Inspection & Pre-Trip
Cover the inspection flow and what to catch before rolling.
CDL success depends on being systematic before the truck moves. This lesson is about inspection order, what each check is proving, and how pre-trip details connect to roadside safety and test scoring, so you can explain not only what to inspect but why a missed defect matters once the vehicle is in service.
Read this in the handbook
Start with the handbook sections that match this module, then come back for sample questions and drills.
Practice inspection & pre-trip questions
You find a critical vehicle safety defect during a pre-trip. What should you do?
- A. Drive carefully to a repair shop
- B. Do not drive until it is repaired
- C. Report it but continue driving
- D. Complete your route first
Show answer
B. Do not drive until it is repaired — Never drive a commercial vehicle with a safety defect that would affect safe operation. Get it repaired first.
When checking the coupling system during inspection, you should verify that:
- A. The fifth wheel locking jaws are closed around the kingpin
- B. The paint is not chipped
- C. The trailer is loaded evenly
- D. The fuel tank is full before coupling begins
Show answer
A. The fifth wheel locking jaws are closed around the kingpin — Verify the fifth wheel jaws are securely closed around the trailer kingpin and there is no space between the upper and lower fifth wheel.
During a pre-trip brake check, you apply the brake pedal hard and hold it for 1 minute with the engine off. What are you checking?
- A. That the brake pads are thick enough, a separate check from the pedal-hold air leak test
- B. That the parking brake holds the vehicle
- C. That the brake chambers are correctly sized
- D. That the service brake air lines have no major leaks — the pedal should not sink significantly after initial application
Show answer
D. That the service brake air lines have no major leaks — the pedal should not sink significantly after initial application — With the engine off and full brake application held, the air pressure should remain stable. A slowly sinking pedal indicates a service brake air leak that must be repaired before driving.
During the engine compartment check, you should verify the alternator belt is:
- A. Any color
- B. Made of rubber only
- C. Not cracked, frayed, or too loose/tight
- D. Connected to the air compressor
Show answer
C. Not cracked, frayed, or too loose/tight — Check the alternator/serpentine belt for cracks, fraying, and proper tension. A broken belt causes charging and cooling system failure.
Which of the following is NOT checked during a pre-trip cab inspection?
- A. Seat adjustment and mirrors
- B. Emergency equipment (triangles, fire extinguisher, spare fuses)
- C. Gauges and warning lights
- D. Trailer cargo manifest
Show answer
D. Trailer cargo manifest — The cargo manifest is not part of the pre-trip safety inspection. The cab inspection covers: emergency equipment, safety equipment, gauges, controls, mirrors, seat, and seatbelts.
Get the full question bank, targeted drills, and mastery tracking in the free app.
