Free CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test Questions 2

  1. During a pre-trip inspection you should show the examiner that you can check the lighting indicators for:
  1. The left and right turn signals
  2. The four-way emergency flashers
  3. The high-beam headlights
  4. All of the above
Show Answer
The correct answer is D!

You must demonstrate all dash light indicators: left/right turn signal, four-way flashers, and high-beam indicator. This confirms the driver receives proper visual feedback for critical lighting.

 

  1. The horn and heater/defroster should be checked during a pre-trip inspection.
  1. True
  2. False
Show Answer
The correct answer is A!

Both are safety equipment. The horn is used to warn others; the heater/defroster ensures visibility in cold or damp conditions.

 

  1. To check the parking brake you should:
  1. Apply the parking brake and make sure it will hold the vehicle by shifting into a lower gear and gently pulling against the brake
  2. Apply the parking brake and press the foot brake to see if they will work together
  3. Skip demonstrating the parking brake
Show Answer
The correct answer is A!

Set the parking brake, select a low gear, and apply light throttle to confirm the brake holds. This shows the parking brake can secure the vehicle.

 

  1. During a hydraulic brake check you must pump the brake pedal ______ times and then hold it down for ______ seconds. The brake pedal should not move (depress) during the hold.
  1. 3, 5
  2. 5, 10
  3. 10, 15
Show Answer
The correct answer is A!

For hydraulic systems, pump three times, then hold for five seconds; the pedal should remain firm. Pedal creep indicates a leak or fault.

 

  1. Failure to perform an air brake check will result in an automatic failure of the vehicle inspection test.
  1. True
  2. False
Show Answer
The correct answer is A!

On vehicles equipped with air brakes, you must demonstrate the full air brake check (leak test, low-air warning, spring brake engagement, and governor cut-in/cut-out). Omitting it is an automatic failure.

 

  1. When checking lights and reflectors, all external and reflective equipment must be clean and functional. Light and reflector checks include:
  1. Headlights, seatbelts, tail lights, decorative lights
  2. Clearance lights, headlights, tail lights, turn signals, four-way flashers, brake lights, and red reflectors (rear) with amber reflectors elsewhere
  3. Clearance lights, Christmas lights, head and tail lights
Show Answer
The correct answer is B!

Those are the required operational lights and reflectors. Reflectors must be red on the rear and amber on the sides/front.

 

  1. An external inspection of the steering box and hoses will include checking that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking more than 4 ounces of fluid per hour.
  1. True
  2. False
Show Answer
The correct answer is B!

There should be no leaks. The steering gear must be securely mounted with intact hoses and fittings—any leak is a defect.

 

  1. The steering box must be securely mounted. You will check for:
  1. Proper paint on the box
  2. Secure lighting on the steering box
  3. Missing nuts, bolts, and cotter keys
Show Answer
The correct answer is C!

Fasteners and retainers (including cotter keys) must be present and tight. Missing or loose hardware can lead to loss of steering control.

 

  1. On the steering linkage you must check for joints and sockets that are worn or loose and that there are no missing bolts, nuts, or cotter keys.
  1. True
  2. False
Show Answer
The correct answer is A!

Pitman arm, drag link, tie-rod ends, and related joints must be tight and properly secured with all fasteners installed.

 

  1. The suspension system check should include:
  1. Hoses, springs, mounts, brakes
  2. Springs/air/torque components, mounts, and shock absorbers
  3. Mounts, shocks, brakes
Show Answer
The correct answer is B!

Inspect leaf/coil springs or air bags, torque arms/rods, hangers and mounts, and shock absorbers for damage, leaks, or loose/missing hardware.

 

  1. It is unnecessary to check the slack adjusters when checking the brake system.
  1. True
  2. False
Show Answer
The correct answer is B!

Slack adjusters and pushrods must be inspected for proper travel and securement; excessive travel indicates out-of-adjustment brakes.

 

  1. On some brake drums, there are openings where the brake linings can be seen from outside the drum. For this type of drum, check that:
  1. A visible amount of brake lining is showing
  2. A visible amount of brake lining is not showing
  3. The brake lining is very thin
Show Answer
The correct answer is A!

You should see adequate lining through the inspection port (not cracked, contaminated, or dangerously thin). “Very thin” linings are a defect.

 

  1. Should you be prepared to perform the same brake components inspection on every axle (power unit and trailer, if equipped)?
  1. Yes
  2. No
Show Answer
The correct answer is A!

Examiners may ask you to inspect any axle. Be ready to identify/assess all brake components on each axle (including trailer, if present).

 

  1. The following items must be inspected on every tire:
  1. Tread depth, tire brand, and hub oil seals
  2. Tread depth, hub oil seals, lug nuts, and white walls
  3. Tread depth, hub oil seals, lug nuts, and spacers
Show Answer
The correct answer is C!

Check minimum tread depth, proper inflation/condition, hub oil seals for leaks, lug nuts for tightness, and spacers/budd spacing (on duals) for debris or rubbing.

 

  1. Listen for air leaks when checking the air/electric lines. Hoses and electrical lines should not be cut but can be spliced.
  1. True
  2. False
Show Answer
The correct answer is B!

Lines should be intact—no cuts, splices, or tape repairs. Air and electrical lines must be properly coupled, secured, and free of leaks or damage.