Chapter 1-4a: Daily trip inspection — classes A and D

The “Daily Trip Inspection — Classes A and D” section of the Ontario truck driver knowledge test evaluates a driver’s ability to perform essential safety checks before operating a commercial vehicle.

Ontario Truck Driver Test - Chapter 1-4a: Daily trip inspection — classes A and D

1 / 30

Besides out-of-adjustment air brakes, which of the following is listed as another reason for taking a vehicle out of service?

Minor seat wear

Insecure loads

Outdated radio

Slightly dusty dashboard

2 / 30

What is the main purpose of a daily trip (pre‑trip) inspection?

To ensure the vehicle is in safe operating condition before starting the day’s trip

To reduce fuel consumption

To check route directions

To avoid paying tolls

3 / 30

What must a driver do when a minor defect is identified?

Repair it personally, without reporting

Record it on the inspection report and report it to the operator

Immediately stop driving and call police

Ignore it until it becomes major

4 / 30

Why is it important to complete a proper air brake pre-trip inspection?

To avoid unsafe operation and prevent the vehicle from being detained

To reduce engine noise

To improve cabin comfort

To qualify for fuel discounts

5 / 30

Who is allowed to adjust air brakes?

Any licensed driver

Only the vehicle owner

Someone who completed an approved air brake adjustment course or a certified mechanic

Only roadside inspectors

6 / 30

In the uncoupling procedure, what is the first step?

Lower landing gear

Disconnect electrical lines

Secure truck/tractor and trailer with parking brakes and chocks

Unlock the fifth wheel

7 / 30

For a fifth wheel tractor-trailer, what must be ensured after pulling the tractor forward to disengage?

The tractor wheels are turned sharply

The trailer is tilted backward

The fifth wheel is not in contact with the trailer

The engine is shut off permanently

8 / 30

During uncoupling, what must be done with air and electrical lines (if equipped)?

Leave them connected for stability

Disconnect and secure them

Tape them to the trailer body

Cut them to prevent dragging

9 / 30

What must be confirmed before performing uncoupling or coupling of truck and trailer?

The weather forecast is clear

The nearest fuel station is open

The route is free of toll roads

The location is suitable and safe for the procedure

10 / 30

What inspection documents must drivers carry with them?

The current inspection report and the inspection schedule

Only proof of insurance

Only the vehicle registration

Only the previous week’s logs

11 / 30

What must happen before a vehicle with a major defect is operated again?

The driver must sign a waiver

The major defect must be repaired

The load must be removed

The trip must be re-routed

12 / 30

What should the driver do before backing during coupling/uncoupling for the road test?

Use only the air horn

Flash the headlights

Sound the electric horn

Turn on hazard lights only

13 / 30

What is the rule for driving a vehicle with a major defect?

It may be driven to the nearest fuel station

It may be driven if lightly loaded

Drivers are not permitted to drive it

It may be driven only at night

14 / 30

A driver is not permitted to drive a truck unless what has occurred within the previous 24 hours?

A Schedule 1 inspection and completed inspection report

A wash and interior cleaning

A full mechanical teardown

A tire rotation

15 / 30

How are defects divided in the inspection schedule?

Major and minor

Mechanical and electrical

Temporary and permanent

Internal and external

16 / 30

Which of the following is included in the required daily inspection items?

Driver’s cell phone

GPS settings

Radio presets

Cargo securement (if present)

17 / 30

What must be done with the fifth wheel or coupling device before separating the units?

Paint it for visibility

Remove it from the tractor

Grease it after separation

Unlock or unlatch the coupling device

18 / 30

What does the inspection schedule provide for the driver?

A list of systems/components and defects to inspect for

A map of Ontario highways

Company payroll information

A list of fuel stations on the route

19 / 30

When a safety defect is found during a daily inspection or en route, what must the driver do?

Fix it without telling anyone

Only report it if stopped by enforcement

Report the condition of the defect to the operator as soon as possible

Continue the trip and report it at the end of the month

20 / 30

Which brake systems are specifically mentioned as daily inspection items?

Only hydraulic brake system

Only parking brake

Only air brake system

Air brake system and hydraulic brake system

21 / 30

What combination-related procedure is specifically noted as a requirement for class A drivers?

Uncoupling and coupling of combinations

Loading passengers

Issuing tickets

Driving only straight routes

22 / 30

As part of the required daily inspection, what must be inspected if the vehicle has such a system?

Entertainment system

Paint condition

Air brake system

Seat upholstery colour

23 / 30

Which is one of the listed items that must be checked in the daily inspection related to driver comfort and visibility?

Seat colour

Air freshener

Heater / defroster

Floor mats

24 / 30

Which of the following items must be inspected regarding visibility and lighting?

Lamp and reflectors

Headliner fabric

Dashboard colour

Door stickers

25 / 30

How often is a driver required by law to complete a vehicle inspection?

Once a week

Only before long-distance trips

Every 24-hour period

Only when the vehicle seems unsafe

26 / 30

In what format may inspection reports and schedules be carried?

Paper or electronic

Only paper

Only on a mobile app approved by the employer

Only electronic

27 / 30

When lowering the landing gear during uncoupling, what is an acceptable position?

Deeply embedded into the ground

Raised high above the ground

Just above the ground or touching the ground without lifting the trailer

Fully retracted at all times

28 / 30

What is the most common reason for taking a commercial vehicle out of service?

Dirty exterior

Low fuel

Worn wiper blades

Out-of-adjustment air brakes

29 / 30

What can happen in cases where serious infractions are discovered on a commercial vehicle?

The driver receives only a verbal warning

The vehicle may proceed if under the speed limit

The load weight is simply reduced

The vehicle is taken out of service

30 / 30

Before coupling or uncoupling, what should the driver do regarding the cab environment?

Roll down windows and turn off any audio systems

Turn up the music

Close windows and turn on the A/C

Lock all doors

Your score is

Drivers must understand how to conduct thorough daily inspections on vehicles covered by Class A (tractor-trailers) and Class D (straight trucks) licences. Key inspection points include brakes, tires, lights, steering, and emergency equipment. This section tests knowledge of identifying defects, documenting findings, and following required reporting procedures. Proper daily inspections help prevent on-road breakdowns and accidents, ensuring the safety of the driver and others on the road and compliance with Ontario regulations.