NETTCP Transportation Safety & Inspection 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A school bus driver notices the emergency exit door alarm sounds when the door is properly latched. What should the driver do?
- Disable the alarm and continue the route
- Tape the door latch and report it at shift end
- Remove the vehicle from service and report the defect (Correct answer)
- Continue the route since the door is physically secure
Correct answer: Remove the vehicle from service and report the defect
A malfunctioning emergency exit door alarm is a safety defect that must be reported and the vehicle removed from service until repaired.
Question 2: Under FMCSA hours-of-service rules, what is the maximum on-duty time allowed for property-carrying drivers before a required 10-hour off-duty break?
- 10 hours
- 11 hours
- 14 hours (Correct answer)
- 16 hours
Correct answer: 14 hours
Property-carrying drivers may not drive after 14 consecutive hours on duty following a required 10-hour off-duty period.
Question 3: During a cargo inspection, a technician finds a hazardous materials placard is required but missing. What is the appropriate response?
- Apply a placard from spare stock and continue
- Reduce speed and proceed to the nearest weigh station
- Place the vehicle out of service until properly placarded (Correct answer)
- Contact dispatch for instructions before deciding
Correct answer: Place the vehicle out of service until properly placarded
Operating a vehicle requiring hazmat placards without them is a serious violation requiring the vehicle to be placed out of service.
Question 4: A transportation technician inspects a commercial vehicle's steering and finds 3 inches of steering wheel lash (play) on a vehicle with a 20-inch steering wheel. How should this be classified?
- Acceptable — within normal operating limits
- Borderline — monitor and re-inspect in 30 days
- Out-of-service condition — exceeds allowable lash (Correct answer)
- Advisory — reduce highway speed only
Correct answer: Out-of-service condition — exceeds allowable lash
FMCSA out-of-service criteria require no more than 2.5 inches of steering wheel lash for a 20-inch wheel, making 3 inches an out-of-service condition.
Question 5: Which of the following is a valid reason to issue a Driver-Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) defect notation?
- Windshield wiper blades that streak but still clear the view
- Exterior mirrors adjusted slightly out of preference
- Seat adjustment mechanism that doesn't lock in position (Correct answer)
- Cab interior that needs cleaning
Correct answer: Seat adjustment mechanism that doesn't lock in position
A seat that doesn't lock in position is a safety-relevant defect that must be noted on the DVIR as it affects driver control.
Question 6: When must a commercial motor vehicle driver complete a post-trip vehicle inspection under FMCSA regulations?
- Only when a defect is noticed during the trip
- At the end of each day's work on vehicles they operated (Correct answer)
- Only when transporting passengers or hazardous materials
- Once per week regardless of operating days
Correct answer: At the end of each day's work on vehicles they operated
FMCSA requires drivers to complete a DVIR at the end of each day's work for every vehicle operated that day.
Question 7: A vehicle's spring brake system fails to hold the vehicle stationary on a 20% grade during an inspection test. What is the most likely cause?
- Low fuel level affecting brake system pressure
- Spring brake malfunctioning or improperly adjusted (Correct answer)
- Traction control system interfering with brake engagement
- Normal behavior — spring brakes are not designed for steep grades
Correct answer: Spring brake malfunctioning or improperly adjusted
Spring brakes that fail to hold on grade indicate a mechanical malfunction or improper adjustment requiring immediate service.
NETTCP Transportation Safety & Inspection 3
A school bus driver notices the emergency exit door alarm sounds when the door is properly latched.
What should the driver do?