What is the most important reason to inspect your vehicle?

Safety for yourself and other road users

Meeting the carrier’s paperwork rules

Who is required by federal and state law to inspect a commercial vehicle?

Only the motor carrier’s mechanic

A federal or state inspector judges your vehicle unsafe. What happens?

It is put out of service until it is fixed

You may finish the trip at a lower speed

During a trip, how should you watch for trouble with your vehicle?

Watch the gauges and use your senses to look, listen, smell, and feel

Rely on the warning buzzers only

Wait for other drivers to signal you

Which of these is a critical item to check when you stop during a trip?

The windshield washer fluid level

When should you do an after-trip inspection?

At the end of the trip, day, or tour of duty on each vehicle you operated

Only when a defect appeared during the trip

What does the vehicle condition report from your after-trip inspection help the motor carrier do?

Know when the vehicle needs repairs

Which tire condition is a problem you should look for?

Radial and bias-ply tires used together

Tires of the same size on one axle

Which tires are prohibited on the front wheels of a bus?

Re-grooved, recapped, or retreaded tires

Dual tires are touching each other. Is this a problem?

Yes, dual tires must not touch each other or parts of the vehicle

No, if the air pressure is equal

What should you do a short while after a tire has been changed?

Stop and check that the wheel nuts are still tight

Let some air out of the new tire

How should you judge a wheel or rim that has had welding repairs?

It is safe if the weld is painted

It is safe on a trailer axle only

What do mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings mean?

They are normal after a tire change

They only matter on front wheels

What does the suspension system do?

Holds up the vehicle and its load and keeps the axles in place

Controls the air pressure in the brakes

Carries exhaust fumes away from the cab

Which brake drum or shoe condition is a defect?

Shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them

Drums that feel warm after a trip

If your vehicle has power steering, what should you check?

Hoses, pumps, and fluid level, and look for leaks

Which is a steering system defect?

Missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys

Why is a broken exhaust system dangerous?

It can let poison fumes into the cab or sleeper berth

It lowers the air pressure in the brakes

Which exhaust system condition is a defect?

Exhaust parts rubbing against fuel system parts or tires

When are spare electrical fuses not required as emergency equipment?

When the vehicle is equipped with circuit breakers

When the vehicle has a second battery

When the trip is under 50 miles

Which warning devices for parked vehicles must you carry?

Three reflective triangles, or at least 6 fuses, or 3 liquid burning flares

What must you check about cargo on a truck before each trip?

That the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured

Only that the bill of lading is signed

The cargo includes hazardous materials. What else must you inspect?

The driver’s medical card only

During the CDL vehicle inspection test, what must you do with each item?

Point to or touch it, name it, and explain what you inspect and why

Only name it from the driver’s seat

Write it on a checklist without speaking

Why should you do a vehicle inspection the same way each time?

You learn all the steps and are less likely to forget something

Examiners require one fixed order by law

It makes the inspection take less fuel

As you approach the vehicle, what should you look for under it?

Fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks

The previous driver’s inspection report lists defects that affect safety. What must the motor carrier do?

Repair them and certify on the report that repairs were made or were unnecessary

Note them again on the next report

Tell the next driver about them by phone

When do you sign the previous driver’s inspection report?

Only if defects were noted and certified as repaired or not needing repair

Every time you take over a vehicle

Only when you find a new defect

What should you make sure of before checking the engine compartment?

That the parking brakes are on and/or the wheels are chocked

That the transmission is in low gear

Which belts should you check for tightness and excessive wear in the engine compartment?

Alternator, water pump, and air compressor belts

Only the fan belt on the trailer

After you start the engine, what should the ABS indicator light on the dash do?

Flash until the brakes are applied

On a trailer, what does a yellow light on the left rear that stays on mean?

The ABS is not working properly

The trailer brakes are released

What should the coolant temperature gauge do after you start the engine?

Begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range

Jump to the top of the range right away

What should you look for when inspecting mirrors and the windshield?

Cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or other obstructions

What should you check about the safety belt during the inspection?

It is securely mounted, adjusts, latches properly, and is not ripped or frayed

Only that it is the right color

Before you get out to check the lights, what should you do with the key?

Turn off the engine and take the key with you

Leave it in the ignition with the engine running

Vehicle inspection

Practice this topic67 questions

Questions and answers

What is the most important reason to inspect your vehicle?

Safety for yourself and other road users

Safety comes first. Catching a defect early can also save time and money on a breakdown.
Section 2 · 2.1.1 – Why Inspect ↗PDF, 41 MB
Who is required by federal and state law to inspect a commercial vehicle?

The driver

Federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles. Inspectors may also inspect them.
Section 2 · 2.1.1 – Why Inspect ↗PDF, 41 MB
A federal or state inspector judges your vehicle unsafe. What happens?

It is put out of service until it is fixed

An unsafe vehicle is placed out of service until the problem is repaired.
Section 2 · 2.1.1 – Why Inspect ↗PDF, 41 MB
During a trip, how should you watch for trouble with your vehicle?

Watch the gauges and use your senses to look, listen, smell, and feel

Keep an eye on the gauges and use all your senses to notice problems while driving.
Section 2 · 2.1.2 – Types of Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which of these is a critical item to check when you stop during a trip?

Tires, wheels, and rims

At stops, check tires, wheels and rims, brakes, lights and reflectors, trailer connections, coupling devices, and cargo securement.
Section 2 · 2.1.2 – Types of Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB
When should you do an after-trip inspection?

At the end of the trip, day, or tour of duty on each vehicle you operated

Do an after-trip inspection on every vehicle you drove when the trip, day, or tour of duty ends.
Section 2 · 2.1.2 – Types of Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB
What does the vehicle condition report from your after-trip inspection help the motor carrier do?

Know when the vehicle needs repairs

The report tells the carrier about problems so the vehicle can be repaired.
Section 2 · 2.1.2 – Types of Vehicle Inspection ↗PDF, 41 MB
What is the minimum tread depth needed in every major groove on front tires?

4/32 inch

Front tires need at least 4/32 inch of tread in every major groove.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
What is the minimum tread depth needed on tires other than the front tires?

2/32 inch

Tires other than the front ones need at least 2/32 inch of tread.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which tire condition is a problem you should look for?

Radial and bias-ply tires used together

Mixing radial and bias-ply tires is a tire problem, along with mismatched sizes and dual tires that touch.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which tires are prohibited on the front wheels of a bus?

Re-grooved, recapped, or retreaded tires

A bus may not use re-grooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on its front wheels.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
What should never show through the tread or sidewall of a tire?

Fabric

If fabric shows through the tread or sidewall, the tire is badly worn.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
Dual tires are touching each other. Is this a problem?

Yes, dual tires must not touch each other or parts of the vehicle

Dual tires that come in contact with each other or with vehicle parts are a tire problem.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
What may rust around the wheel nuts mean?

The nuts may be loose

Rust around wheel nuts can mean they are loose, so check their tightness.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
What should you do a short while after a tire has been changed?

Stop and check that the wheel nuts are still tight

After a tire change, stop a little later and check the tightness of the nuts again.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
How should you judge a wheel or rim that has had welding repairs?

It is not safe

Wheels or rims with welding repairs are not safe.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
What do mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings mean?

They are dangerous

Lock rings that are mismatched, bent, or cracked are a danger.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
What does the suspension system do?

Holds up the vehicle and its load and keeps the axles in place

The suspension supports the vehicle and load and keeps the axles positioned, so broken parts are very dangerous.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
What part of the leaves in a leaf spring must be missing to put the vehicle out of service?

One-fourth or more

One-fourth or more missing leaves puts the vehicle out of service, though any defect could be dangerous.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which is a suspension system defect?

Leaking shock absorbers

Leaking shock absorbers, cracked spring hangers, and damaged axle positioning parts are suspension defects.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which brake drum or shoe condition is a defect?

Shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them

Contaminated shoes or pads, cracked drums, and shoes worn dangerously thin are defects.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
How much steering wheel play makes it hard to steer?

More than 10 degrees

Play of more than 10 degrees can make the vehicle hard to steer.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
On a 20-inch steering wheel, about how much movement at the rim equals 10 degrees of play?

About 2 inches

Ten degrees of play is about 2 inches of movement at the rim of a 20-inch wheel.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
If your vehicle has power steering, what should you check?

Hoses, pumps, and fluid level, and look for leaks

With power steering, check hoses, pumps, fluid level, and leaks.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which is a steering system defect?

Missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys

Missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, and bent or loose steering parts are steering defects.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why is a broken exhaust system dangerous?

It can let poison fumes into the cab or sleeper berth

Exhaust leaks can let poisonous fumes into the cab or sleeper.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which exhaust system condition is a defect?

Exhaust parts rubbing against fuel system parts or tires

Exhaust parts must not rub against fuel parts, tires, or other moving parts.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
When are spare electrical fuses not required as emergency equipment?

When the vehicle is equipped with circuit breakers

Carry spare fuses unless the vehicle uses circuit breakers.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which warning devices for parked vehicles must you carry?

Three reflective triangles, or at least 6 fuses, or 3 liquid burning flares

Carry three reflective triangles, at least 6 fuses, or 3 liquid burning flares.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
What must you check about cargo on a truck before each trip?

That the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured

Before each trip make sure the truck is not overloaded and the load is balanced and secured.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
The cargo includes hazardous materials. What else must you inspect?

Proper papers and placarding

With hazardous materials, also check for proper papers and placards.
Section 2 · 2.1.3 – What to Look For ↗PDF, 41 MB
During the CDL vehicle inspection test, what must you do with each item?

Point to or touch it, name it, and explain what you inspect and why

You point to or touch and name each item and explain what you check and why.
Section 2 · 2.1.4 – CDL Vehicle Inspection Test ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why should you do a vehicle inspection the same way each time?

You learn all the steps and are less likely to forget something

A routine inspection helps you remember every step.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
As you approach the vehicle, what should you look for under it?

Fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks

Look under the vehicle for fresh leaks as you approach.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
The previous driver’s inspection report lists defects that affect safety. What must the motor carrier do?

Repair them and certify on the report that repairs were made or were unnecessary

The carrier repairs safety items and certifies on the report that they were fixed or did not need fixing.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
When do you sign the previous driver’s inspection report?

Only if defects were noted and certified as repaired or not needing repair

You sign only when defects were noted and certified to be repaired or not needing repair.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
What should you make sure of before checking the engine compartment?

That the parking brakes are on and/or the wheels are chocked

Set the parking brakes or chock the wheels before working in the engine compartment.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which belts should you check for tightness and excessive wear in the engine compartment?

Alternator, water pump, and air compressor belts

Check the alternator, water pump, and air compressor belts and learn how much give they should have.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
Which fluid level may require the engine to be running to check?

Automatic transmission fluid

Automatic transmission fluid may need to be checked with the engine running.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
Before you start the engine, what gear should the gearshift be in?

Neutral, or park if automatic

With the parking brake on, put the gearshift in neutral, or park for an automatic, then start the engine.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
After you start the engine, what should the ABS indicator light on the dash do?

Come on and then turn off

The ABS light should come on and then go off. If it stays on, the ABS is not working properly.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
On a trailer, what does a yellow light on the left rear that stays on mean?

The ABS is not working properly

If the yellow ABS light at the left rear of a trailer stays on, the trailer ABS is not working properly.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
After the engine starts, how quickly should oil pressure come up to normal?

Within seconds

Oil pressure should reach normal within seconds of starting the engine.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
During the inspection, how quickly should air pressure build from 50 to 90 psi?

Within 3 minutes

Air pressure should build from 50 to 90 psi within 3 minutes.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
At about what pressure does the air compressor governor usually cut out?

Around 120 to 140 psi

Build air pressure to governor cut-out, usually around 120 to 140 psi, but know your vehicle.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
What should the coolant temperature gauge do after you start the engine?

Begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range

Coolant and engine oil temperature should rise gradually to normal.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
What should the oil, coolant, charging circuit, and antilock brake warning lights do after starting?

Go out right away

These warning lights should go out right away after the engine starts.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
What should you look for when inspecting mirrors and the windshield?

Cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or other obstructions

Check for anything that blocks clear vision, then clean and adjust as needed.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
What should you check about the safety belt during the inspection?

It is securely mounted, adjusts, latches properly, and is not ripped or frayed

The belt must be mounted, adjustable, latch properly, and be free of rips and fraying.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
Before you get out to check the lights, what should you do with the key?

Turn off the engine and take the key with you

Set the parking brake, turn off the engine, and take the key with you.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
What color should the parking, clearance, and identification lights be at the front?

Amber

Lights and reflectors at the front of the vehicle should be amber.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
What color should the rear clearance lights, reflectors, and taillights be?

Red

Rear clearance and identification lights, reflectors, and taillights should be red.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
What color should side-marker lights be?

Red at the rear and amber elsewhere

Side-marker lights and reflectors are red at the rear and amber elsewhere.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
How should you test rust-streaked lug nuts during the walk-around?

Use a wrench to test them for looseness

Rust streaks can mean loose lug nuts, so test them with a wrench.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
What must you do to test the steering mechanism for looseness?

Grab it

You must grab the steering mechanism to test it for looseness.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
Your truck is over-length or over-width. What must you make sure of during the inspection?

All signs, lights, or flags are properly mounted and the required permits are in your possession

For oversize loads, mount the required signs, lights, and flags and carry the required permits.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
How do you test the parking brake?

Put the vehicle in a low gear and gently pull forward against the parking brake

With the parking brake set, gently pull forward in low gear to see if it holds. If it does not, get it fixed.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
At about what speed do you test the service brake stopping action?

About five miles per hour

Go about 5 mph and push the brake pedal firmly to test the service brakes.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
When testing the service brakes, what may "pulling" to one side mean?

Brake trouble

Pulling to one side or an unusual pedal feel can mean brake trouble.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?

Pump the pedal three times, then hold firm pressure for five seconds

Pump three times, then hold firm pressure for five seconds. The pedal should not move.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
During the hydraulic leak test, the pedal moves while you hold it. What does this mean?

There may be a leak or other problem to fix before driving

The pedal should not move. If it does, get the problem fixed before you drive.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
Why should you secure all loose articles in the cab?

They might interfere with the controls or hit you in a crash

Loose items can get in the way of the controls or strike you in a crash.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
You find something unsafe during the inspection. What should you do?

Get it fixed, because operating an unsafe vehicle is forbidden

Federal and state laws forbid operating an unsafe vehicle, so have it fixed.
Section 2 · 2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method ↗PDF, 41 MB
When must a truck driver first inspect the cargo securement after starting a trip?

Within the first 50 miles

Cargo securement must be checked within the first 50 miles of a trip.
Section 2 · 2.1.6 – Inspection during a Trip ↗PDF, 41 MB
After the first check, how often must you inspect cargo securement?

Every 150 miles or every three hours, whichever comes first

After the first 50 miles, recheck every 150 miles or three hours, whichever comes first.
Section 2 · 2.1.6 – Inspection during a Trip ↗PDF, 41 MB
What should your after-trip report include?

Anything affecting safety or possibly leading to mechanical breakdown

Report anything that affects safety or could cause a breakdown.
Section 2 · 2.1.7 – After-trip Inspection and Report ↗PDF, 41 MB
How long should a copy of your vehicle inspection report stay in the vehicle?

One day

Keep a copy in the vehicle for one day so the next driver can learn about problems you found.
Section 2 · 2.1.7 – After-trip Inspection and Report ↗PDF, 41 MB

Vehicle inspection

Questions and answers

What is the most important reason to inspect your vehicle?

Who is required by federal and state law to inspect a commercial vehicle?

A federal or state inspector judges your vehicle unsafe. What happens?

During a trip, how should you watch for trouble with your vehicle?

Which of these is a critical item to check when you stop during a trip?

When should you do an after-trip inspection?

What does the vehicle condition report from your after-trip inspection help the motor carrier do?

What is the minimum tread depth needed in every major groove on front tires?

What is the minimum tread depth needed on tires other than the front tires?

Which tire condition is a problem you should look for?

Which tires are prohibited on the front wheels of a bus?

What should never show through the tread or sidewall of a tire?

Dual tires are touching each other. Is this a problem?

What may rust around the wheel nuts mean?

What should you do a short while after a tire has been changed?

How should you judge a wheel or rim that has had welding repairs?

What do mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings mean?

What does the suspension system do?

What part of the leaves in a leaf spring must be missing to put the vehicle out of service?

Which is a suspension system defect?

Which brake drum or shoe condition is a defect?

How much steering wheel play makes it hard to steer?

On a 20-inch steering wheel, about how much movement at the rim equals 10 degrees of play?

If your vehicle has power steering, what should you check?

Which is a steering system defect?

Why is a broken exhaust system dangerous?

Which exhaust system condition is a defect?

When are spare electrical fuses not required as emergency equipment?

Which warning devices for parked vehicles must you carry?

What must you check about cargo on a truck before each trip?

The cargo includes hazardous materials. What else must you inspect?

During the CDL vehicle inspection test, what must you do with each item?

Why should you do a vehicle inspection the same way each time?

As you approach the vehicle, what should you look for under it?

The previous driver’s inspection report lists defects that affect safety. What must the motor carrier do?

When do you sign the previous driver’s inspection report?

What should you make sure of before checking the engine compartment?

Which belts should you check for tightness and excessive wear in the engine compartment?

Which fluid level may require the engine to be running to check?

Before you start the engine, what gear should the gearshift be in?

After you start the engine, what should the ABS indicator light on the dash do?

On a trailer, what does a yellow light on the left rear that stays on mean?

After the engine starts, how quickly should oil pressure come up to normal?

During the inspection, how quickly should air pressure build from 50 to 90 psi?

At about what pressure does the air compressor governor usually cut out?

What should the coolant temperature gauge do after you start the engine?

What should the oil, coolant, charging circuit, and antilock brake warning lights do after starting?

What should you look for when inspecting mirrors and the windshield?

What should you check about the safety belt during the inspection?

Before you get out to check the lights, what should you do with the key?

What color should the parking, clearance, and identification lights be at the front?

What color should the rear clearance lights, reflectors, and taillights be?

What color should side-marker lights be?

How should you test rust-streaked lug nuts during the walk-around?

What must you do to test the steering mechanism for looseness?

Your truck is over-length or over-width. What must you make sure of during the inspection?

How do you test the parking brake?

At about what speed do you test the service brake stopping action?

When testing the service brakes, what may "pulling" to one side mean?

How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?

During the hydraulic leak test, the pedal moves while you hold it. What does this mean?

Why should you secure all loose articles in the cab?

You find something unsafe during the inspection. What should you do?

When must a truck driver first inspect the cargo securement after starting a trip?

After the first check, how often must you inspect cargo securement?

What should your after-trip report include?

How long should a copy of your vehicle inspection report stay in the vehicle?

Questions and answers by topic