Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control
What the exam checks
New Jersey's CDL general-knowledge test treats inspection and basic control as one system: can you find a defect before it becomes a crash, and can you move a heavy vehicle smoothly? Expect questions on the pre-trip sequence, tire and brake defects, emergency equipment, clutch use, steering, and stopping.
Core rules
- Pre-trip: engine compartment (oil, coolant, belts, hoses, steering play, exhaust, leaks), walk-around (tires, wheels, lights, brake adjustment, suspension, coupling), in-cab (gauges, horn, wipers, mirrors, emergency equipment).
- Steering-axle tires need at least 4/32 inch tread; other tires 2/32 inch. Reject cuts exposing cords, bulges, and improper repairs.
- Do not ride the clutch or coast in neutral. Start in the lowest gear; use smooth, progressive shifting.
- Test service brakes, parking brake, and, if equipped, air-brake warning devices before moving.
Worked example
A driver finds a front tire with 3/32 inch tread and a sidewall bulge. Reasoning: the front axle fails the 4/32 inch minimum, and a bulge signals internal damage. Either defect alone makes the vehicle unsafe; the driver should not move it until the tire is replaced. Document the defect and notify the carrier.
Traps
Inspecting only lights and tires; forgetting the fire extinguisher and warning triangles; assuming a gauge reading is normal without testing; rolling through a brake test.