Free CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test Questions

1. During the pre-trip inspection, you must show that:

1. the vehicle is safe to drive. 
2. the vehicle is newer than 4 years old. 
3. you are competent and have no alcohol in your system.

2. During the pre-trip inspection you will:

1. sit in a truck and drive around talking about your expertise. 
2. take a computerized test about truck driving. 
3. walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why.

3. When checking the hoses you should:

1. look for puddles on the ground. 
2. look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and transmission. 
3. inspect hoses for condition and leaks. 
4. All of the above.

4. When checking the oil level you will show the examiner:

1. that the oil level is within safe operating range. 
2. add water to the wipers. 
3. indicate where the power steering fluid dipstick is located.

5. You should never check the reservoir sight glass of the coolant level.

1. True 
2. False

6. When checking the power steering fluid at the pre-trip inspection the level must be above the refill mark to be acceptable

1. True 
2. False

7. Check the following belts for snugness, cracks, or frays:

1. power steering belt and water pump belt, alternator belt and air compressor belt. 
2. air compressor belt and seat belt. 
3. power steering belt and driver’s belt. 
4. none of the above.

8. To check the clutch/gearshift you should:

1. depress clutch. 
2. place gearshift lever in neutral (or park for automatic transmissions). 
3. start engine, then release clutch slowly. 
4. all of the above.

9. You must check to make sure that the oil pressure gauge is working.

1. True 
2. False

10. When checking the oil pressure gauge you should make sure that:

1. the gauge shows decreasing oil pressure. 
2. shows increasing or normal oil pressure or that the warning light goes off. 
3. shows that there is enough gas for your trip.

11. The temperature gauge is unimportant at a pre-trip inspection.

1. True 
2. False

12. During a pre-trip inspection the mirrors and windshield should be checked for:

1. proper steering. 
2. colorful observation. 
3. cleanliness, obstructions, and damage.

13. Some emergency equipment that should always be carried is:

1. unimportant during the pre-trip inspection. 
2. spare electrical fuses, three reflective triangles, a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher. 
3. spare electrical fuses, a walkie talkie, a fire extinguisher.

14. To check for steering play in a non-power steering vehicle you should turn the steering wheel back and forth. Play should not exceed:

1. 30 degrees 
2. 20 degrees 
3. 10 degrees

15. Check that wiper arms and blades are secure, damaged, and operate occasionally.

1. True 
2. False

Answer Key

1. A 
2. C 
3. D 
4. A 
5. B 
6. A 
7. A 
8. D 
9. A 
10. B 
11. B 
12. C 
13. B 
14. C 
15. B