ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Entry Level Driver Training Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a post-trip inspection, which document must the driver complete at the end of each driving day?
- Commercial Driver's Log (CDL)
- Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) (Correct answer)
- Hours of Service Record (HOS)
- Bill of Lading (BOL)
Correct answer: Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)
FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 396.11) require drivers to complete a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) at the end of each driving day, noting any defects or deficiencies discovered or reported.
Question 2: When inspecting the steering components during a pre-trip inspection, what is the maximum allowable free play (lash) in the steering wheel for a vehicle with a steering wheel diameter of 18 inches or less?
- 1.5 inches
- 2 inches (Correct answer)
- 2.5 inches
- 3 inches
Correct answer: 2 inches
For vehicles with a steering wheel diameter of 18 inches or less, FMCSA regulations allow a maximum of 2 inches of free play. Excessive steering lash can indicate worn components that compromise vehicle control.
Question 3: During a pre-trip inspection of the braking system, which component stores compressed air to power the brakes on an air brake-equipped vehicle?
- Brake drums
- Air tanks (reservoirs) (Correct answer)
- Slack adjusters
- Brake chambers
Correct answer: Air tanks (reservoirs)
Air tanks (reservoirs) store the compressed air that powers air brakes. Drivers must drain moisture from these tanks daily and verify proper air pressure (typically 100–125 psi) before driving.
Question 4: What should a driver do if a defect found during a post-trip inspection is listed on the DVIR as needing repair before the vehicle is driven again?
- Drive the vehicle only short distances until it can be repaired
- Certify on the next DVIR that the defect has been repaired or is not safety-related before driving (Correct answer)
- Continue driving as long as the defect does not worsen
- Report the defect verbally to dispatch and proceed with the route
Correct answer: Certify on the next DVIR that the defect has been repaired or is not safety-related before driving
FMCSA regulations require that a qualified mechanic repair any noted safety defect and certify the repair, or the carrier must certify the defect is not safety-related, before the vehicle is placed back in service. The next driver must acknowledge this on the DVIR.
Question 5: During a pre-trip inspection of the coupling system on a combination vehicle, what must the driver verify about the fifth wheel locking jaws?
- They are greased and move freely
- They are fully closed and locked around the kingpin (Correct answer)
- They are open to allow proper trailer movement
- They are positioned at least 2 inches from the kingpin
Correct answer: They are fully closed and locked around the kingpin
The fifth wheel locking jaws must be fully closed and locked around the kingpin to secure the trailer. An improper coupling can result in trailer separation, which is a severe safety hazard. Drivers verify this visually and by performing a tug test.
Question 6: Which of the following lighting defects found during a pre-trip inspection would place a vehicle out of service under FMCSA guidelines?
- One non-required clearance light is inoperative
- A required brake light on the rear of the vehicle is inoperative (Correct answer)
- A non-required interior cab light is burned out
- An optional amber courtesy light is missing
Correct answer: A required brake light on the rear of the vehicle is inoperative
Required lighting, including brake lights, must be fully functional before the vehicle may be operated. An inoperative brake light is an out-of-service condition because it prevents other drivers from knowing when the CMV is slowing or stopping, creating a serious crash risk.
ELDT - Entry Level Driver Training Entry Level Driver Training Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections 1
During a post-trip inspection, which document must the driver complete at the end of each driving day?