CDL­ A Pre Trip Inspection

KEY
PMS= Properly Mounted and Secured
CBB= Cracked Bent or Broken
C-B= Cracked or Broken
ABC= Abrasions Bulges or Cuts
NL= No Leaks

SECTION A (front of truck to firewall)

FRONT OF TRUCK
I am checking cab lights are PMS, not C-B and are Amber in Color
I am checking marker lights PMS not C-B and Amber in Color. Also serve as turn signals and 4-way flashers
I am checking Head Lights, Low Beam and High Beam. PMS not C-B and Clear, not clouded over
I am checking under truck for hanging wires, hoses and leaks
I am looking for leaning which would indicate a tire or suspension issue.

OPEN THE HOOD FOR ENGINE COMPARTMENT INSPECTION

PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE

I am checking the Alternator PMS not CBB. No LOOSE CONNECTIONS.
I am checking the Alternator Belt not TORN, CUT or FRAYED. No more than 3/4” play.
I am checking all Lines, Wires and Hoses. PMS not CBB, no ABC, NL

DRIVERS SIDE ENGINE

I am checking the Water Pump PMS, not CBB and NL
I am checking Water Pump Belt not torn, cut or frayed. No more than 3/4” play.
I am checking Oil Fill Cap is on tight and NL
I am checking Oil Dipstick. The engine oil is filled to the proper level.
I am checking Air Compressor and Power Steering Pump. They are GEAR DRIVEN, PMS, not CBB, NL.
I am checking all Lines, Wires and Hoses. PMS not CBB, no ABC, NL
I am checking Coolant Reservoir PMS, not C-B, NL. Cap is on tight.
I am checking Steering Shaft PMS, not CBB.
I am checking Steering Gear Box PMS to the frame, not CBB, NL.
I am checking Power Steering Reservoir PMS, not C-B, NL. Cap is on tight.
I am checking Pitman Arm, Drag Link, Tie Rod and Tie Rod Ends are PMS with CASTLE NUTS and COTTER PINS,
not CBB, properly greased.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
I am checking Front Spring Mount PMS to the frame , not CBB.
I am checking Leaf Spring PMS, not CBB, not MISALIGNED.
I am checking U-Bolts PMS, not CBB.
I am checking Shock Absorber PMS, not CBB, BUSHING IN BOTH ENDS and NL.
I am checking Rear Spring Mount PMS to the frame, not CBB

BRAKE SYSTEM
I am checking the Air Line PMS, no ABC, NL.
I am checking Brake Chamber PMS with BANDS AND CLAMPS, not CBB NL
I am checking Pushrod PMS to the Slack Adjuster with PINS AND KEEPERS, not CBB. With the brakes released
and pulled by hand, the Slack Adjuster has no more than 1” of play. If it does, I will have it repaired.
I am checking the Brake Shoes PMS not CBB. NO LESS THAN 1/4” LINING REMAINING
I am checking the Brake Drums PMS, not CBB, NO OIL or DEBRIS

WHEEL and TIRE

I am checking inner and outer is Wheel PMS, not CBB, no ILLEGAL WELDS.
I am checking Tire is PMS. Sidewalls and face no ABC NL. Tread is worn evenly.
Tread depth is no less than 4/32”. Tire is INFLATED TO MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS.
I am checking Valve Stem PMS, not CBB NL, and CAP IS TIGHT
I am checking Lug Nuts PMS, not CBB, none are missing. There are NO SHINY THREADS or RUST TRAILS WHICH
WOULD INDICATE a loose lug nut.
I am checking Inner and Outer Wheel Seals NL.
I am checking Hub Oil Seal. PMS, not C-B, NL and FILLLED TO THE PROPER LEVEL

SECTION B (firewall to rear of truck)

I am checking the Marker Light PMS, not C-B AMBER in COLOR. Also serves as a Turn Signal and 4way Flasher
I am checking Mirror PMS, not C-B.
I am checking the door is PMS, not CBB, OPENS and CLOSES properly (OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR)
OPEN THE DOOR AGAIN.
I am checking Door Hinges PMS, not CBB.
I am checking Door Seal is INTACT and NOT LEAKING
CLOSE THE DOOR.
I am checking the Steps PMS, not CBB and SUPPORTS DRIVERS WEIGHT
I am checking Fuel Tank PMS to the frame with Straps, NOT LEAKING. Cap is on tight.
I am checking Exhaust PMS, not CBB, NO SIGNS OF SOOT around the clamps indicating an exhaust leak.
I am checking Driveshaft and U-joints PMS, not CBB, no DEBRIS
I am checking Frame and Crossmembers PMS, not CBB, NO ILLEGAL WELDS
I am checking Catwalk and Steps PMS, not CBB, will support the driver’s weight.
BRAKE SYSTEM
I am checking the Air Line PMS, no ABC, NL.
I am checking Brake Chamber PMS with BANDS AND CLAMPS, not CBB NL
I am checking Pushrod PMS to the Slack Adjuster with PINS AND KEEPERS, not CBB. With the brakes released
and pulled by hand, the Slack Adjuster has no more than 1” of play. If it does, I will have it repaired.
I am checking the Brake Shoes PMS not CBB. NO LESS THAN 1/4” LINING REMAINING
I am checking the Brake Drums PMS, not CBB, NO OIL or DEBRIS

SUSPENSION SYSTEM
I am checking the Torque Arm PMS, not CBB. BUSHINGS INTACT ON BOTH ENDS
I am checking Leaf Spring Mount PMS, not CBB
I am checking Leaf Spring PMS, not CBB, NOT MISALIGNED
I am checking U-Bolts PMS, not CBB
I am checking Shock Absorber PMS, not CBB, BUSHING IN BOTH ENDS and NL
I am checking Lower Air Bag Mount PMS, not CBB
I am checking Air Bag PMS, no ABC, NL
I am checking Upper Air Bag Mount PMS, not CBB

WHEELS AND TIRES (plural)

I am checking both the Inner and outer Wheels are PMS, not CBB, no ILLEGAL WELDS. There is no space
between the wheels.
I am checking the Dual Tires are PMS, Sidewalls and faces no ABC NL. Tread is worn evenly. Tread depth is no
less than 2/32”. The tires are not touching and there is nothing stuck between them.
I will check that the Tires are INFLATED TO MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS.
I will check that both Valve Stems are PMS, not CBB, NL, and CAP IS TIGHT
I am checking Lug Nuts PMS, not CBB, none are missing. There is NO SHINY THREADS or RUST TRAILS WHICH
WOULD INDICATE a loose lug nut.
I am checking Inner and Outer Wheel Seals NL.
I am checking the Axle Seal PMS, not CBB, NL.
I WILL CHECK AXLE #3 THE SAME AS AXLE #2
I am checking Mud Flap PMS, not touching the tires or the ground. D.O.T Reflective Tape is clean, clear and
visible.
I am checking Tai lights. PMS, not C-B, red in color. They serve as TAIL LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS
AND 4 WAY FLASHERS.
I am checking Back-Up Light. PMS, C-B and WHITE or CLEAR
COUPLING
I am checking the Air Lines and Electrical Cord, PMS, no ABC, NO SPLICES, NL.
I am checking that the Electric Cord has no exposed wires.
I am checking Gladhands and Seals PMS, not CBB, NL.
I will check that the Air Lines and Electrical Cord are hanging properly so they don’t get caught on the catwalk
or anything else when the truck makes turns.
I am checking Apron PMS, not CBB
I am checking NO GAP BETWEEN APRON AND FIFTH WHEEL SKID PLATE.
I am checking Fifth Wheel, PMS, not CBB. The RELEASE HANDLE is in the FULY LOCKED POSITION.
I am checking Platform PMS, not CBB.
I am checking Slide Mount PMS, not CBB, LOCKING PINS are in the FULLY LOCKED POSITION.
I am checking Fifth Wheel Mount PMS, not CBB, NO MISSING BOLTS.
I am checking Air Line PMS, not ABC, NL.
I am checking Air Release Cylinder PMS, not CBB, NL.
STEP TO THE REAR OF THE TRACTOR
I am checking the Kingpin PMS, not CBB
I am checking the Lock Jaws PMS, not CBB and LOCKED AROUND THE Kingpin Shank.
I am checking Space between the rear of the Truck and the Landing Gear to make sure there is enough room
for the truck to make turns with no interference.

SECTION C (trailer)
I am checking Clearance Lights PMS, not C-B, AMBER IN COLOR.
I am checking Headboard NO HOLES, NO MISSING RIVETS, NO DAMAGE.
I am checking Trailer Side NO HOLES, NO MISSING RIVETS, NO DAMAGE.
I am checking Frame PMS, not CBB, NO MISSING RIVETS.
I am checking DOT Reflective Tape CLEAN CLEAR and VISIBLE.
I am checking Cross Members PMS, not CBB, no holes in the floor.
I am checking Landing Gear PMS, not CBB, it is in the fully raised position and the crank handle is secured.
I am checking Mid Light PMS, not C-B, AMBER in color. It serves as a marker light, turn signal and 4 way
flasher.
I am checking Air Lines PMS, no ABC, NL, NOT TOUCHING THE GROUND
I am checking Sliding Tandem Assembly PMS, NOT CBB. The Tandem Release Handle and Pins are in THE
FULLY LOCKED POSITION.

BRAKE SYSTEM
I am checking the Air Line PMS, no ABC, NL.
I am checking Brake Chamber PMS with BANDS AND CLAMPS, not CBB NL
I am checking Pushrod PMS to the Slack Adjuster with PINS AND KEEPERS, not CBB. With the brakes released
and pulled by hand, the Slack Adjuster has no more than 1” of play. If it does, I will have it repaired.
I am checking the Brake Shoes PMS not CBB. NO LESS THAN 1/4” LINING REMAINING
I am checking the Brake Drums PMS, not CBB, NO OIL or DEBRIS
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
I am checking Trailing Arm Mount PMS, not CBB.
I am checking Trailing Arm is PMS, not CBB, PIVOT BUSHING IS INTACT.
I am checking U-Bolts PMS, not CBB.
I am checking Shock Absorber PMS, not CBB, BUSHING IN BOTH ENDS and NOT LEAKING.
I am checking Lower Air Bag Mount PMS, not CBB.
I am checking Air Bag PMS, no ABC, NL.
I am checking Upper Air Bag Mount PMS, not CBB.

WHEELS AND TIRES (plural)

I am checking both the Inner and outer Wheels are PMS, not CBB, no ILLEGAL WELDS. There is no space
between the wheels.
I am checking the Dual Tires are PMS, Sidewalls and faces no ABC NL. Tread is worn evenly. Tread depth is no
less than 2/32”. The tires are not touching and there is nothing stuck between them.
I will check that the Tires are INFLATED TO MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS.
I will check that both Valve Stems are PMS, not CBB, NL, and CAP IS TIGHT
I am checking Lug Nuts PMS, not CBB, none are missing. There is NO SHINY THREADS or RUST TRAILS WHICH
WOULD INDICATE a loose lug nut.
I am checking Inner and Outer Wheel Seals NL.
I am checking the Axle Seal PMS, not CBB, NL.
I WILL CHECK AXLE #5 THE SAME AS AXLE #4
I am checking Mud Flap PMS, not touching the tires or the ground.

Side of Trailer again

I will check my tie back is PMS, no damage.
I will check my rear marker light is PMS, not C-B. It is red in color.

REAR OF TRAILER
I am checking DOOR SEALS PMS, NO LEAKS
I am checking Trailer Doors PMS, no holes or damage, they open and close properly.
I am checking the Hinges PMS, not CBB, NOT MISSING.
I am checking Door Latches PMS, not CBB.
I am checking Tie Back Chains PMS, not missing.
I am checking D.O.T. Reflective Tape CLEAN, CLEAR AND VISABLE (TOUCH ALL 3 PIECES).
I am checking Taillights PMS, not C-B, red in color. They serve as TAILLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS
AND 4WAY FLASHERS
I am checking Rear Marker Lights PMS, not C-B, red in color.
I am checking License Plate PMS Current.
I am checking License Plate Light PMS, CB, white or clear in color
I am checking DOT Bumper PMS, not CBB.
I will check the passenger side the same as the driver’s side.
IN CAB INSPECTION
Three S’s – Safety Equipment, Seat Belt, Safe Start
Safety Equipment
1. I will check my SAFETY EQUIPMENT. I have 3 red reflective triangles, a fully charged and properly rated
fire extinguisher, and spare fuses.
2. I will check that my SEAT BELT is properly mounted and secure, it is not cut, frayed or torn, and it
latches and unlatches properly.
3. I will perform a SAFE START.
a. I will check that my truck is in neutral
b. I will check that my brakes are set
c. I will turn my key on and check that my warning lights and ABS lights come on and go off.
d. I will depress the clutch fully and start my engine.
I will check my drivers mirror is PMS, not broken and adjusted for me, the driver.
I will check my windshields are PMS, not broken, and no illegal stickers.
I will check that my windshield wipers are PMS, not CBB and pressed against the glass.
I will check my passenger mirror is PMS, not broken and adjusted for me, the driver.
I will check my air horn and city horn.
I will turn on my headlights and check my low beams and high beams.
I will check my left and right turn signals, my windshield washer and wipers are working properly.
I will turn my headlights off and check my 4 way flashers.
I will check that my oil pressure gauge is holding steady pressure.
I will check my water temperature gauge is not overheating.
I will check my voltmeter is at _____ (read voltmeter).
I will check that my primary and secondary air gauges are between 120 and 140 p.s.i.
I will check that my heater and defroster are working properly.

I will now perform a tug test.

1. I will release the tractor brakes (push the Yellow button in) and pull against the trailer parking brake.
2. I will set the tractor brakes (pull the Yellow button out), release the trailer brakes (push the Red button
in) and pull against the tractor parking brake.
I will now check my service brake. I will release my parking brakes, place the truck in low gear and pull
forward to approximately 5 m.p.h. My steering wheel should not pull left or right, indicating a possible brake
problem if it does. (Pull forward and stop, put the truck in neutral. If the truck rolls, GENTLY hold the brake
pedal down just enough to keep the truck from rolling. DO NOT SET THE PARKING BRAKES. Keep your hands
OFF the brake valves, they MUST be left pushed in to continue!)
I will now test my governor by building my air pressure to between 120 and 140 p.s.i. at which time my
governor will engage. The truck will make a sneezing sound (While the air pressure is building, review in cab
until the governor kicks in).
I will now perform my air brake test.
AIR BRAKE TEST
(L.A.B. Leaks, Alarms, Buttons)
This must be done EXATLY as it is outlined below. DO NOT change any wording.
Failure to perform the air brake test correctly is an automatic fail.

What to say: “I will put my truck in the lowest gear to simulate chocking the tires.”

What to do: (Put the shifter in 1st gear, turn off the engine, and turn the key back to the ON position.
Release the clutch. Watch for the A.B.S. light to come on and go back off).

What to say: “I will check that my A.B.S. light comes on and goes off. I will now perform a LEAK TEST. I will
hold my brake pedal down for ONE MINUTE. I should not lose more than 4 p.s.i. for a combination vehicle.
Will you time me please?”

What to do: (Wait for the examiner to say he will time you, THEN push the brake pedal to the floor and HOLD
IT! DO NOT release the brake pedal until the examiner tells you to. He will say something like “that’s a
minute”, “continue”, “that’s good”, “move on”, “OK”, etc.)

What to say: “I will now test my LOW AIR WARNING ALARMS. I will pump my brake pedal. My low air
warning alarms should come on at or above 60 p.s.i.”

What to do: (Pump pedal until the ALARM BUZZER and LIGHT comes on. STOP pumping the brake once the
alarms come on).

What to say: “I will now test my SPRING BRAKES. I will continue to pump my brake pedal. Between 20 and 40
p.s.i. BOTH of my buttons should pop out indicating my spring brakes are working properly.”

What to do: (Pump the brake pedal again until BOTH TRACTOR BRAKE [YELLOW] and TRAILER BRAKE [RED]
BUTTONS POP OUT).

When BOTH buttons pop out, say: “Mr. Examiner, this completes my in cab inspection.”