on the fuel system?

    • A. For secure components, proper connections, and fuel leaks
    • B. Only the fuel cap color
    • C. Only the fuel gauge
    • D. Only the fuel tank label
    Show answer

    A. For secure components, proper connections, and fuel leaks

    The fuel system should be inspected for leaks, damage, and properly secured components.

  15. 15. What should you inspect on a trailer's coupling system?

    • A. The fifth wheel, kingpin, locking jaws, and related connections
    • B. Only the trailer's paint
    • C. Only the rear bumper
    • D. Only the trailer doors
    Show answer

    A. The fifth wheel, kingpin, locking jaws, and related connections

    The coupling system must be securely connected and properly locked to prevent trailer separation.

  16. 16. What should you check on a trailer's electrical connection?

    • A. That the electrical cord is securely connected and free from damage
    • B. Only its length
    • C. Only its color
    • D. That it hangs loose near the roadway
    Show answer

    A. That the electrical cord is securely connected and free from damage

    The electrical connection should be secure and undamaged so that required lights and electrical systems function properly.

  17. 17. What should you check on the vehicle's emergency equipment?

    • A. Required equipment such as fire extinguishers, warning devices, and spare fuses when applicable
    • B. Only the driver's personal tools
    • C. Only the vehicle's radio
    • D. Only the air conditioner
    Show answer

    A. Required equipment such as fire extinguishers, warning devices, and spare fuses when applicable

    Required emergency equipment should be present, properly secured, and in usable condition.

  18. 18. What should you do if you discover a serious safety defect during the pre-trip inspection?

    • A. Operate the vehicle and report it later
    • B. Have the defect corrected before operating the vehicle when required
    • C. Ignore the defect if the weather is good
    • D. Drive only on highways
    Show answer

    B. Have the defect corrected before operating the vehicle when required

    A vehicle with a safety-critical defect should not be operated until the problem has been properly addressed.

  19. 19. Why should you inspect the vehicle's frame and body?

    • A. To identify cracks, damage, loose components, or other unsafe conditions
    • B. To determine the vehicle's paint quality
    • C. To increase the vehicle's payload
    • D. To reduce engine temperature
    Show answer

    A. To identify cracks, damage, loose components, or other unsafe conditions

    The frame and body should be checked for structural damage, cracks, loose components, and other conditions that could affect safety.

  20. 20. After completing the pre-trip inspection, what should the driver do?

    • A. Begin driving without checking the inspection findings
    • B. Make sure identified defects are addressed and the vehicle is safe to operate
    • C. Remove all warning equipment
    • D. Disconnect the vehicle's safety systems
    Show answer

    B. Make sure identified defects are addressed and the vehicle is safe to operate

    The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that safety-related defects are identified and properly addressed before the vehicle is operated.