NETTCP Transportation Safety & Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a pre-trip inspection, a driver discovers a crack in the windshield within the driver's critical viewing area. What is the correct action?
- Continue the trip and report it upon return
- Cover the crack with tape and proceed cautiously
- Take the vehicle out of service until repaired (Correct answer)
- Operate the vehicle only in daylight hours
Correct answer: Take the vehicle out of service until repaired
A crack in the driver's critical viewing area is an out-of-service condition that requires the vehicle to be removed from service until repaired.
Question 2: What is the minimum tread depth required for front steering axle tires on a commercial motor vehicle under FMCSA regulations?
- 2/32 inch
- 4/32 inch (Correct answer)
- 6/32 inch
- 8/32 inch
Correct answer: 4/32 inch
FMCSA requires a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch for front steering axle tires, compared to 2/32 inch for other positions.
Question 3: A vehicle's air brake system shows a slow air leak with brakes released. According to FMCSA standards, what is the maximum allowable pressure drop per minute for a single vehicle?
- 1 psi per minute
- 2 psi per minute
- 3 psi per minute (Correct answer)
- 4 psi per minute
Correct answer: 3 psi per minute
FMCSA regulations allow a maximum air pressure loss of 3 psi per minute with brakes released for a single vehicle.
Question 4: Which lighting defect would place a commercial vehicle out of service during a roadside inspection?
- One non-required marker light inoperative
- Both headlights inoperative on low beam (Correct answer)
- One clearance light burned out on the trailer
- A license plate light with reduced brightness
Correct answer: Both headlights inoperative on low beam
Both headlights being inoperative is an immediate out-of-service condition as required lighting must function for safe operation.
Question 5: Under NETTCP protocols, how often must safety-critical vehicle inspections be documented and retained?
- Daily inspection reports kept for 7 days at the terminal (Correct answer)
- Weekly summaries kept for 30 days
- Monthly reports retained for 6 months
- Annual reports kept indefinitely
Correct answer: Daily inspection reports kept for 7 days at the terminal
FMCSA-aligned protocols require daily inspection reports to be retained for at least 7 days at the terminal or principal place of business.
Question 6: A transportation technician notices the anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning lamp remains illuminated after the vehicle exceeds 6 mph. What does this indicate?
- Normal ABS self-test behavior
- ABS system fault requiring attention before operation (Correct answer)
- Low brake fluid level warning
- Parking brake not fully released
Correct answer: ABS system fault requiring attention before operation
An ABS warning lamp that stays on after exceeding 6 mph indicates a system fault that must be addressed, as ABS is required on newer CMVs.
Question 7: When inspecting fifth wheel coupling on a tractor-trailer, which condition requires immediate corrective action?
- Slight surface rust on the fifth wheel plate
- Missing or ineffective fifth wheel locking mechanism (Correct answer)
- Grease on the fifth wheel plate
- Minor wear on the skid plate
Correct answer: Missing or ineffective fifth wheel locking mechanism
A missing or ineffective fifth wheel locking mechanism is an out-of-service condition that prevents secure trailer coupling.
NETTCP Transportation Safety & Inspection 2
During a pre-trip inspection, a driver discovers a crack in the windshield within the driver's critical viewing area.
What is the correct action?