Inspection & Skills Test
6 free questions, part of the Combination Vehicles CDL practice test
The combination vehicle inspection and skills test checks things a straight truck does not have: fifth wheel position, landing gear, and whether air actually reaches all the way back to the last trailer. It also covers hands-on checks of the tractor protection valve and the trailer's emergency and service brakes. ELDT.io's free bank has 6 questions on this part of the test, grounded in 49 CFR 383.111(c)(2) and 383.113(a)(2).
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Why do I check that the sliding fifth wheel is not too far forward?
A fifth wheel set too far forward can let the trailer's front corners hit the back of the tractor cab in a sharp turn, and it shifts weight distribution on the tractor's axles. Confirm it is locked in a safe position before you move.
How do I check that air reaches all the trailers during the brake inspection?
Charge the system, walk to the rear, and open the emergency line shut-off valve on the last trailer. You should hear air escape. If you do not, air is not making it all the way back and you have a problem in the line.
Why does the trailer service brake test use the hand valve instead of the foot pedal?
The hand control applies the trailer brakes only, without the tractor brakes, so you can roll forward slowly and confirm the trailer brakes alone are working and holding evenly.