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

Cover the decal to prevent fading

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

Remove the decal after each trip

Transfer the decal to the trailer each day

2 / 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 white flag

By a reflective yellow strip

By a red flag or red marker

No marking is necessary

3 / 40

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

The original repair estimates

The mechanic’s licence

A list of previous owners

A copy of the appropriate inspection schedule

4 / 40

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

The day in progress and the previous fourteen days

The current day and the previous seven days

Logs for the last thirty days

Only the current day

5 / 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 copy of the company safety policy

A personal health card

6 / 40

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

Assist in the inspection of the vehicle

Leave the area until the inspection is done

Refuse to help and call a supervisor

Only hand over the keys and wait in the cab

7 / 40

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

National Safety Code 15, Part D

National Safety Code 1, Part C

National Safety Code 11, Part B

National Safety Code 5, Part A

8 / 40

Which of the following is checked at truck inspection stations?

Vehicle weight, height, length, width and axle spacing

Only vehicle insurance

Only driver’s licence

Only vehicle height and width

9 / 40

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

Stop only if flagged down by police

Slow down but continue driving

Enter and stop for inspection

Enter only if over a certain weight

10 / 40

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

Only tied at the front

Only covered with a tarp

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

Placed on the vehicle without any restraints

11 / 40

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

When the vehicle is empty

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

12 / 40

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

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

At least 1.5 mm in one tread groove

At least 2 mm across the entire tire

At least 4 mm in the centre groove only

13 / 40

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

The shipper

The driver

The police

The operator

14 / 40

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

Only licensed mechanics

Ministry enforcement staff and police officers

Only police officers

Only ministry enforcement staff

15 / 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

16 / 40

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

$1,000 to $10,000

$500 to $5,000

$200 to $20,000

$100 to $1,000

17 / 40

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

Only toll receipts

Only accommodation receipts

Fuel, bridge, toll and accommodation receipts

Only fuel receipts

18 / 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?

No marking is required

By a yellow flag at all times

By a red light at the rear of the overhanging load

By a white light at the front of the load

19 / 40

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

A driver performance review

A fuel tax report

An annual inspection certificate and an annual inspection record

A temporary trip permit

20 / 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 500 km of driving

Immediately after installation only

After one month of use

21 / 40

What vehicle registration document must a commercial driver carry?

Only the original registration, no copies allowed

Only the truck registration, never the trailer

No registration is required if the vehicle is leased

The registration or a true copy for the truck and trailer

22 / 40

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

Only at each fuel stop

Only every 8 hours

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

Only at the end of each work shift

23 / 40

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

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

The maximum turn radius of the vehicle

24 / 40

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

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

A verbal confirmation from the insurer

An expired insurance certificate for reference

A photocopy of any insurance policy

25 / 40

Which national standard has Ontario adopted for cargo securement?

National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 12

National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 1

National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 5

National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 10

26 / 40

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

When the trip is under 50 km

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

When driving within a city

When the cargo is light

27 / 40

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

Mandatory jail time

Permanent licence revocation

Vehicle impoundment for one year

Licence suspension for up to 30 days

28 / 40

Who performs the annual inspection on commercial vehicles and trailers?

The vehicle owner without certification

Any licensed driver

A licensed motor‑vehicle inspection mechanic

A traffic officer

29 / 40

What accompanies the annual inspection certificate and record?

A corresponding annual inspection sticker (decal)

A new licence plate

A toll transponder

A new vehicle ownership document

30 / 40

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

Not more than 80 km from where the cargo was loaded

Only at the end of the day

Not more than 160 km from where the cargo was loaded

Not more than 240 km from where the cargo was loaded

31 / 40

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

The mechanic

The driver

The shipper only

The dispatcher

32 / 40

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

To set fuel consumption limits

To determine insurance premiums

To regulate driver training hours

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

33 / 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 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) in two adjacent tread grooves

Not less than 1.0 mm in one tread groove

34 / 40

What can happen if cargo breaks loose or shifts?

Reduced braking distance

Improved fuel economy

A collision or vehicle rollover may occur

Lower tire wear

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 $20,000

Up to $5,000

Up to $10,000

Up to $2,000

36 / 40

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

Inspect only if there has been a collision

Perform a safety inspection at any time and any location

Only inspect at permanent inspection stations

Inspect only during daylight hours

37 / 40

What is the CVOR certificate related to?

The fuel efficiency of the vehicle

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

The emissions testing of the vehicle

The insurance company of the vehicle

38 / 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

39 / 40

How should free play in the steering system be checked?

With the engine off and wheels fully turned

While driving at slow speed in a parking lot

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

With the steering wheel locked

40 / 40

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

On the back of the driver’s licence

On the inside of the glovebox

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

On the right rear mudflap

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.