CLP Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting the coupling system on a combination vehicle, what does it mean if you can insert the fifth wheel safety latch (lock handle) while the kingpin is engaged?
- The coupling is properly locked
- The latch is defective and the vehicle should not be driven (Correct answer)
- This is normal and expected
- The kingpin is oversized
Correct answer: The latch is defective and the vehicle should not be driven
If the safety latch can be inserted after coupling, the locking mechanism is defective and the trailer could separate from the tractor.
Question 2: During a pre-trip inspection, you find a tire with a bulge on its sidewall. What should you do?
- Drive carefully to the nearest tire shop
- Reduce tire pressure by 15 psi and continue
- Take the vehicle out of service immediately (Correct answer)
- Cover the bulge with a sidewall protector
Correct answer: Take the vehicle out of service immediately
A bulge indicates internal structural damage that could cause a blowout; the tire must be replaced before the vehicle is driven.
Question 3: What is the correct way to check that your trailer emergency brakes are working during a pre-trip?
- Pull out the red trailer air supply valve and tug on the tractor (Correct answer)
- Press the brake pedal fully and check air pressure drop
- Drive forward slowly and apply the trailer brake hand valve
- Have someone stand behind the trailer and verify brake activation
Correct answer: Pull out the red trailer air supply valve and tug on the tractor
Pulling the red trailer air supply valve deploys the trailer emergency brakes; you then test by tugging the tractor to confirm the trailer does not roll.
Question 4: When inspecting the suspension system, which of the following defects requires taking the vehicle out of service?
- Slight surface rust on a leaf spring
- A missing leaf spring (Correct answer)
- Minor squeaking from a spring mount
- Dust on a shock absorber body
Correct answer: A missing leaf spring
A missing leaf spring significantly compromises load-bearing capacity and vehicle stability, making it an out-of-service defect.
Question 5: When performing a pre-trip walkaround, how many complete circles around the vehicle are required?
- One complete circle (Correct answer)
- Two complete circles
- Three complete circles
- The number varies by vehicle type
Correct answer: One complete circle
The pre-trip inspection is performed as one systematic walkaround starting at the driver's door and moving in one direction around the entire vehicle.
Question 6: What should be the condition of the cargo securement when performing a pre-trip on a loaded flatbed?
- Cargo can be loaded loosely if it is a short trip
- All cargo must be properly blocked, braced, tied, or chained (Correct answer)
- Tarps are only required if cargo exceeds 5 feet in height
- Cargo securement is checked by the shipper, not the driver
Correct answer: All cargo must be properly blocked, braced, tied, or chained
The driver is responsible for ensuring all cargo is properly secured before departure regardless of trip length or who loaded the vehicle.
Question 7: During a pre-trip inspection, you check the windshield and find a small crack in the lower corner outside the driver's line of sight. What is the correct action?
- The vehicle may be driven but the crack must be reported on the DVIR (Correct answer)
- Apply windshield sealer and drive normally
- The vehicle must be taken out of service immediately
- Cover the crack with tape and note it in the logbook
Correct answer: The vehicle may be driven but the crack must be reported on the DVIR
A crack outside the critical driver visibility zone is a reportable defect on the DVIR but does not automatically take the vehicle out of service.
CLP Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection 3
When inspecting the coupling system on a combination vehicle, what does it mean if you can insert the fifth wheel safety latch (lock handle) while the kingpin is engaged?