CLP Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting the steering system during a pre-trip inspection, what should you check for on the steering wheel itself?
- Excessive play of more than 10 degrees
- Cracked or broken spokes (Correct answer)
- Steering wheel diameter over 18 inches
- Loose horn button
Correct answer: Cracked or broken spokes
A cracked or broken steering wheel is a defect that must be reported and repaired before driving.
Question 2: During a pre-trip inspection, how should you test the low air pressure warning signal?
- Step on the brake pedal firmly three times
- Fan off air pressure by pressing the brake while the engine is off (Correct answer)
- Rev the engine to 1500 RPM while observing the gauge
- Turn the ignition to accessory mode only
Correct answer: Fan off air pressure by pressing the brake while the engine is off
With the engine off, fan the brakes to reduce air pressure until the warning light or buzzer activates, which should happen before pressure drops below 60 psi.
Question 3: What is the minimum tread depth required for front tires on a commercial vehicle?
- 2/32 inch
- 4/32 inch (Correct answer)
- 6/32 inch
- 8/32 inch
Correct answer: 4/32 inch
Front tires must have at least 4/32 inch tread depth; all other tires require at least 2/32 inch.
Question 4: During an engine compartment check, you notice the oil level is between the ADD and FULL marks. What should you do?
- Add oil immediately before driving
- This is acceptable — drive the vehicle (Correct answer)
- Report it as a defect and refuse to drive
- Check the oil again after driving 10 miles
Correct answer: This is acceptable — drive the vehicle
An oil level between ADD and FULL is within the normal operating range and the vehicle may be driven.
Question 5: What should you check when inspecting the exhaust system during a pre-trip?
- Exhaust temperature
- Loose, broken, or missing clamps or pipes (Correct answer)
- Color of exhaust smoke at idle
- Exhaust pipe length relative to the cab
Correct answer: Loose, broken, or missing clamps or pipes
Loose, broken, or missing exhaust components can allow deadly carbon monoxide to enter the cab.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT part of the in-cab inspection during a CDL pre-trip?
- Testing the horn
- Checking that mirrors are properly adjusted
- Verifying the parking brake holds
- Inspecting the fifth wheel locking mechanism (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Inspecting the fifth wheel locking mechanism
The fifth wheel locking mechanism is checked during the coupling system/external inspection, not the in-cab inspection.
Question 7: When checking the battery during a pre-trip inspection, what are you looking for?
- Battery voltage using a voltmeter
- Secure mounting, no cracks, and no corrosion on terminals (Correct answer)
- Battery temperature using an infrared thermometer
- Date of last battery replacement
Correct answer: Secure mounting, no cracks, and no corrosion on terminals
You visually inspect the battery for secure mounting, no cracks in the case, and clean terminals free of corrosion.
CLP Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection 2
When inspecting the steering system during a pre-trip inspection, what should you check for on the steering wheel itself?