CDL Pre-Trip Inspection: Complete Checklist

Why the pre-trip inspection matters

The pre-trip inspection is the first of three CDL skills test parts, and drivers also have legal inspection duties. Before driving, a driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition, review the last driver vehicle inspection report if one is required, and sign it once repairs are certified. 49 CFR 396.13

• Parts that must work before a CMV is driven: service brakes including trailer brake connections, parking brake, steering, lights and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment. 49 CFR 392.7
• Written report: at the end of each day's work a driver prepares a report for each vehicle operated, listing any defect found. No report is needed if there is no defect to list. 49 CFR 396.11
• Repairs: the carrier must fix defects likely to affect safe operation, and certify on the report that repair was made or was unnecessary, before the vehicle is driven again. 49 CFR 396.11
• Retention: reports and certifications are kept for three months. 49 CFR 396.11

How the vehicle inspection test works

The examiner asks you to walk around the vehicle, point to or touch each safety-related part, and say what you are checking and why. The goal is to show you can recognize an unsafe vehicle, not to repair anything. CDL Handbook 11.149 CFR 383.113

• Position in the sequence: inspection first, then basic control, then the road test. You cannot go on after failing the inspection. 49 CFR 383.133CDL Handbook 11.7
• Language: the whole test is in English, and interpreters are prohibited. 49 CFR 383.133CDL Handbook 11.1
• Notes: a written note on your inspection guide is not allowed, and a test vehicle with labeled components cannot be used. CDL Handbook 11.1
• Safety items first: check that the brake lights, emergency flashers, turn signals and horn all work before you start. Ask your testing office what happens on test day if one does not. CDL Handbook 11.1
• Scope: you may be asked about the whole vehicle or only part of it, and you must also inspect special features such as a school or transit bus. CDL Handbook 11.7
• Air brakes: if the vehicle has them, you must demonstrate the checks and say the pressure figures aloud. Say each figure as you check it; a missed or wrong figure counts against you. CDL Handbook 5.349 CFR 383.113

Use one fixed order each time. A repeatable sequence is easier to remember under pressure than a long list of parts. CDL Handbook 2.1

Engine compartment checklist (engine off)

Set the parking brake or chock the wheels, then open the hood or engine access door and check the following. CDL Handbook 11.2

• Leaks: look for puddles under the vehicle and drips on the engine and transmission, and check hoses. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Oil level: find the dipstick and confirm the level is above the refill mark. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Coolant level: check the radiator or reservoir sight glass; if there is none, say what you would check after removing the cap. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Power steering fluid: check the dipstick or sight glass, with the level above the refill mark. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Windshield washer fluid: level adequate, cap secure. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Water pump, alternator and air compressor: identify each and check it is mounted securely; the pump and compressor must not leak, and the alternator wires must be fastened. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Belts: for the power steering, water pump, alternator and air compressor, check for snugness (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of give), cracks, fraying and wear. If a part is not belt driven, tell the examiner. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Hydraulic brake master cylinder: securely attached, not leaking, fluid between the add and full marks. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Wiring: no worn or cracked insulation. CDL Handbook 2.1
• Close and latch the hood or door when finished. CDL Handbook 2.1

Cab check and engine start

• Safe start: parking brake on, gearshift in neutral or park, clutch pressed on a manual, then start the engine and listen for unusual noises. CDL Handbook 11.2CDL Handbook 2.1
• Gauges: oil pressure rises to normal within seconds, temperature starts to climb, the ammeter or voltmeter shows charging, and the warning lights and buzzers go off. CDL Handbook 11.2CDL Handbook 2.1
• Air gauge: pressure builds to governor cut-out, usually 120 to 140 psi, or the maker's figure. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Controls: steering wheel, clutch, accelerator, brakes, retarder, transmission controls, horns, wipers and washers, and all light switches work with no looseness or sticking. CDL Handbook 2.1
• Mirrors and windshield: clean, uncracked, adjusted, with no illegal stickers or obstructions. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Emergency equipment: spare electrical fuses (or a note that there are none), three reflective triangles or at least six fusees, and a charged, mounted fire extinguisher. CDL Handbook 11.249 CFR 393.95
• Optional items: tire chains where needed, tire-changing gear, a list of emergency numbers and an accident reporting kit. CDL Handbook 11.2
• ABS: the dash light should come on and then go out. A trailer ABS lamp that stays lit signals a fault. CDL Handbook 2.1
• Seat belt: securely mounted, adjusts and latches, with no rips or fraying. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Parking brake: with air built up, gently pull against it to confirm it holds. On a combination, repeat with only the trailer parking brake applied. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Heater and defroster work. CDL Handbook 11.2

Lights and reflectors

With the key off and the parking brake set, turn on the low beams and four-way flashers, then get out and check them from the front. CDL Handbook 2.1

• Front: low beams and flashers on; then high beams; then the parking, clearance, side-marker and identification lights; then the right turn signal. CDL Handbook 2.1
• Colors: clearance lights are red at the rear and amber elsewhere. Rear reflectors are red, others amber. Forward-facing turn signals are amber or white. CDL Handbook 11.2CDL Handbook 2.1
• Check each of these: headlights, taillights, backing lights, turn signals, flashers, brake lights, clearance lights, reflectors and reflector tape, and license plate lights. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Brake, turn signal and flasher functions must be checked separately. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Keep wiping lenses, reflectors and glass clean as you go. CDL Handbook 2.1

Walkaround: steering, suspension and brakes

• Steering box and hoses: mounted securely, no leaks, no missing nuts or bolts. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Steering linkage: arms, rods and links not worn or cracked; joints and sockets tight; cotter keys present. Grab the linkage to test for looseness. CDL Handbook 11.3CDL Handbook 2.1
• Springs: no cracked, shifted or missing leaf springs; no broken coil springs. A quarter or more missing or broken puts the vehicle out of service. CDL Handbook 11.349 CFR 393.207
• Air ride, torsion bars and torque arms: undamaged, mounted tightly, no air leaks. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Spring mounts: hangers, bushings, bolts and U-bolts intact where they meet the frame and axle. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Shock absorbers: secure, with no leaks. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Slack adjusters and pushrods: securely mounted with no broken or missing parts. On a manual adjuster, the pushrod should move no more than about an inch when pulled by hand. CDL Handbook 11.3CDL Handbook 5.3
• Brake chambers: not cracked, dented or leaking, mounted tightly, with no loose clamps. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Brake hoses and lines: not cut, worn or frayed, with fittings tight and no leaks. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Drums and linings: no cracks, dents or contamination from oil or grease, and linings not worn dangerously thin. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Repeat suspension and brake checks on every axle, including the trailer. CDL Handbook 11.3

Walkaround: wheels, sides and rear

• Rims: not bent or damaged, no weld repairs, no rust trails that point to a loose rim. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Tires: properly inflated by gauge, evenly worn, with no cuts or bulges, valve caps and stems intact, no mixed radial and bias types. Kicking or tapping a tire does not count as a check. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Tread depth: at least 4/32 inch on front tires of a bus, truck or tractor, and 2/32 inch on the others. Buses may not have regrooved, recapped or retreaded front tires. 49 CFR 393.75
• Hub and seals: no oil or grease leaks, oil level fine in a sight glass. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Lug nuts: all present, uncracked, with no rust trails or shiny threads that signal looseness. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Spacers on dual wheels: not bent or rusted, evenly centered, with nothing stuck between the tires. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Doors, mirrors and windows: undamaged, working, with mirror brackets tight. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Fuel tank: secure, caps tight, no leaks from tank, cap or lines. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Drive shaft: not bent or cracked, with U-joints secure. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Exhaust: no cracks, holes or leaks; diesel exhaust fluid above 1/8 tank and the dash indicator working, if fitted. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Frame: no cracks, broken welds or holes. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Rear: splash guards secure; doors, ties, straps, chains and binders secure; any cargo lift retracted and latched. CDL Handbook 11.3

Coupling system, trailers and bus extras

• Air and electrical connections: air connectors sealed, glad hands locked and not leaking, and the electrical plug firmly seated on both units. CDL Handbook 11.3CDL Handbook 11.5
• Air and electrical lines: no cuts, chafing, splices or exposed steel braid, and not tangled or dragging. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Fifth wheel: platform and mounting bolts tight, skid plate lubricated, no cracks, locking jaws closed around the kingpin, release arm engaged with the safety latch in place. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Gap and apron: the trailer rests flat on the skid plate with no gap, and the apron is not bent or cracked. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Sliding fifth wheel: locking pins fully engaged, with no air leaks and enough clearance between the tractor frame and landing gear. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Pintle hook or other hitch: no cracks or excess wear, mounting bolts tight, safety cables or chains secure. CDL Handbook 11.3
• Trailer front: header board and tarp carrier secure; landing gear raised, with no missing parts. CDL Handbook 11.5
• Trailer sides and rear: doors, ties and lifts, frame, tandem release arm and locking pins. CDL Handbook 11.5
• School bus extras: emergency kit and body fluid cleanup kit, flashing amber and red light indicators, strobe and stop arm lights, stop arm secure and extending fully, student mirrors, entry door, steps, hand rails, lift, emergency exits and seating. CDL Handbook 11.4
• Coach and transit extras: passenger entry and lift, emergency exits with a working release from both sides, seating, baggage doors, battery and box, and a level ride with no suspension air leaks. CDL Handbook 11.6

In-cab air brake check

On air brake vehicles, do these checks in place of the hydraulic brake check. They can be done in any order, but you must perform each correctly and state its numbers aloud. CDL Handbook 5.3

• Also check: pull forward at about 5 mph and apply the service brake to confirm the vehicle stops without pulling to one side. CDL Handbook 11.2
• Tractor protection valve: on a combination, this valve is released for leakage tests and should close within the 20 to 45 psi range. CDL Handbook 5.3
• Slack adjusters: with the vehicle chocked and the parking brake released, a manual slack adjuster that moves more than about an inch needs adjusting. CDL Handbook 5.3
• Drums and hoses: drum cracks no longer than half the friction area width, linings not loose or soaked and thicker than 1/4 inch, and no cut or rubbed air hoses. CDL Handbook 5.3
• Coupled units: check that all air connections between units are secure before testing. CDL Handbook 6.5