CDL Pre-Trip Inspection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When is a CDL driver required to perform a pre-trip inspection?
- Once a week before long trips
- Before each trip (Correct answer)
- Only after repairs have been made
- Every 500 miles during a trip
Correct answer: Before each trip
Federal regulations require CDL drivers to inspect their vehicle before each trip to ensure it is safe to operate.
Question 2: During a pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment, which items must be checked?
- Fuel level only
- Oil level, coolant level, and condition of belts and hoses (Correct answer)
- Only the battery terminals
- Just the air filter housing
Correct answer: Oil level, coolant level, and condition of belts and hoses
The engine compartment check must include oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, and the condition of belts and hoses.
Question 3: What is the acceptable oil level when checking a commercial vehicle's dipstick during a pre-trip inspection?
- Just above empty is acceptable for short trips
- Within the normal operating range marked on the dipstick (Correct answer)
- Any level above halfway is safe
- Oil is only checked at scheduled service intervals
Correct answer: Within the normal operating range marked on the dipstick
The oil level must be within the normal operating range as indicated on the dipstick to ensure proper engine lubrication and prevent engine damage.
Question 4: What should you inspect when checking the steering mechanism during a pre-trip inspection?
- Only confirm the steering wheel is attached
- Excessive play, loose or missing nuts, and bent or damaged components (Correct answer)
- Only that the wheel turns left and right
- Steering is only inspected after a collision
Correct answer: Excessive play, loose or missing nuts, and bent or damaged components
A proper steering check includes inspecting for excessive play (no more than 10 degrees of free movement) and checking for damaged, loose, or missing components.
Question 5: What is the correct method to check for fluid leaks during a pre-trip inspection?
- Look for puddles under the vehicle and check hoses, tanks, and connections for wet spots (Correct answer)
- Only check if you can smell fuel from the cab
- Inspect only the fuel tank cap area
- Leaks can be noted and checked at the end of your route
Correct answer: Look for puddles under the vehicle and check hoses, tanks, and connections for wet spots
You should look under the vehicle for puddles and inspect all hoses, tanks, and connections for wet spots that indicate active fluid leaks.
Question 6: What must a CDL driver do if safety-affecting defects are found during a pre-trip inspection?
- Note them in the trip log and continue driving
- Have defects repaired before operating the vehicle (Correct answer)
- Report them only at the end of the trip
- Defects only need to be reported to a supervisor monthly
Correct answer: Have defects repaired before operating the vehicle
Safety-affecting defects must be repaired before operating the vehicle; drivers are legally responsible for ensuring the vehicle is in safe operating condition.
Question 7: When checking the horn during a pre-trip inspection, what must be verified?
- That it produces a pleasant sound
- That it works and is loud enough to serve as an effective warning device (Correct answer)
- That it matches the vehicle manufacturer's specifications exactly
- Only air horns need to be checked on commercial vehicles
Correct answer: That it works and is loud enough to serve as an effective warning device
The horn must work and produce sufficient volume to warn other road users, as it is a required safety device under federal regulations.
CDL Pre-Trip Inspection 1
When is a CDL driver required to perform a pre-trip inspection?