CDL Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Exam

CDL Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the first step in a pre-trip inspection?
• Check the tires
• Check under the vehicle
• Check the vehicle documents and safety equipment
• Check the lights

Rationale: Always ensure the vehicle is legally compliant and all

required safety equipment is present before inspecting physical components.

• When checking the front of the vehicle, what should you inspect?
• Exhaust system only
• Lights, mirrors, windshield, and wipers
• Tires only
• Engine oil level 1 / 4

Rationale: Front inspection ensures visibility and safety; lights and

mirrors must work, and windshield/wipers must be clean.

• How should you check tires during a pre-trip inspection?
• By touching them only
• By looking at the color
• By checking air pressure, tread depth, and sidewalls
• By shaking the vehicle

Rationale: Proper tire inspection prevents blowouts and ensures

adequate traction; all key areas should be checked.

• What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
• 1/32 inch
• 2/32 inch
• 4/32 inch
• 6/32 inch

Rationale: Front tires must have at least 4/32 inch tread for safe

steering and handling.

• How should you check that the brakes are working?
• By driving only
• By inspecting brake components for wear and leaks and testing

brake operation

• By listening to the engine
• By checking tire pressure 2 / 4

Rationale: Inspecting the brakes for leaks, wear, and operation

ensures stopping power and safety.

• When inspecting the coupling system on a tractor-trailer, what should

you check?

• Only the trailer tires
• Fifth wheel, kingpin, and locking jaws
• Engine oil
• Headlights

Rationale: Proper coupling ensures the trailer is securely attached

and reduces risk of separation.

• What should you check on the engine compartment during a pre-trip?
• Only belts
• Fluids, belts, hoses, and leaks
• Tires
• Windshield

Rationale: Engine inspection prevents breakdowns and ensures all

systems function properly.

• How should lights be checked?
• By looking at them while engine off
• Turn on the lights and walk around the vehicle to verify operation
• By honking the horn
• By shaking the vehicle 3 / 4

Rationale: Walking around while lights are on ensures all lights are

visible and working.

• What is a critical thing to check on the mirrors?
• That they are clean and properly adjusted
• That they are round
• That they are colored
• That they are broken

Rationale: Properly adjusted mirrors are crucial for visibility and safe

lane changes.

• Why should you check windshield wipers?
• To see if they make noise
• To ensure they are functional and the windshield is clean
• To check tire tread
• To test the horn

Rationale: Functional wipers ensure visibility in rain or snow.

• When inspecting the steering system, what should you look for?
• Steering wheel size
• Steering wheel color
• Play in the steering, broken components, and leaks
• Engine oil

Rationale: Loose or damaged steering can cause loss of vehicle

control.

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