General Knowledge · Section 2.1

Vehicle inspection: CDL practice questions

Section 2.1 covers why and when drivers inspect their vehicle, what to look for, and the seven-step inspection method the manual teaches. These questions are part of the General Knowledge test.

Examlane has 33 questions on this chapter. Ten are below; open one to see the answer and why. The rest are in the practice tests.

Practice this chapter

1. Why is an after-trip inspection report useful?
1. It lets the carrier see which vehicles need fixing
2. It lets you skip the pre-trip inspection the next morning
3. It shows the shipper that the cargo arrived on time
4. It replaces the need for any inspection during a trip
Answer: A. It lets the carrier see which vehicles need fixing
The report tells the carrier about problems the driver found, so the carrier knows when repairs are needed.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 2.1.2 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
2. What is the least tread depth allowed in every major groove of a front tire?
1. 2/32 inch
2. 3/32 inch
3. 6/32 inch
4. 4/32 inch
Answer: D. 4/32 inch
Front tires need at least 4/32 inch of tread in every major groove. The 2/32 inch figure is for the other tires.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 2.1.3 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
3. Why is a broken exhaust system dangerous?
1. It can drain the battery
2. It can leak toxic gas into the cab or sleeper
3. It can make the steering wheel too loose
4. It can lower the engine oil pressure
Answer: B. It can leak toxic gas into the cab or sleeper
A damaged exhaust system can leak toxic gas into the cab or sleeper.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 2.1.3 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
4. You just had a tire changed on your truck. What should you do afterward?
1. Drive the whole trip before looking at the wheel nuts
2. Check the nuts again only at the next scheduled inspection
3. Pull over a bit later and confirm the wheel nuts are still tight
4. Loosen the nuts slightly so the wheel can settle
Answer: C. Pull over a bit later and confirm the wheel nuts are still tight
Wheel nuts can work loose after a tire change, so stop a short while later and check that they are still tight.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 2.1.3 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
5. During the CDL pre-trip inspection test, what must you do for the examiner?
1. Inspect the vehicle and explain each check and why
2. Describe your past driving record and work history
3. Hand over a written repair estimate for the vehicle
4. Watch a mechanic inspect the vehicle
Answer: A. Inspect the vehicle and explain each check and why
The test checks that you can find problems and give reasons, so you must inspect the vehicle and explain what you check and why.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 2.1.4 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
6. Your oil pressure gauge reading is low and dropping. What should you do?
1. Keep driving, but stay in a low gear and watch the gauge
2. Stop right away, because the engine can be ruined fast
3. Add oil at your next scheduled stop
4. Switch to a lower gear to take some of the load off the engine
Answer: B. Stop right away, because the engine can be ruined fast
Low, dropping or fluctuating oil pressure means the engine can be ruined fast, so stop at once.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 2.1.5 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
7. When testing hydraulic brakes for leaks, how long do you hold firm pressure on the pedal after pumping it?
1. Five seconds
2. One second
3. Thirty seconds
4. Two minutes
Answer: A. Five seconds
After pumping the pedal three times, you hold firm pressure for five seconds. If the pedal moves, there may be a leak.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 2.1.5 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
8. During the walk-around, you see rust streaks around the lug nuts on a wheel. What does this usually indicate?
1. The nuts are too tight
2. The tire is overinflated
3. The nuts are loose
4. The brake drum is cracked
Answer: C. The nuts are loose
Rust streaks around lug nuts are a sign the nuts have worked loose, so test them with a wrench.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 2.1.5 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
9. When testing the service brakes before driving off, about how fast should you be going when you push the pedal firmly?
1. 15 miles per hour
2. 5 miles per hour
3. 25 miles per hour
4. 35 miles per hour
Answer: B. 5 miles per hour
The service brake test is done at a very low speed, about five miles per hour, with a firm push on the pedal.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 2.1.5 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.
10. When checking air pressure before a trip, you build it up until the governor cuts out. At about what pressure does this usually happen?
1. 60 to 80 psi
2. 90 to 100 psi
3. 150 to 180 psi
4. 120 to 140 psi
Answer: D. 120 to 140 psi
The governor normally cuts out when air pressure reaches about 120 to 140 psi, though you should know your own vehicle's figure.
Based on: CDL manual, Section 2.1.5 (Georgia edition of the national model manual, read 2026-10-24). Question in our own words.

Read the chapter itself in your state's CDL manual, Section 2.1. Your state's manual is free: find it in the state table.

More General Knowledge chapters: Railroad crossings, Speed and stopping distance, Managing space, Driving emergencies, Cargo weight and securement.