CFSP Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FMCSA regulations, how often must a commercial motor vehicle undergo a periodic inspection (annual inspection)?
- Every 6 months
- Every 12 months (Correct answer)
- Every 18 months
- Every 24 months
Correct answer: Every 12 months
49 CFR Part 396 requires that every commercial motor vehicle be inspected at least once every 12 months.
Question 2: Which FMCSA regulation part governs inspection, repair, and maintenance of commercial motor vehicles?
- 49 CFR Part 382
- 49 CFR Part 391
- 49 CFR Part 396 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 395
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 396
49 CFR Part 396 specifically covers inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements for commercial motor vehicles.
Question 3: A driver discovers a defect during a pre-trip inspection that renders the vehicle unsafe to operate. What is the correct action?
- Note it on the DVIR and complete the trip at reduced speed
- Report it verbally to dispatch and proceed cautiously
- Complete the DVIR, tag the vehicle out of service, and notify maintenance (Correct answer)
- Skip the DVIR and immediately contact a mechanic
Correct answer: Complete the DVIR, tag the vehicle out of service, and notify maintenance
When an unsafe defect is found, the driver must document it on the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) and place the vehicle out of service until repairs are made.
Question 4: What is the minimum brake lining thickness that triggers an out-of-service condition for a front steering axle air brake on a commercial vehicle?
- 1/16 inch
- 1/8 inch (Correct answer)
- 1/4 inch
- 3/8 inch
Correct answer: 1/8 inch
FMCSA out-of-service criteria specify that brake lining thickness less than 1/4 inch on front steering axles triggers an out-of-service condition, but the threshold triggering OOS for most axles is 1/8 inch (4mm).
Question 5: Which document must a motor carrier retain to demonstrate that a periodic inspection was completed on each vehicle?
- Bill of lading
- Annual inspection report or equivalent documentation (Correct answer)
- Driver's daily log
- Load manifest
Correct answer: Annual inspection report or equivalent documentation
Motor carriers must keep a copy of the annual inspection report or equivalent documentation for 14 months to demonstrate compliance with periodic inspection requirements.
Question 6: When inspecting tire condition during a pre-trip inspection, which finding would require the vehicle to be placed out of service?
- Tread depth of 4/32 inch on a front steer tire
- Tread depth of 5/32 inch on a rear drive tire
- Minor sidewall scuffing with no exposed cords
- Tread depth of 2/32 inch on a front steer tire (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Tread depth of 2/32 inch on a front steer tire
FMCSA requires a minimum of 4/32 inch tread depth on front steer tires; 2/32 inch falls below this threshold and requires the vehicle to be placed out of service.
Question 7: How long must a motor carrier retain Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) that contain no defects?
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days (Correct answer)
- 180 days
Correct answer: 90 days
Under 49 CFR 396.11, motor carriers must retain DVIRs for at least 3 months (90 days), regardless of whether defects were noted.
CFSP Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection 1
Under FMCSA regulations, how often must a commercial motor vehicle undergo a periodic inspection (annual inspection)?