1. During the engine compartment portion of a pre-trip inspection (engine off), the driver inspects the engine belts for proper condition. What is the maximum acceptable belt deflection (slack) when pressing on the belt midway between pulleys?

2. During the cab check portion of a pre-trip inspection, the driver must verify that all required emergency equipment is present in the commercial motor vehicle. Which combination of emergency equipment items is required for all CMVs operating on public highways?

3. During the cab check portion of a pre-trip inspection, the driver inspects the windshield, windows, and mirrors. What windshield condition would be a defect requiring repair before operation?

4. A driver is performing the air brake system inspection on a Class B straight truck with air brakes. With the engine running, the driver fans the brake pedal to reduce air pressure and observe when the low-pressure warning device activates. The warning light and buzzer activate at 55 PSI. Based on FMCSA requirements, what should the driver determine about this condition?

5. A driver is inspecting the air brake system air storage tanks during a pre-trip inspection. The driver opens the drain valve on a tank and observes that only a small amount of moisture drains out, followed by clear air. The driver then checks another tank and finds that the drain valve is stuck and cannot be opened. What should the driver determine and report about these tank drain valve conditions?

6. A driver is performing the trailer inspection portion of a pre-trip inspection on a Class A tractor-semitrailer that has been parked overnight. The driver examines the landing gear (trailer support legs) and observes that the landing gear crank handle is properly stored and secured. However, the driver notices that one of the landing gear legs has visible surface rust on the support leg tube and the support leg feet (pads) show uneven wear with one pad noticeably worn thinner than the other. What should the driver determine about these landing gear conditions?

7. A driver is inspecting the brake hoses and lines during the walk-around portion of a pre-trip inspection on a Class B straight truck with air brakes. The driver observes that a brake hose on the right rear axle shows the following characteristics: the hose has visible cracks on the outer covering, the hose is flexible and not brittle when pressed, and there are no visible air leaks when the brakes are applied. What should the driver determine about this brake hose condition?

8. A driver is performing the engine compartment portion of a Class A tractor-semitrailer pre-trip inspection with the engine off. Arrange the following engine compartment inspection steps in the correct sequence: (1) Check power steering fluid level, (2) Check engine oil level, (3) Inspect belts for condition and tension, (4) Check coolant level in radiator or overflow tank, (5) Inspect hoses for condition and connections, (6) Check windshield washer fluid level.

9. A driver completes a day of driving and performs the required post-trip inspection. The driver identifies a defect: the left rear brake light is not functioning (bulb burned out). The driver prepares a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) per 49 CFR Section 396.11. The motor carrier reviews the DVIR and notes that the vehicle will not be used until the brake light is repaired. The carrier signs the DVIR and schedules repair for the next morning. What additional requirement must the motor carrier satisfy regarding this DVIR before the vehicle is returned to service?

10. A driver conducts a pre-trip inspection on a Class A tractor-semitrailer and identifies the following conditions: (1) Both steer tires have tread depth of 5/32 inch, (2) Left drive axle dual tires have diameter difference of 1/2 inch, (3) Slack adjuster push rod travel on rear trailer axle measured at 1 inch exactly, (4) Fire extinguisher gauge shows “charged” but extinguisher was manufactured 3 years ago, (5) One reflective triangle case is cracked but triangle is intact and usable, (6) Air compressor builds from 85 PSI to 100 PSI in 55 seconds at engine idle. Based on CVSA Out-of-Service Criteria and FMCSA regulations, which determination is correct?

11. During a pre-trip inspection of an air brake system, the driver observes that the air pressure builds to approximately 125 PSI and the compressor stops pumping. What pressure range should the governor typically cut-out at?

12. When inspecting brake drums and linings during a pre-trip walk-around inspection, which condition would indicate an out-of-service defect requiring immediate repair?

13. During the walk-around exterior inspection, what lighting and reflector condition is verified to ensure the vehicle meets federal visibility requirements?

14. During a pre-trip walk-around inspection of a Class A combination vehicle, the driver examines the frame and cross members. Which frame condition would constitute an out-of-service defect requiring repair before operation?

15. When inspecting the exhaust system during a pre-trip walk-around, what exhaust system defect would require correction before the vehicle can be safely operated?

16. A driver performing a trailer pre-trip inspection on a Class A combination vehicle notices that the landing gear handle is missing, but the crank mechanism is accessible using a universal wrench. The landing gear legs appear fully raised and secured. What should the driver do regarding this defect?

17. During trailer coupling verification, a driver notices that the rubber seal inside the emergency (blue) glad hand connector is cracked and partially deteriorated. The seal is still present but shows visible wear. The driver connects the air lines and performs a visual check. What is the correct action for this condition?

18. When inspecting the electrical cord connection between tractor and trailer during a Class A pre-trip inspection, what three verification steps must the driver perform?

19. A driver compares the requirements for post-trip inspection versus pre-trip inspection on a Class A combination vehicle. The driver understands that both inspections are required, but they have different purposes and timing. Which analysis correctly identifies the key difference between post-trip and pre-trip inspection requirements?

20. A roadside inspector examines a Class A combination vehicle and documents the following defects: (1) Two brake linings on the left drive axle measure 1/16 inch thickness (at minimum limit), (2) The exhaust system has a leak located under the sleeper berth, (3) The right steer tire has a bulge 3 inches in diameter on the sidewall, (4) The fifth wheel mounting bolts show two missing bolts from a 6-bolt pattern. Based on CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, which analysis correctly identifies the out-of-service conditions?

21. During a pre-trip inspection of air brake components, the driver must check brake chambers for acceptable condition. Which of the following brake chamber conditions would indicate an unacceptable defect requiring repair before operation?

22. When inspecting dual tires (twin tires mounted side-by-side on the same axle) during a pre-trip inspection, what is the maximum acceptable difference in diameter between the two tires in a dual assembly?

23. During the walk-around portion of a pre-trip inspection, what defects in the frame and crossmembers must the driver identify as unacceptable conditions?

24. A driver performing a walk-around pre-trip inspection discovers the following exhaust system conditions: (1) The exhaust pipe has a small hole near the muffler allowing some exhaust gases to escape upward, (2) The exhaust mounting brackets are secure but one shows minor surface rust, (3) The exhaust pipe extends beyond the rear of the cab or sleeper berth and directs exhaust away from the vehicle. Which analysis correctly identifies which condition(s) require repair before operation?

25. During a cab check pre-trip inspection with the engine running, a driver tests the vehicle’s lighting system and finds: (1) Both headlights illuminate properly on low beam and high beam, (2) The left turn signal indicator on the dashboard flashes but the left front turn signal light does not illuminate, (3) Brake lights activate when the brake pedal is pressed. What is the correct action the driver should take regarding these findings?

26. A driver needs to couple a tractor to a semitrailer. Place the following coupling steps in the correct sequence:

1. Position tractor in front of trailer
2. Connect air lines to trailer
3. Supply air to trailer and test trailer brakes
4. Back tractor under trailer until fifth wheel jaws lock
5. Check coupling security (tug test)
6. Connect electrical cord to trailer
7. Inspect fifth wheel and trailer kingpin area

What is the correct order for these coupling steps?

27. A CVSA-certified roadside inspector examines a Class A combination vehicle and documents the following brake system conditions: (1) 20% of the vehicle’s brake chambers have push rod travel exceeding manufacturer specifications, (2) One slack adjuster on the left rear trailer axle is missing the locking pin, (3) The air compressor builds pressure from 85 PSI to 100 PSI in 40 seconds at idle, (4) Brake drums on two wheels show visible heat cracks. Based on CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, which analysis correctly identifies whether the vehicle is placed out of service?

28. A driver submits a DVIR documenting a defective brake light. The carrier’s mechanic repairs the brake light the same day. The driver who found the defect is dispatched on a different route the next morning. A different driver is assigned to the repaired vehicle. What federal requirement must the carrier complete before the repaired vehicle can be dispatched to the second driver?

29. A motor carrier’s maintenance records show the following for a Class A tractor: (1) Last annual inspection performed January 15, 2026, (2) Last preventive maintenance service (oil change, fluid checks, filter replacement) performed March 1, 2026, (3) Carrier’s maintenance schedule requires preventive maintenance every 25,000 miles or 3 months, (4) Current odometer reading on April 20, 2026 shows 45,000 miles since the March 1 maintenance service. Based on 49 CFR Section 396.3 and the carrier’s maintenance schedule, which analysis correctly identifies compliance status?

30. A CVSA-certified inspector performs a Level I inspection on a combination vehicle and documents the following: (1) One steer tire has tread depth of 4/32 inch and the other steer tire has 3/32 inch, (2) Two lug nuts are missing from a trailer wheel (originally 10 studs), (3) The windshield has a 6-inch crack along the passenger side outside the driver’s direct vision area, (4) Steering wheel play measures 1.5 inches before front wheels begin to turn. Based on CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, which combination of defects places this vehicle out of service?

31. During the engine compartment portion of a pre-trip inspection (with engine off), the driver checks the engine oil level. What indicates a problem with the engine oil that should be reported as a defect?

32. What emergency equipment is required to be present in every commercial motor vehicle during the pre-trip cab inspection?

33. A driver is performing the engine compartment portion of a pre-trip inspection on a Class A tractor. Arrange the following engine compartment inspection items in the correct sequence as presented in the CDL Manual: (1) Check coolant level, (2) Check power steering fluid level, (3) Check engine oil level, (4) Check windshield washer fluid level, (5) Inspect belts and hoses for condition.

34. During the engine compartment pre-trip inspection, the driver examines the radiator hoses. What hose condition indicates a defect that should be reported on the DVIR and requires repair before continued operation?

35. A driver starts the tractor engine during the cab check portion of a pre-trip inspection. As the engine runs, the driver observes the dashboard gauges. The oil pressure gauge shows normal pressure after the engine warms up. The temperature gauge rises slightly but stabilizes in the normal range. The voltmeter/ammeter shows the charging system is functioning. However, the air pressure gauge for the primary system shows 65 PSI and does not rise after 3 minutes of engine operation at idle. What should the driver determine?

36. During the trailer inspection portion of a pre-trip inspection for a Class A tractor-semitrailer, the driver checks the landing gear (support legs) under the front of the trailer. What landing gear condition indicates a defect that must be reported?

37. A driver is completing the exterior walk-around portion of a pre-trip inspection on a Class A tractor-semitrailer. During the lights and reflectors check, the driver observes that all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and clearance lights are operational. However, the driver notices that two reflectors on the rear of the trailer are cracked and no longer reflective — they appear faded and dull. What determination should the driver make about this condition?

38. During the walk-around inspection of a Class A tractor-semitrailer, the driver checks the frame and cross members for structural condition. What frame condition indicates a serious structural defect requiring immediate repair?

39. A driver is preparing for a trip using a Class A tractor-semitrailer. During the pre-trip inspection, the driver notes the following: (1) The tractor’s annual inspection decal shows an expiration date of March 15, and today is April 21, (2) The trailer has no annual inspection decal visible, but the driver’s dispatcher claims the trailer was inspected “recently,” (3) The driver’s last DVIR from the previous trip was submitted but shows no acknowledgment signature from the motor carrier reviewing the report. Based on regulatory requirements, what violations exist and what action should the driver take?

40. A driver performs a complete pre-trip inspection on a Class A tractor-semitrailer and identifies the following conditions: (1) Left drive axle slack adjuster push rod travel is 0.9 inches (within limit), (2) Right drive axle slack adjuster push rod travel is 1.2 inches (exceeds 1 inch limit), (3) Fire extinguisher is properly charged but the inspection tag shows inspection date 14 months ago (annual fire extinguisher inspection required), (4) All tires meet minimum tread depth requirements with no exposed cord, (5) One reflective triangle has a cracked lens but still reflects light, (6) Two spare fuses are missing from the fuse kit (vehicle uses replaceable fuses). Which analysis correctly identifies what prevents vehicle operation?

41. During the engine compartment inspection, you notice the fan belt has 1 inch of deflection when pressed with moderate thumb pressure. What does this indicate?

42. A driver begins the pre-trip inspection by checking the trailer lights before inspecting the engine compartment. Why is this approach problematic?

43. During a pre-trip inspection, a driver identifies a cracked windshield in the driver’s line of sight. The driver documents the defect on the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) but decides to drive anyway since the vehicle started fine. Which requirement under 49 CFR 396.11 has been violated?

44. During the air brake system check, the driver shuts off the engine and releases the parking brake. After the initial pressure drop, the air pressure falls from 80 PSI to 75 PSI over one minute on a combination vehicle. What should the driver conclude?

45. A delivery driver completes a delivery route and parks the vehicle at the company terminal at 3:00 PM. The driver leaves for the day without performing any inspection. The next driver arrives at 7:00 AM the following day and discovers a flat tire during pre-trip inspection. Who is responsible for the DVIR entry regarding the tire condition?

46. During a pre-trip inspection, a driver measures the slack adjuster push rod travel at 1.25 inches on the front brake chamber of a truck. The air pressure is at 90 PSI during the test. The driver continues the inspection, noting that all other slack adjusters show 0.75 inches of travel. What is the correct assessment and action?

47. While driving on a highway, a driver notices the ammeter showing a discharge and hears a squealing noise from the engine compartment. The driver is 15 miles from the next rest area. What is the correct course of action?

48. Which three items must be present in every commercial motor vehicle as part of the required emergency equipment?

49. A driver completes a DVIR noting a defective left rear turn signal. The motor carrier’s maintenance director reviews the report and writes “Repaired – bulb replaced” on the DVIR. However, during the next driver’s pre-trip inspection, the turn signal still does not function. The second driver notes the defect on a new DVIR and refuses to operate the vehicle. Analysis of this situation reveals which violation?

50. A driver performs a pre-trip inspection and finds: steering wheel play of 2.5 inches, front tire tread depth of 3/32 inch, and rear drive tire tread depth of 1/32 inch. The driver calculates that only one issue needs immediate attention because the other two are borderline. Which analysis correctly identifies all violations present?