Trucking Rodeo Exam Questions & Answers
2026 | Latest CDL Skills Competition
Practice Test with Verified Solutions | Driver
Safety & Vehicle Inspection Prep PDF
• This practice test contains 200 expertly crafted multiple-choice questions covering
all core areas of the CDL Trucking Rodeo Skills Competition — use it by working
through each question independently before revealing the correct answer and
EXPERT RATIONALE below it.
• Each question follows a consistent format: bolded question stem, five labeled
options (A–E), a clearly highlighted correct answer with EXPERT RATIONALE —
making it ideal for timed self-quizzing, group study, or final review before
competition day.
TRUCKING RODEO EXAM — 200 QUESTIONS CDL Skills Competition Practice
Test 2026
1. What is the first thing a driver should do before performing a pre-trip
inspection?
A. Check the fuel level
B. Start the engine and listen for unusual noises
C. Review the vehicle's maintenance log
D. Walk around the vehicle to check for obvious hazards
E. Test the horn and lights
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Walk around the vehicle to check for obvious
hazards
EXPERT RATIONALE: The initial walkaround allows the driver to spot obvious defects
such as flat tires, leaks, or damage before beginning a systematic inspection. This is the
first step in any standard pre-trip inspection procedure per FMCSA guidelines.
,2. During a pre-trip inspection, which component should be checked for
proper inflation, cuts, and bulges?
A. Brake drums
B. Wheel seals
C. Tires
D. Mud flaps
E. Lug nuts
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Tires
EXPERT RATIONALE: Tires must be inspected for proper inflation pressure, cuts, bulges,
tread depth, and any signs of uneven wear. Tire failure is one of the leading causes of
commercial vehicle accidents.
3. What is the minimum tread depth required for front tires on a commercial
motor vehicle?
A. 2/32 inch
B. 4/32 inch
C. 6/32 inch
D. 8/32 inch
E. 1/16 inch
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 4/32 inch
EXPERT RATIONALE: FMCSA regulations require a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch on
steering (front) axle tires. All other tires require a minimum of 2/32 inch. Steering axle
tires have a higher standard due to their critical role in vehicle control.
4. Which of the following is NOT a required item in a CMV emergency kit?
A. Three red reflective triangles
,B. A fire extinguisher
C. Spare electrical fuses
D. A first aid kit
E. Flares or fusees
CORRECT ANSWER: D. A first aid kit
EXPERT RATIONALE: FMCSA regulations require drivers to carry warning devices
(triangles/flares), fire extinguisher, and spare fuses. A first aid kit, while recommended, is
not a federally mandated emergency kit item for CMVs.
5. What does a driver check when inspecting the steering box during a pre-trip
inspection?
A. That the steering wheel has no play
B. That the steering box is securely mounted with no leaks
C. That power steering fluid is above maximum
D. That the tie rods are greased
E. That the steering column is straight
CORRECT ANSWER: B. That the steering box is securely mounted with no
leaks
EXPERT RATIONALE: During pre-trip, the steering box should be checked to ensure it is
securely mounted and shows no signs of fluid leaks. Leaking power steering fluid can
result in steering failure, posing a major safety risk.
6. How many red reflective triangles are required to be carried in a
commercial motor vehicle?
A. One
B. Two
, C. Three
D. Four
E. Five
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Three
EXPERT RATIONALE: FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 393.95) require drivers to carry three
bidirectional emergency reflective triangles. These are used to warn other drivers when
the vehicle is stopped on or near the roadway.
7. What is the proper placement of warning triangles when stopped on a two-
lane highway?
A. All three placed directly behind the vehicle
B. One at 10 feet, one at 100 feet, one at 200 feet behind the vehicle
C. One at 10 feet behind, one at 100 feet behind, one at 100 feet ahead of the
vehicle
D. One at 50 feet, one at 100 feet, one at 150 feet behind the vehicle
E. Two behind and one in front of the vehicle at equal distances
CORRECT ANSWER: C. One at 10 feet behind, one at 100 feet behind, one at
100 feet ahead of the vehicle
EXPERT RATIONALE: On a two-lane road, triangles should be placed to warn traffic from
both directions. One is placed 10 feet to the rear, one 100 feet to the rear, and one 100
feet ahead. This protects the driver from oncoming traffic in both lanes.
8. During a brake check, what should a driver listen for when applying the
brakes while the vehicle is stationary?
A. A clicking sound from the brake pedal
B. Air escaping from lines or chambers indicating leaks
2026 | Latest CDL Skills Competition
Practice Test with Verified Solutions | Driver
Safety & Vehicle Inspection Prep PDF
• This practice test contains 200 expertly crafted multiple-choice questions covering
all core areas of the CDL Trucking Rodeo Skills Competition — use it by working
through each question independently before revealing the correct answer and
EXPERT RATIONALE below it.
• Each question follows a consistent format: bolded question stem, five labeled
options (A–E), a clearly highlighted correct answer with EXPERT RATIONALE —
making it ideal for timed self-quizzing, group study, or final review before
competition day.
TRUCKING RODEO EXAM — 200 QUESTIONS CDL Skills Competition Practice
Test 2026
1. What is the first thing a driver should do before performing a pre-trip
inspection?
A. Check the fuel level
B. Start the engine and listen for unusual noises
C. Review the vehicle's maintenance log
D. Walk around the vehicle to check for obvious hazards
E. Test the horn and lights
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Walk around the vehicle to check for obvious
hazards
EXPERT RATIONALE: The initial walkaround allows the driver to spot obvious defects
such as flat tires, leaks, or damage before beginning a systematic inspection. This is the
first step in any standard pre-trip inspection procedure per FMCSA guidelines.
,2. During a pre-trip inspection, which component should be checked for
proper inflation, cuts, and bulges?
A. Brake drums
B. Wheel seals
C. Tires
D. Mud flaps
E. Lug nuts
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Tires
EXPERT RATIONALE: Tires must be inspected for proper inflation pressure, cuts, bulges,
tread depth, and any signs of uneven wear. Tire failure is one of the leading causes of
commercial vehicle accidents.
3. What is the minimum tread depth required for front tires on a commercial
motor vehicle?
A. 2/32 inch
B. 4/32 inch
C. 6/32 inch
D. 8/32 inch
E. 1/16 inch
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 4/32 inch
EXPERT RATIONALE: FMCSA regulations require a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch on
steering (front) axle tires. All other tires require a minimum of 2/32 inch. Steering axle
tires have a higher standard due to their critical role in vehicle control.
4. Which of the following is NOT a required item in a CMV emergency kit?
A. Three red reflective triangles
,B. A fire extinguisher
C. Spare electrical fuses
D. A first aid kit
E. Flares or fusees
CORRECT ANSWER: D. A first aid kit
EXPERT RATIONALE: FMCSA regulations require drivers to carry warning devices
(triangles/flares), fire extinguisher, and spare fuses. A first aid kit, while recommended, is
not a federally mandated emergency kit item for CMVs.
5. What does a driver check when inspecting the steering box during a pre-trip
inspection?
A. That the steering wheel has no play
B. That the steering box is securely mounted with no leaks
C. That power steering fluid is above maximum
D. That the tie rods are greased
E. That the steering column is straight
CORRECT ANSWER: B. That the steering box is securely mounted with no
leaks
EXPERT RATIONALE: During pre-trip, the steering box should be checked to ensure it is
securely mounted and shows no signs of fluid leaks. Leaking power steering fluid can
result in steering failure, posing a major safety risk.
6. How many red reflective triangles are required to be carried in a
commercial motor vehicle?
A. One
B. Two
, C. Three
D. Four
E. Five
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Three
EXPERT RATIONALE: FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 393.95) require drivers to carry three
bidirectional emergency reflective triangles. These are used to warn other drivers when
the vehicle is stopped on or near the roadway.
7. What is the proper placement of warning triangles when stopped on a two-
lane highway?
A. All three placed directly behind the vehicle
B. One at 10 feet, one at 100 feet, one at 200 feet behind the vehicle
C. One at 10 feet behind, one at 100 feet behind, one at 100 feet ahead of the
vehicle
D. One at 50 feet, one at 100 feet, one at 150 feet behind the vehicle
E. Two behind and one in front of the vehicle at equal distances
CORRECT ANSWER: C. One at 10 feet behind, one at 100 feet behind, one at
100 feet ahead of the vehicle
EXPERT RATIONALE: On a two-lane road, triangles should be placed to warn traffic from
both directions. One is placed 10 feet to the rear, one 100 feet to the rear, and one 100
feet ahead. This protects the driver from oncoming traffic in both lanes.
8. During a brake check, what should a driver listen for when applying the
brakes while the vehicle is stationary?
A. A clicking sound from the brake pedal
B. Air escaping from lines or chambers indicating leaks
