Chapter 1-3: Vehicle safety, maintenance, and daily inspections

The “Vehicle Safety, Maintenance, and Daily Inspections” section of the Ontario truck driver knowledge test emphasizes the importance of keeping commercial vehicles in safe operating condition.

Ontario Truck Driver Test - Chapter 1-3: Vehicle safety, maintenance, and daily inspections

1 / 40

What is “free play” or “lash” in a steering system?

The maximum turn radius of the vehicle

The distance the steering wheel moves before the tires begin turning

The distance the tires move without steering input

The amount the vehicle drifts in crosswinds

2 / 40

In addition to the daily inspection report, what must the driver carry related to inspections?

The mechanic’s licence

A copy of the appropriate inspection schedule

The original repair estimates

A list of previous owners

3 / 40

After the initial re‑check, when must the driver re‑inspect cargo and securement systems?

Only at the end of each work shift

Only at each fuel stop

At intervals based on whichever occurs first: change of duty status, three hours driving, or 240 km

Only every 8 hours

4 / 40

Who performs the annual inspection on commercial vehicles and trailers?

The vehicle owner without certification

A traffic officer

A licensed motor‑vehicle inspection mechanic

Any licensed driver

5 / 40

What is the CVOR certificate related to?

The individual or company responsible for the driver, vehicle and its load

The insurance company of the vehicle

The emissions testing of the vehicle

The fuel efficiency of the vehicle

6 / 40

When is the driver not required to inspect the load for securement?

When the trip is under 50 km

When driving within a city

When the cargo is light

When the cargo is sealed and the driver is ordered not to open it, or it is inaccessible

7 / 40

If requested by an officer, what must a driver do during a safety inspection?

Only hand over the keys and wait in the cab

Refuse to help and call a supervisor

Assist in the inspection of the vehicle

Leave the area until the inspection is done

8 / 40

Who is responsible for obtaining an annual inspection for each commercial vehicle and trailer?

The operator

The shipper

The driver

The police

9 / 40

Who may perform commercial vehicle inspections under the Highway Traffic Act?

Only police officers

Only licensed mechanics

Only ministry enforcement staff

Ministry enforcement staff and police officers

10 / 40

Besides a fine, what other penalty may apply for refusing to go to a weigh scale when requested?

Vehicle impoundment for one year

Permanent licence revocation

Licence suspension for up to 30 days

Mandatory jail time

11 / 40

Who is responsible for ensuring cargo is evenly balanced and properly secured?

The driver

The mechanic

The shipper only

The dispatcher

12 / 40

What is the purpose of NSC Standard 10 for Cargo Securement?

To provide detailed instructions for securing different types of loads and increase safety

To set fuel consumption limits

To regulate driver training hours

To determine insurance premiums

13 / 40

What accompanies the annual inspection certificate and record?

A new licence plate

A corresponding annual inspection sticker (decal)

A toll transponder

A new vehicle ownership document

14 / 40

How recent must the daily inspection report be when carried by the driver?

Completed within the last 7 days

Completed within the last 48 hours

Completed within the last 24 hours

Completed at the start of the week

15 / 40

When should wheel fasteners be re-checked after new wheels or tires are installed, according to manufacturers’ recommendations?

Between 80 km and 160 km after installation

After one month of use

Immediately after installation only

After 500 km of driving

16 / 40

Which of the following is checked at truck inspection stations?

Only vehicle height and width

Only driver’s licence

Vehicle weight, height, length, width and axle spacing

Only vehicle insurance

17 / 40

Which standard describes the inspection requirements for annual commercial vehicle inspections?

National Safety Code 15, Part D

National Safety Code 5, Part A

National Safety Code 11, Part B

National Safety Code 1, Part C

18 / 40

How should free play in the steering system be checked?

While driving at slow speed in a parking lot

With the engine off and wheels fully turned

With the engine on, wheels straight ahead, turning the wheel with your fingers

With the steering wheel locked

19 / 40

What authority do police or appointed ministry officers have regarding inspections?

Perform a safety inspection at any time and any location

Inspect only if there has been a collision

Inspect only during daylight hours

Only inspect at permanent inspection stations

20 / 40

What vehicle registration document must a commercial driver carry?

Only the truck registration, never the trailer

No registration is required if the vehicle is leased

Only the original registration, no copies allowed

The registration or a true copy for the truck and trailer

21 / 40

Which of the following are considered supporting documents the driver must carry?

Only toll receipts

Fuel, bridge, toll and accommodation receipts

Only accommodation receipts

Only fuel receipts

22 / 40

How many days of daily logs must a driver normally carry?

The current day and the previous seven days

The day in progress and the previous fourteen days

Logs for the last thirty days

Only the current day

23 / 40

What can happen if cargo breaks loose or shifts?

A collision or vehicle rollover may occur

Lower tire wear

Reduced braking distance

Improved fuel economy

24 / 40

When a load overhangs by 1.5 metres (5 ft.) or more and lights are not required, how must it be marked?

By a red flag or red marker

By a white flag

No marking is necessary

By a reflective yellow strip

25 / 40

What is the driver’s responsibility regarding the annual inspection decal during daily inspections?

Remove the decal after each trip

Transfer the decal to the trailer each day

Check the date on the inspection-certificate decal to ensure it is still valid

Cover the decal to prevent fading

26 / 40

When may a driver be exempt from carrying a daily log?

When operating within a 160‑km radius and returning to the same location that day

When the trip is under one hour

When driving at night only

When the vehicle is empty

27 / 40

What minimum tread depth must rear tires of a motor vehicle have?

Not less than 2.5 mm in three tread grooves

Not less than 3.0 mm across the entire tire

Not less than 1.0 mm in one tread groove

Not less than 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) in two adjacent tread grooves

28 / 40

How must loads carried on a motor vehicle or trailer be secured?

Placed on the vehicle without any restraints

Only tied at the front

Bound, covered or otherwise fastened so no portion can fall off

Only covered with a tarp

29 / 40

What is the fine range for refusing to redistribute or remove part of a load when ordered under section 124(6) HTA?

$100 to $1,000

$1,000 to $10,000

$500 to $5,000

$200 to $20,000

30 / 40

What kind of insurance document must the driver carry for the vehicle being operated?

A verbal confirmation from the insurer

An expired insurance certificate for reference

An original insurance certificate (vehicle-specific or fleet policy)

A photocopy of any insurance policy

31 / 40

How soon after starting a trip must cargo securement be re‑checked from the point where the cargo was loaded?

Only at the end of the day

Not more than 80 km from where the cargo was loaded

Not more than 240 km from where the cargo was loaded

Not more than 160 km from where the cargo was loaded

32 / 40

Who must install wheels and tires on commercial vehicles?

Only the vehicle owner

Any person with driving experience

A certified tire installer or a mechanic

Only a police officer

33 / 40

Which national standard has Ontario adopted for cargo securement?

National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 5

National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 1

National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 12

National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 10

34 / 40

Which class of document must a commercial driver always carry and surrender on demand?

A valid driver’s licence of the appropriate class

A personal reference letter

A personal health card

A copy of the company safety policy

35 / 40

What is the maximum fine for refusing or failing to proceed to a weigh scale when requested under section 124(5) HTA?

Up to $2,000

Up to $10,000

Up to $5,000

Up to $20,000

36 / 40

When a load overhangs the rear of a vehicle by 1.5 metres (5 ft.) or more, how must it be marked when lights are required?

By a red light at the rear of the overhanging load

By a yellow flag at all times

By a white light at the front of the load

No marking is required

37 / 40

At an open truck inspection station, what are commercial vehicles required to do?

Enter only if over a certain weight

Slow down but continue driving

Stop only if flagged down by police

Enter and stop for inspection

38 / 40

What document is completed if the vehicle/trailer meets all annual inspection requirements?

A fuel tax report

A driver performance review

A temporary trip permit

An annual inspection certificate and an annual inspection record

39 / 40

For motor vehicles with a gross vehicle rating over 4,500 kg, what is the minimum tread depth for front tires?

At least 1.5 mm in one tread groove

At least 3 mm (0.12 in.) in two adjacent tread grooves

At least 2 mm across the entire tire

At least 4 mm in the centre groove only

40 / 40

Where is the annual inspection decal placed on a truck tractor or cab?

On the right rear mudflap

On the outside lower left corner of the windshield or left side of the truck cab

On the inside of the glovebox

On the back of the driver’s licence

Your score is

This section covers daily inspection routines, identifying and reporting vehicle defects, and understanding required maintenance schedules. Drivers are tested on their ability to recognize safety hazards, conduct thorough pre-trip inspections, and comply with legal standards for brake systems, tires, lights, and other critical components. Proper knowledge of these procedures helps prevent accidents, reduce breakdowns, and ensure regulatory compliance. Passing this section demonstrates a driver’s commitment to road safety and responsible vehicle operation in Ontario.