Inspection Test

Front 1

When checking the lights at the front of the vehicle what should you check for?

Back 1

That the lens covers are there, lights are securely attached, not broken, clean, functional, and verification of correct color.

Front 2

When checking the windshield, what should you be looking for?

Back 2

The windshield is there, not cracked or chipped, clean, the seals are in good condition, and not leaking. Also be sure to include no illegal stickers, no obstructions, and no damage.

Front 3

Checking the mirrors on the outside of the vehicle you should check for?

Back 3

Don't forget you can have mirrors on the hood, and on the doors of the cab. While outside check that mirrors and mirror brackets are not damaged and mounted securely with no loose fittings.

Front 4

In the engine compartment there are four fluids you must check, they are?

Back 4

Moisture or leaks (puddles on the ground, look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and transmission, inspect hoses for condition and leaks) oil, coolant, and power steering fluid.

Front 5

In the engine compartment there are four major belt or gear driven components. What are they?

Back 5

Power steering pump, alternator, air compressor and water pump.

Front 6

What should you check each of the fluids in the engine compartment for?

Back 6

All fluids should be at the proper level, clean, free of debris, with no leaks. You can also add proper color to this list.

Front 7

What are the main components of the steering controls found in the engine compartment?

Back 7

Upper steering linkage, universal joints, power steering pump, pitman arm, drag link, tie rod ends, tie rod.

Front 8

What should you check the steering linkage for?

Back 8

See that connecting links, arms, and rods from the steering box to the wheel are not worn or cracked. Check that joints and sockets are not worn or loose and that there are no missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys.

Front 9

Hoses in the engine compartment should be checked for?

Back 9

Make sure the lines are connected and secure, no frays, cracks, tears, and no leaks. Tip: You need to say hoses for the air compressor, power steering, water pump independently to get credit.

Front 10

The engine belts should be checked for...

Back 10

Check each belt individually. There can be belts for a few different components under the hood. Snugness, and excessive play of more than 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch at center or belt, cracks, frays, loose fibers or signs of wear.

Front 11

Brake lines should be checked for...

Back 11

As with all hoses, make sure the connections are tight and secure. Look for cracked, worn, or leaking hoses, lines and couplings.

Front 12

Air chambers should be checked for?

Back 12

Also called brake chambers, see that brake chambers are not leaking, cracked, or dented and are mounted securely. There are no loose or missing clamps.

Front 13

Brake pads should be checked for?

Back 13

They should have at least a 1/4 inch of life left on the brake pad, since they can wear unevenly also check that they are not dangerously thin, and that a visible amount is showing. Can also talk about no oil, grease, or brake fluid on them. Not missing or broken.

Front 14

Brake drums should be checked for?

Back 14

Check for cracks, dents, or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts. Check for contaminates such as debris or oil/grease.

Front 15

Tires should be checked for?

Back 15

Check that tread is evenly worn and look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls. Also, make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken, or damaged. Depth and inflation.

Front 16

Rims should be checked for?

Back 16

Check for damaged or bent rims. Rims cannot have welding repairs. Check rims for rust trails that may indicate the rim is loose on the wheel.

Front 17

All rims have a spacer. True of false?

Back 17

False, the front axle does not have a spacer because it does not have dual tires on each side..

Front 18

Lug nuts (that hold the rim to the axle) should be check for?

Back 18

Check that lug nuts are present, free of cracks and distortions, and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads.

Front 19

The hub oil seal should be...

Back 19

See that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are not leaking and, if wheel has a sight glass, oil level is adequate. If doesn't have a sight glass must mention that.

Front 20

After the engine compartment it is best to move to the driver's side of vehicle, and the head into the cab. True or False?

Back 20

True. It is best to get to the inside cab early. If you do not make it to the inside you can automatically fail for not doing the CDL air brakes test.

Front 21

At the side of the cab you should check:

Back 21

Door(s)/Mirror(s), Steps into the vehicle, fuel and air tanks, lights and reflectors.

Front 22

What should the fuel and air tanks be checked for?

Back 22

Properly mounted and secured, cap(s) are tight, and there are no leaks from tank(s) or lines.

Front 23

Steps leading into the vehicle should be?

Back 23

Solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the tractor frame.

Front 24

Is it best to check the seatbelts before sitting down?

Back 24

Yes. Check seatbelt is securely mounted, adjusts, latches properly and is not ripped or frayed before sitting down. You will be in a hurry, and it is best to mention them when you seem them.

Front 25

The first ting you should check or do when you sit in the driver's seat is?

Back 25

Buckle your seatbelt! If you move the vehilce at all without your sewatbelt fastened it is an automatic fail.

Front 26

Check your mirrors from the inside of the cab for?

Back 26

Mirrors should be clean and adjusted properly from the inside.

Front 27

Items inside the cab you must make function in order to get credit for them are?

Back 27

Windshield wipers. Air and/or electric (city) horns. Heater/Defroster. If you just mention the wipers and do not check to make sure they work you will not get credit for them. This is true with all the answers here.

Front 28

The steering wheel should be checked for?

Back 28

Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (approximately 2 inches movement at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel) can make it hard to steer.

Front 29

Before you start the vehicle you should check...

Back 29

The vehicle is in neutral (or park, for automatic transmissions). Parking brake is set. Seat belt is fastened.

Front 30

What are all the gauges you need to check?

Back 30

Air pressure gauge, oil pressure gauge, voltmeter, temperature gauge.

Front 31

What should you check on the voltmeter?

Back 31

Check that gauges show alternator and/or generator is charging or that the warning light is off.

Front 32

What should the water temperature gauge do when you start the vehicle?

Back 32

The temperature gauge will more than likely not move until the vehicle starts to warm up. Then it should begin to climb to the normal operating range.

Front 33

What interior lights do you need to check?

Back 33

Instrument panel lights, left and right turn indicator lights, hazard indicator lights, high beam indicator light, and ABS indicator light should go off.

Front 34

What items are part of your emergency equipment?

Back 34

Check for spare electrical fuses. Check for three red reflecctive triangles and 6 fusees or 3 liquid burning flares. Check that the fire extinguisher is properly charged and securely mounted. Note: If the vehicle is not equipped with electrical fuses, you must mention this to the examiner.

Front 35

Describe how to check parking brake on truck/tractor.

Back 35

With air pressure built to governor cutout and the parking brake engaged (trailer brakes released on combination vehicles), check that the parking brake will hold vehicle by gently trying to pull forward with parking brake on.

Front 36

Describe how to check parking brake for trailer.

Back 36

With air pressure built to governor cutout, the parking brake released and the trailer parking brake engaged (combination vehicles only), check that the trailer parking brake will hold vehicle by gently trying to pull forward with the trailer parking brake on.

Front 37

Describe how to do the Hydraulic Brake Check

Back 37

Pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it down for five seconds. The brake pedal should not move (depress) during the five seconds.

Front 38

Describe how to do Air Brake Check #1

Back 38

With the air pressure built up to the governor cutoff (120-140 psi), shut off the engine leaving the key in the "on" or "battery charge" position, chock your wheels if necessary, release the parking brake (all vehicles), and the tractor protection valve (combination vehicle) and fully apply the foot brake. Hold the foot brake for one minute. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than three pounds in one minute(single vehicle) or four pounds in one minute (combination vehicle).

Front 39

Describe how to do Air Brake Check #2

Back 39

Being fanning off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the foot brake. Low air warning devices (buzzer, light, flag) should activate before air pressure drops below 55 psi or level specified by the manufacturer..

Front 40

Describe how to do Air Brake Check #3

Back 40

Continue to fan off the air pressure. At approximately 40 psi on a tractor-trailer combination vehicle (or level specified by the manufacturer), the tractor protection valve and parking brake valve should close (pop out). On other combination vehicle types and single vechile types, the parking brake valve should close (pop out).

Front 41

Describe how to do Service Brake Check

Back 41

Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the service brake and stop. Check to see that the vehicle does not pull to either side and that it stops when brake is applied.

Front 42

On your second air brake check, you should fan the brakes down to make sure all air brake safety devices are working, but what should you do before starting to fan the brakes?

Back 42

Turn the key on so that the instrument warning lights come on. If the light and alarm does not come on when you are taking your test you may automatically fail.

Front 43

Fanning the brakes down further after the alarm and buzzer come on should result in the parking brake popping out for a single vehicle, and the parking brake and the trailer air supply popping out for a combination vehicle at____ psi?

Back 43

40

Front 44

What lights will you need to check on the exterior?

Back 44

Clearance lights (red on rear, amber elsewhere), Headlights (high and low beams), Tailights, Backing lights, Turn signals, Four-way flashers, Brake lights, Red reflectors (on rear) and amber reflectors (elsewhere). Reflector tape condition. Note: Checks of brake, turn signal and four-way flasher functions must be done separately.

Front 45

What should you remember to check while exiting the vehicle?

Back 45

Best to make sure you check the handrails, steps, fuel tank, and air tanks at this time.

Front 46

Hand rails and steps should be checked for?

Back 46

Securement, not damaged, and able to support the weight you are applying to them (solid) when entering the vehicle.

Front 47

When you check the Fuel tank you can also say you would check the same items on the air tanks. What should these two items be checked for?

Back 47

Please make sure that you point at or touch both tanks to insure you receive credit for them and they both need to be checked for security, bands and grommets, no leaks from tank(s) or lines.

Front 48

You should mention you would check all light covers and reflectors for damage on the side of the vehicle, both the tractor and the trailer, again to cover the side since you have only checked the front at this time? True of False?

Back 48

This is true, on each side of the vehicle you need to check the light lenses and reflectors, and you should get credit for both the tractor and the trailer if you tell the examiner you would check both at this time. The lenses and reflectors need to be mounted, clean, and not damaged or missing.

Front 49

When checking the air and electrical lines between the tractor and the trailer what should you be checking for?

Back 49

Listen for air leaks. Check that air hoses and electrical lines are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn (steel braid should not show through). Make sure air and electrical lines are not tangled, pinched, or dragging against tractor parts. Check that trailer air connectors are sealed and in good condition. Make sure glad hands are locked in place, free of damage or air leaks. Make sure the trailer electrical plug is firmly seated and locked in place.

Front 50

What are a few items you want to check while between the tractor and trailer?

Back 50

Frame needs to be checked for cracks, broken welds, holes or other damage to the frame, cross memebers, box, and floor. Catwalk needs to be solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the tractor frame. Exhaust system needs to be checked for damage and signs of leaks such as rust or carbon soot. Exhaust system should not have cracks, holes or severe dents. The drive shaft should not be bent or cracked. Couplings should be secure and free of foreign objects.

Front 51

The rest of the axels on the vehicle are nearly the same as the front steer axels, with a few differences. What are the differences?

Back 51

There are FOUR differences between the steer axel, and the tractor and trailer axles. They are the Torsion bar, the space between the axles so bud rims or spacers, tread depth changes from four thirty seconds to two thirty seconds, and retreads are allowed on every axel but the steer axle, and the air bags portion of the suspension.

Front 52

The apron is the metal plate welded on the bottom of the trailer that gives the 5th wheel a smooth surface for vehicle connection. What should you check the apron for?

Back 52

The apron itself should not be bent, cracked, or broken. It will be welded to the bottom of the trailer, but it should not have welds on the surface that the 5th wheel contacts, and it should be securely mounted.

Front 53

The kingpin is a cylindric piece of metal protruding down from the apron, it has a base which is near the apron, shank or the narrow section of the kingpin where the locking jaws connect, and the head or the part furthest from the apron. What should you check the kingpin for?

Back 53

The kingpin is part of what holds the tractor and trailer together, it needs to be straight with no damage. You should not have any cracks in the metal, and there should not be any welds on the visible portion of the kingpin.

Front 54

The 5th wheel is mounted on the back of the tractor, it lifts the trailer slightly when it contacts the apron when you are coupling the vehicles, and it houses the locking jaws which wrap around the shank of the kingpin to securely attach the trailer. What should the 5th wheel be checked for?

Back 54

Check for proper lubrication and that the 5th wheel skid plate is securely mounted to the platform and that all bolts and pins are secure and not missing. Also check that the trailer is lying flat on the fifth wheel skide plate (no gap), and check for kingpin lock.

Also check that the trailer is lying flat on the fifth wheel skide plate (no gap), and check for kingpin lock.

Front 55

You should check to make sure that the locking jaws are completely wrapped around the shank of the kingpin during your pre-trip inspection? True or False?

Back 55

True. You need to explain that locking jaws hold the kingpin in place and that the kingpin is not bent or damaged.

Front 56

The 5th wheel has a release arm built into the side of it, it automatically locks the jaws around the kingpin when you connect the vehicles, but it can be pulled out to relase the locking jaws for uncoupling. What is the correct position of the relase arm when the vehicle is coupled?

Back 56

The relase arm needs to be pushed completely in with the locking mechanism secured. You want to make sure this is secure because if it is not the trailer might brake free of the locking jaws. Textbook: make sure the release arm is in the engaged position and the safety latch is in place.

Front 57

Most 5th wheels are adjustable for weight distribution and turn clearance, these are called sliding 5th wheels, they have a release arm that needs to be completely in and locked, and a locking mechanism. What locks the 5th wheel in place?

Back 57

Locking pins. Locking pins extend through holes in the platform to lock the sliding 5th wheel in place. If equipped, look for loose or missing pins in the slide mechanism of the sliding 5th sheel. If air powered, check for leaks. Make sure locking pins are fully engaged. Check that the fifth wheel is positioned properly so that the tractor frame will clear the landing gear during turns.

Front 58

The 5th wheel platform needs to be checked for...

Back 58

Tight and secure, properly mounted, all the bolts are in place and secure, not excessively damaged, and there are no illegal welds. Textbook: Check for cracks of breaks in the platform structure which supports the fifth wheel skid plate.

Front 59

At the rear of the tractor there are still a few things to check, what are they?

Back 59

Mud flaps (not damaged and mounted securely). Doors/Ties/Lifts: Check that doors and hintes are not damaged and that they open, close, and latch properly from the outside, if equipped. Ties, straps, chains, and binders must also be secure. If equippied with a cargo lift, look for leaking, damaged or missing parts and explain how it should be checked for correct operation. Lift must be fully retracted and latched securely. Also light lens covers, and reflectors.

Front 60

When checking the Oil level you:

Back 60

Indicate where the dipstick is located. Check oil when engine is off. Check that the oil level is within safe operating range. Level must be above refill mark.

Front 61

When checking general condition of hoses is the engine compartment you should say that you are checking for:

Back 61

Puddles on the ground. Inspect hoses for condition and leaks (no cracks, frays or tears...but LEAKS mot important). Look for dripping fluids on underside of the engine and transmission.

Front 62

You check the Coolant level for:

Back 62

Look a sight glass on radiator or coolant reservoir: adequate level will show in sight glass. If no sight glass is available, you must describe what you would look for after removing radiator cap.

Front 63

Power Steering fluid check:

Back 63

Checks the dipstick and sees where the fluid leve is relative to the refill mark or checks sight glass. Level must be above refill mark.

Front 64

What do you check the Oil Pressure Gauge for?

Back 64

Make sure oil pressure gauge is working. Check that pressure gauge shows increasing or nomral oil pressure or that the warning light goes off. If equipped, oil temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.

Front 65

What do you check the Temperature Gauge for?

Back 65

Make sure the temperature gauge is working. Temperature should begin to climb to the normal operating range or temperature gauge should go off.

Front 66

How should you check the Air Gauge?

Back 66

Check that the air gauge is working properly and that the air compressor builds the air pressure to governor cut-out at approximately 120-140 psi as specified by manufacturer.

Front 67

How do you check the Wipers/Washers?

Back 67

Check that the wiper arms and blades are secure, not damaged, and operatue smoothly. If equipped, windshield washers must operate correctly.

Front 68

What are all the external lights and reflective equipment that you must check are clean, functional, none are broken or missing, and verification of proper color?

Back 68

Clearance lights, Headlights (high and low beams), Taillights, Backing lights, Turn signals, Four-way flashers, Brake lighs, Red reflectors (on rear) and amber reflectors (elsewhere), & Reflector tape condition.

Front 69

How do you check the Heater/Defroster?

Back 69

Test that the heater and defroster work.

Front 70

What do you check the Steering Box/Hoses for?

Back 70

Check that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking. Look for any missing nuts and/or bolts. Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to power steering hoses.

Front 71

How do you check suspension springs, air suspension compenents and any torque arms?

Back 71

Look for missing, shifted, cracked, or broken leaf springs. Look for broken or distored coil springs. If vehilce is equipped with torsion bars, torque arms, or other types of suspension components, check that they are not damaged and are mounted securely. Air ride suspension should be checked for damage and leaks.

Front 72

How do you check the spring mounts?

Back 72

Look for cracked or broken spring hangers, missing or damaged bushings, and broken, loose, or missing bolts, u-bolts or other axle mounting parts. (The mounts should be checked at each point where they are secured to he vehicle frame and axle[s])

Front 73

How do you check the Shock Absorbers?

Back 73

See that the shock absorbers are secure and that there are no leaks.

Front 74

How do you check Slack Adjustors and Pushrods on Inspection Test?

Back 74

Look for broken, loose, or missing parts. For manual slack adjusteros, the brake pushrod should not move more than one inch (with the brakes released) when pulled by hand.