Texas Commercial Vehicle Inspector Exam
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR INSTANT PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of a pre-trip inspection?
A. Reduce fuel consumption
B. Identify safety defects before operation
C. Increase engine horsepower
D. Improve driver comfort
Explanation: A pre-trip inspection identifies safety defects before a vehicle is operated,
helping prevent crashes and ensuring compliance with federal and Texas regulations.
2. The minimum legal tread depth for steering axle tires is:
A. 1/32 inch
B. 2/32 inch
C. 4/32 inch
D. 6/32 inch
Explanation: Federal regulations require at least 4/32 inch of tread depth in the major
grooves of steering axle tires.
,3. A commercial motor vehicle with defective brakes should:
A. Continue operating
B. Be placed out of service until repaired
C. Only travel during daylight
D. Reduce speed by half
Explanation: Brake defects that affect safe operation are out-of-service violations and must
be repaired before the vehicle returns to service.
4. Brake hoses should NOT have:
A. Flexible fittings
B. Abrasions or leaks
C. Protective coverings
D. Secure mounting
Explanation: Brake hoses must be free from leaks, abrasions, bulges, and other damage
that could cause brake failure.
5. The air pressure governor normally cuts out at approximately:
A. 60 psi
B. 80 psi
C. 120–125 psi
D. 150 psi
Explanation: Most commercial air brake systems stop building pressure at approximately
120–125 psi.
,6. The low-air warning device must activate before pressure drops below:
A. 20 psi
B. 40 psi
C. 60 psi
D. 100 psi
Explanation: The low-air warning device must activate before air pressure falls below 60
psi.
7. A cracked leaf spring can result in:
A. Better ride quality
B. Suspension failure
C. Improved braking
D. Lower fuel consumption
Explanation: A cracked or broken leaf spring weakens the suspension and can affect
vehicle control.
8. Commercial vehicle inspectors use the North American Standard Inspection
Procedures developed by:
A. OSHA
B. CVSA
C. EPA
D. TSA
, Explanation: The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) develops the North American
Standard Inspection Program.
9. The purpose of reflective tape is to:
A. Improve fuel economy
B. Increase vehicle visibility
C. Prevent tire wear
D. Reduce engine heat
Explanation: Reflective tape helps other motorists see commercial vehicles during darkness
and poor weather.
10. Oil leaking onto brake linings may cause:
A. Better stopping power
B. Brake failure
C. Lower tire pressure
D. Increased suspension travel
Explanation: Oil contamination reduces friction between the brake lining and drum or rotor,
decreasing braking effectiveness.
11. A steering wheel with excessive free play indicates:
A. Proper adjustment
B. Possible steering defect
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR INSTANT PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of a pre-trip inspection?
A. Reduce fuel consumption
B. Identify safety defects before operation
C. Increase engine horsepower
D. Improve driver comfort
Explanation: A pre-trip inspection identifies safety defects before a vehicle is operated,
helping prevent crashes and ensuring compliance with federal and Texas regulations.
2. The minimum legal tread depth for steering axle tires is:
A. 1/32 inch
B. 2/32 inch
C. 4/32 inch
D. 6/32 inch
Explanation: Federal regulations require at least 4/32 inch of tread depth in the major
grooves of steering axle tires.
,3. A commercial motor vehicle with defective brakes should:
A. Continue operating
B. Be placed out of service until repaired
C. Only travel during daylight
D. Reduce speed by half
Explanation: Brake defects that affect safe operation are out-of-service violations and must
be repaired before the vehicle returns to service.
4. Brake hoses should NOT have:
A. Flexible fittings
B. Abrasions or leaks
C. Protective coverings
D. Secure mounting
Explanation: Brake hoses must be free from leaks, abrasions, bulges, and other damage
that could cause brake failure.
5. The air pressure governor normally cuts out at approximately:
A. 60 psi
B. 80 psi
C. 120–125 psi
D. 150 psi
Explanation: Most commercial air brake systems stop building pressure at approximately
120–125 psi.
,6. The low-air warning device must activate before pressure drops below:
A. 20 psi
B. 40 psi
C. 60 psi
D. 100 psi
Explanation: The low-air warning device must activate before air pressure falls below 60
psi.
7. A cracked leaf spring can result in:
A. Better ride quality
B. Suspension failure
C. Improved braking
D. Lower fuel consumption
Explanation: A cracked or broken leaf spring weakens the suspension and can affect
vehicle control.
8. Commercial vehicle inspectors use the North American Standard Inspection
Procedures developed by:
A. OSHA
B. CVSA
C. EPA
D. TSA
, Explanation: The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) develops the North American
Standard Inspection Program.
9. The purpose of reflective tape is to:
A. Improve fuel economy
B. Increase vehicle visibility
C. Prevent tire wear
D. Reduce engine heat
Explanation: Reflective tape helps other motorists see commercial vehicles during darkness
and poor weather.
10. Oil leaking onto brake linings may cause:
A. Better stopping power
B. Brake failure
C. Lower tire pressure
D. Increased suspension travel
Explanation: Oil contamination reduces friction between the brake lining and drum or rotor,
decreasing braking effectiveness.
11. A steering wheel with excessive free play indicates:
A. Proper adjustment
B. Possible steering defect
