Commercial Driving Pre-Trip Inspection — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first area a driver should inspect during a pre-trip inspection?
- The trailer
- The engine compartment, starting with a general walk-around approach to the vehicle (Correct answer)
- The fuel tank
- The cargo area only
Correct answer: The engine compartment, starting with a general walk-around approach to the vehicle
A systematic pre-trip begins with approaching the vehicle and doing a general overview, then starting with the engine compartment to check fluid levels, belts, hoses, and leaks.
Question 2: During a pre-trip inspection, what should you check about the tires?
- Only the brand name
- Air pressure, tread depth, sidewall condition, proper inflation, and signs of uneven wear (Correct answer)
- Just that they are round
- Only the front tires
Correct answer: Air pressure, tread depth, sidewall condition, proper inflation, and signs of uneven wear
Tire inspection covers multiple aspects: proper inflation, adequate tread depth (4/32 front, 2/32 others), no cuts, bulges, or foreign objects, and wear patterns indicating alignment issues.
Question 3: What engine compartment items must be inspected during a pre-trip?
- Just the oil level
- Oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, belts, hoses, wiring, water pump, air compressor, and leaks (Correct answer)
- Only items visible without opening the hood
- Just the battery
Correct answer: Oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, belts, hoses, wiring, water pump, air compressor, and leaks
A thorough engine compartment inspection covers all fluid levels, belt tension and condition, hose condition, wiring integrity, component operation, and any signs of leaks.
Question 4: What brake components should be checked during the pre-trip inspection?
- Only the brake pedal
- Brake drums, linings, hoses, chambers, slack adjusters, and air lines for leaks or damage (Correct answer)
- Just the parking brake
- Brakes cannot be inspected without special tools
Correct answer: Brake drums, linings, hoses, chambers, slack adjusters, and air lines for leaks or damage
Visual inspection of brake components can identify worn linings, cracked drums, leaking chambers, out-of-adjustment slack adjusters, and damaged air lines before they cause failures.
Question 5: What is the purpose of checking the steering system during a pre-trip?
- To ensure the radio works
- To verify no excessive play in the steering wheel, check power steering fluid and hoses, and inspect steering components for damage (Correct answer)
- Steering is checked only during DOT inspections
- To adjust the mirror angle
Correct answer: To verify no excessive play in the steering wheel, check power steering fluid and hoses, and inspect steering components for damage
Steering system checks ensure the driver has proper vehicle control. Excessive play, fluid leaks, or damaged components could lead to loss of steering control.
Question 6: How much free play is acceptable in the steering wheel of a commercial vehicle?
- Any amount
- No more than 10 degrees of movement before the front wheels begin to turn (Correct answer)
- Exactly 45 degrees
- No play at all is acceptable
Correct answer: No more than 10 degrees of movement before the front wheels begin to turn
More than 10 degrees of steering wheel movement before the front wheels respond indicates excessive play that could compromise vehicle control and requires repair.
Commercial Driving Pre-Trip Inspection
What is the first area a driver should inspect during a pre-trip inspection?