Steering Components and Reportable Defects — Applied Knowledge

Practice free. No account needed.
Want your scores, test history, and progress in your driver dashboard? Create a free account or log in before starting to save your results.

Build confidence with 10 original questions about Steering Components and Reportable Defects — Applied Knowledge. Review your answers and explanations after finishing.

Supplemental study practice. This is not a government licensing exam or ELDT certification, and does not replace hands-on training. Follow your state’s current handbook.

1 / 10

During your inspection, you find a missing bolt on the steering gear box. What is the safest action?

Continue driving and report it at the end of the day

Tighten the remaining bolts and proceed

Replace the bolt with any available fastener

Do not drive until the bolt is replaced and the system is secure

2 / 10

You are checking the power steering system during your inspection. What should you look for?

Loose seat belts

Leaks in hoses or low fluid level

Cracked windshield

Dirty air filter

3 / 10

While inspecting the steering mechanism, what is the proper way to check for looseness?

Check by turning the steering wheel while parked

Visually inspect only

Physically grab the steering mechanism and test for any movement

Listen for unusual noises while driving

4 / 10

While inspecting the suspension system, you find a spring hanger that allows the axle to move out of position. What should you do?

Ignore if the vehicle is not loaded

Drive slowly until it can be repaired

Report the defect and do not operate the vehicle

Tighten the spring hanger and continue

5 / 10

You are inspecting the frame and cross members. What defect would require immediate attention?

Paint chips

Minor surface rust

Slight dirt buildup

Any loose, cracked, broken or missing frame members

6 / 10

While inspecting the steering system, you find a missing cotter key on a tie rod. What is the safest action?

Replace the cotter key with any available wire

Report the defect and do not drive until it is fixed

Tighten the tie rod and proceed

Continue driving and check it again later

7 / 10

You are reviewing the last vehicle inspection report and see a defect affecting steering was noted but not certified as repaired. What must you do before signing the report?

Ignore the previous report and start your trip

Ensure the defect is repaired or certified as not needing repair before signing

Only check for cargo issues

Sign the report regardless of repair status

8 / 10

During a walkaround, you notice a leaking shock absorber on the left front suspension. What is the correct next step?

Drive carefully and monitor the leak

Wipe off the leak and continue

Report the leak and have the shock absorber repaired before driving

Ignore the leak if the ride feels normal

9 / 10

During your pre-trip inspection, you notice the steering wheel has more than two inches of movement at the rim on a 20-inch wheel. What should you do before driving?

Tighten the steering wheel yourself and continue

Drive slowly and monitor for changes

Ignore it if the vehicle steers normally

Report the excessive play and have it repaired before operating the vehicle

10 / 10

While checking the exhaust system, you see a section of exhaust pipe is rubbing against a fuel line. What should you do?

Report the hazard and have it repaired before driving

Drive as usual and check again later

Ignore if there is no visible leak

Wrap the pipe with tape and continue

Your score is

The average score is 0%

About the Steering Components and Reportable Defects — Applied Knowledge practice quiz

This practice quiz focuses on Steering Components and Reportable Defects — Applied Knowledge, listed under CDL Practice — Equipment and Maintenance. Use it to check what you understand, spot topics to revisit, and connect the material to safe, informed decisions on the road.

Before you begin

Keep your current CDL manual or course notes nearby. Read each prompt carefully and think through why an answer fits, especially when a question describes a vehicle, road, or workplace situation. Licensing rules and procedures can vary, so confirm requirements with current official materials for your state.

After you finish

Review any explanations shown with your results. Note unfamiliar terms or missed concepts, then revisit your manual or course notes before trying again. Use your score to guide study; understanding why an answer is correct matters more than the number alone.

Study note: These quizzes are independent study practice. They are not state licensing exams, official government materials, or ELDT certification, and they do not replace required training.

Explore CDL Tests to find more practice by subject.