ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the legal requirement for pre-trip inspections under FMCSA regulations?

Pre-trip inspections are recommended but not required
Drivers must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving (Correct answer)
Only the carrier is responsible for vehicle condition
Pre-trip inspections are only required once per week

Correct answer: Drivers must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving

Under 49 CFR 392.7 and 396.13, drivers must be satisfied that the motor vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving it, and they must review the last DVIR if one exists.

FMCSA regulations make the driver personally responsible for ensuring their vehicle is safe to operate. Under 49 CFR 392.7, the driver must be satisfied that required parts and accessories are in good working order before driving. Under 396.13, the driver must review the last Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) to check if any defects were reported by the previous driver and whether repairs were certified. The pre-trip inspection should cover all items listed in 49 CFR 393 (parts and accessories) and typically takes 15-30 minutes for a thorough inspection of a tractor-trailer combination.

Question 2: During a pre-trip inspection, what should you check about the engine compartment?

Only the oil level
Oil level, coolant level, belt condition, leaks, and wiring condition (Correct answer)
Just that the engine starts
Only items visible from outside the vehicle

Correct answer: Oil level, coolant level, belt condition, leaks, and wiring condition

The engine compartment inspection should include checking oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, belt condition and tension, hoses for leaks or damage, and wiring for fraying or damage.

A thorough engine compartment inspection includes: checking the oil level on the dipstick and looking for leaks around the engine; verifying coolant level in the reservoir and inspecting hoses for cracks, bulges, or leaks; checking power steering fluid level; inspecting all belts (alternator, water pump, air compressor) for cracks, fraying, and proper tension; examining wiring and electrical connections for damage; checking the air compressor for leaks; verifying the condition of the water pump; and looking under the vehicle for any fluid puddles indicating leaks. Any deficiency could lead to a breakdown or safety hazard.

Question 3: What should you check about the tires during a pre-trip inspection?

Only that they are inflated
Tread depth, inflation pressure, sidewall condition, valve stems, and lug nuts (Correct answer)
Just the brand of tire
Only the front tires need inspection

Correct answer: Tread depth, inflation pressure, sidewall condition, valve stems, and lug nuts

Tire inspection includes checking tread depth (minimum 4/32" steer, 2/32" other), inflation pressure, sidewall damage, valve stem condition, and lug nut tightness on all wheels.

A complete tire inspection covers all tires including spares: tread depth must meet minimum requirements (4/32 inch for steer tires, 2/32 inch for all others per FMCSA rules); inflation should be checked with a gauge (thumping can detect severely low tires); sidewalls must be inspected for cuts, bulges, or cracks; valve stems should be intact with caps; lug nuts must be present, not cracked, and properly torqued (no rust streaks indicating looseness); and dual tires should not be touching each other or have objects lodged between them. Mismatched tires on the same axle can cause handling problems.

Question 4: What is a DVIR and when must it be completed?

A Department of Vehicle Information Report completed annually
A Driver Vehicle Inspection Report completed at the end of each driving day (Correct answer)
A Digital Vehicle Image Record taken before each trip
A safety certificate completed monthly

Correct answer: A Driver Vehicle Inspection Report completed at the end of each driving day

The Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) must be completed by the driver at the end of each day's work on the vehicle, documenting the condition of specific vehicle components.

The DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report), required by 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13, must be prepared by the driver at the end of each day's work. The report must cover specific items including brakes, steering, lighting, tires, horn, windshield wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels, and emergency equipment. If no defects are found, the driver can note that. If defects are found, the carrier must repair them before the vehicle is dispatched again, and a mechanic must sign off that repairs were completed. The next driver must review the previous DVIR before their pre-trip inspection.

Question 5: During a post-trip inspection, why is it important to check the brake system?

Brakes do not need checking after a trip
To identify brake wear or damage that occurred during the driving day before the vehicle is used again (Correct answer)
Only to satisfy insurance requirements
Because brakes are checked only during post-trip inspections

Correct answer: To identify brake wear or damage that occurred during the driving day before the vehicle is used again

Post-trip brake inspection identifies any brake wear, damage, or issues that developed during driving, ensuring the vehicle is safe before it is parked or used by another driver.

Brake system checks during post-trip inspection are critical because brakes undergo significant stress during a driving day. Issues to check include: brake pad or shoe wear that may have reached minimum thickness; air brake system leaks that developed during operation; brake drum or rotor condition (cracks, scoring, heat damage); slack adjuster operation (manual adjusters may need adjustment); brake chamber condition; air lines for chafing or damage; and brake fluid leaks on hydraulic systems. Identifying these issues during post-trip allows repairs to be made before the vehicle is needed again, preventing a driver from departing with defective brakes.

Question 6: What emergency equipment must be verified during a pre-trip inspection?

Only a fire extinguisher
Fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, and spare fuses (if applicable) (Correct answer)
A first aid kit and blanket
Emergency equipment is not part of pre-trip inspections

Correct answer: Fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, and spare fuses (if applicable)

Required emergency equipment includes a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher, three reflective warning triangles, and spare fuses if the vehicle uses fuses.

FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 393.95) require specific emergency equipment in CMVs. A fire extinguisher must be properly mounted, charged (check the gauge), rated at minimum 5 B:C (or two 4 B:C), and accessible. Three bidirectional reflective warning triangles must be present for use during breakdowns or emergencies (placed at 10, 100, and 200 feet behind the vehicle). Spare fuses must be carried if the vehicle uses fuses (unless all circuits are protected by circuit breakers). During pre-trip, drivers should verify all items are present, accessible, and in working condition. Missing emergency equipment is a violation that can result in an out-of-service order.

ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections Questions and Answers 2

What is the legal requirement for pre-trip inspections under FMCSA regulations?