CLASS A & B PRETRIP INSPECTION

(Updated to MD Change August 22, 2022)

11.1.1. In-Vehicle/Engine Start

As I get in the truck, I am inspecting the seatbelt for any tears or cuts in the belt. I ensure that the
belt pulls freely and that it firmly snaps into the belt buckle

Lighting Indicators
Now I am inspecting the dashboard indicator lights for signals, flashers, headlight & high beams,
ABS and DEF/DPF systems. I am inspecting to indicate which functions are active or which
functions are warning of problems.
• Left turn signal indicator should turn on
• Right turn signal indicator should turn on
• Four-way emergency indicator should turn on
• High beam indicator should turn on
• ABS indicator should turn on and then go off when ignition is turned on and the rear driver
side trailer ABS light should turn on and then off
• The DEF indicator should turn on and indicate fluid level

Emergency Equipment
Now I am inspecting my emergency equipment to ensure it is available and in usable condition. I
inspect my 3 red reflective triangles. I ensure that my fire extinguisher is properly charged and
secured. I verify I have spare electrical fuses or indicate where my circuit breakers are.

Windshield and Traffic Monitoring Devices

Now I am checking my windshield to ensure it is clean with no obstructions except for an
inspection sticker and has no cracks in the driver’s viewing area that can cause me to lose sight of
changes in road conditions or other traffic around the vehicle

I am inspecting my mirrors to ensure that they are clean and adjusted properly from the inside

Wipers/Washers
I am inspecting the windshield wipers arms and blades to make sure they are secure and not
damaged and I turn them on and off to ensure they work properly. The wipers improve visibility
during rain and snow and worn blades can reduce that visibility.

I am inspecting for windshield washer fluid and activate the windshield washers to make sure that
they work

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Heater/Defroster
I am turning on the heater and defroster to ensure they work properly because they heat the cab
and passenger compartment and prevent condensation from forming which improves visibility
especially in cold weather

Horns
I inspect the airhorn and the electric horn to ensure that they work as they are necessary to warn
other roadway users of my presence

Parking Brake and Trailer Brake Check

(Items highlighted in yellow only apply to Class A)

To ensure that the parking brake and trailer brake will keep the vehicle from moving or rolling
when parked which can cause a danger to other roadway users and property, I’m going to perform
the parking brake and trailer brake check.

While leaving the parking brake engaged on the tractor, I am going to release the trailer brakes
than test that the parking brake will hold the vehicle by gently pulling forward.

Now I’m going to engage the trailer parking brake and disengage the tractor parking brake then
I’m going to test that’s a trailer parking brake will hold the vehicle by gently pulling forward this
also assist and checking out a couple in connection with the trailer is good.

Service Brake Check

Now I’m going to check the service brakes to ensure that they are working correctly, and that the
vehicle does not pull to one side of the other at a low speed. I disengage the parking and trailer
brakes and pull forward slowly at 5 miles an hour and apply the service brake and come to a
complete stop. I check to see the vehicle did not pull to either side and stopped when the service
brake was applied.

I REENGAGE THE TRACTOR AND TRAILER PARKING BRAKES.

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11.1.2. Air Brake Check
To conduct the air brake check, I am going to shut off the truck, remove the key, and chock the
wheels.

I am checking the air brake system to ensure that the safety devices are operating correctly as air
pressure drops from “normal” to “low air” conditions. Loss of air pressure will cause the emergency
brakes to activate causing an abrupt and uncontrolled stop.

Air Gauge and Governor Cutoff Check

Now that I have the rear drive wheels chocked, I start the engine and bring the air system up to
the cut off pressure of 125 psi.

Air Leakage Test

Now that the system is fully charged, I turn off the engine and turn the key to the on position and I
release the parking brake. The wheel chocks will hold the truck in place. I now time the leakage
rate for the emergency side of the air brake system. I fully apply the foot brake and once the air
gauge stabilizes, I time holding the foot brake for 1 minute. I inspect the air gauge to see if the air
pressure drops more than (4lbs for Class A) (3lbs for Class B).

Air Warning Device Test

After testing my leakage rate, I test the safety features which are the audio and visual low air
warnings.

With the engine still off and the key in the on position, I am fanning the brake pedal (pumping it) to
bleed air from the brake system. The alarm should signal before the pressure falls below 55 psi.

Emergency Brake Test

(Class A Only)

Once the alarm comes on, I continue to fan the brake pedal and deplete the system of air. When
the pressure falls to between 45 and 20 psi, the tractor protection valve and trailer protection valve
will close (pop up) causing the emergency brakes to come on. The tractor and trailer protection
valve should close at the same time or prior to the valve for the tractor.

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11.4. Lights Operations Check
NOTE: YOU MAY ASK THE EXAMINER TO ASSIST YOU IN INSPECTING THE EXTERNAL
OPERATION OF LIGHTS. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECTING THE EXAMINER
WHERE TO GO AND TELLING THE EXAMINER WHICH LIGHTS YOU WOULD LIKE THEM TO
INSPECT.

Turn on the left turn signal

Turn on the right turn signal

Turn on the 4-way flashers and direct the examiner to the front and back

Turn on the low beams

Turn on the high beams

Turn on the clearance and maker lights

Turn on the taillights

Apply the brake lights.

11.5. External Inspection

11.5.1 Front of Vehicle/Engine Area (Engine off)
Lenses

I am walking around the truck to inspect all the light lenses and covers to ensure that they are the
proper color, clean, not broken or missing to ensure they work properly.

Critical Fluid Levels

Proper fluid levels ensure the engine, cooling, and steering systems operate correctly and extends
the life of the engine and systems.

I would check the engine oil by pulling out this dipstick, wiping it off and reinserting and pulling out
to check the oil against the level indicator

I would check the cooling system coolant by looking in this sight glass to see that there is coolant
in there

I would check the steering fluid by removing this cap and wiping off the measuring stick and
reinserting to check the level against the indicator

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Fluid and Air Leaks

Fluid loss may indicate component failure where levels might not be readily inspected such as
transmission or fuel systems and air leaks could indicate component failure in areas not readily
inspected like air compressors

I am walking around the front of the vehicle and looking underneath for any puddles on the ground
or any dripping fluids inside the engine compartment or underneath.

Additionally, I am inspecting all the fluid and air hoses for leaks and/or broken hose connections or
cracks.

Steering System

Worn, cracked, lose or broken steering parts could result in the loss of steering. Excessive
movement in the linkage could cause the vehicle to wander or indicate future component failure.

I am inspecting the power steering box to ensure it is securely mounted and not leaking

I am inspecting all the steering hoses and connections to make sure they are not cracked worn or
leaking

I am inspecting the steering system to ensure it has no missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys

I am inspecting the connecting links, arms, and rods from the steering box to the wheel to make
sure they are not worn or cracked and that the joints and sockets are not worn or loose.

11.5.2. Axle Components/Steering Axle

Tires

Underinflation increases the chance of a blowout from excessive heat buildup due to increase
flexing of the tire and low tread depth increases the effect of hydroplaning and reduces traction
resulting in increased stop distance. Over inflation increases the chances of damage to the tire
from curbs and potholes and loss of traction and cuts and bulges may cause tire failures,
blowouts, and sudden loss of control.

I am inspecting each tire for proper inflation using a tire gauge or a cat eye system. The front tires
should be inflated to 120 psi. The drive tires should be inflated to 100 psi.

I am also inspecting each tire for cuts and damage that may expose body plies to the tire in the
tread and sidewall and ensuring that no valve caps are missing. In addition, I am looking for any
bumps and bulges and mismatched diameters in dual tires.

Finally, I ensure that the steer axle tires have at least 4/32 of tread and all other tires have at least
2/32 of tread.

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Rims/Wheels

Damaged rims can result in loss of a tire from the rim, loss of a wheel from an axle, boss of air
pressure in the tire, but we are rolling off a room due to damage to flange, or split rim. A damaged
wheel can result in loss of vehicle control, leading to a crash. I regularly inspect the wheels and
rims for conditions that could result in a complete or partial wheel separation or air loss in the tire.

I am inspecting the wheels and rims for damaged crack or print rims and I’m ensuring that the rims
do not have any welding repairs.

I’m inspecting studs and bolt holes to make sure they are not out of round and there are no
missing or loose nuts and bolts.

Wheel Fasteners (Lug Nuts)

Loose or missing lug nuts can result in the loss of a wheel and lead to a crash.

I am inspecting that all lug nuts are present.

I am also inspecting that lug nuts are not loose and there are no signs of rust trails or shiny
threads that may show looseness I am also inspecting that there are no broken studs

Spring and Air Bags and Shocks

Damaged from missing leaf springs may lead to loss of control or a rollover if the vehicle falls on
the frame or a tire. In addition, shifted springs may strike a tire causing a blowout or interference
with steering. In the same way damaged airbags or shocks can affect vehicle handling and
stopping distances.

Note: THIS IS FOR THE FRONT AXLE (YOU ONLY HAVE TO DO 1 AXLE, BUT EXAMINER
MAY ASK YOU TO DO THE REAR OR TRAILER AXLE INSTEAD OR IN ADDITION)

I am inspecting for missing, shifted, crack or broken leaf springs and making sure that spring
mounts are not cracked broken or missing any parts. I also am inspecting the shock absorbers to
make sure they are secure, not damaged and not leaking. Also, I am checking to ensure that the
vehicle is sitting level both front to rear and side to side.

NOTE: THIS IS FOR THE DRIVE AXLE AND THE TRAILER AXLES.

I’m check that the air ride suspension is secure and not damaged and not leaking and I am
checking to ensure that the vehicle is sitting level both front to rear and side to side.

Brake Lines/Hoses/Leaks

Loss of air pressure may cause wheel lockup

I am inspecting the air-line hoses to the brakes to ensure they are not leaking. I am also inspecting
for cracked or frayed hoses and I’m ensuring that all the hose couplings and fittings are secure.

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Brake Contaminants

Contaminants on the brakes can cause a reduction in breaking friction which may lead to a crash
they can also create a fire hazard

I am looking through the wheels to the brake drums to see if I can see any contaminants such as
grease oil etc. that can affect braking capabilities

11.5.3. Side of Vehicle

Lens and Reflectors

I am walking around the truck to inspect all the light lenses and covers to ensure that they are the
proper color, clean, not broken or missing to ensure they work properly.

I am inspecting the reflectors on the side of the vehicle and trailer to ensure they are the proper
color, and none are missing or broken. The reflectors allow the vehicle to be seen and to
communicate presence with other traffic

Mirrors

Mirrors provide visibility to the side and rear of the vehicle.

I am inspecting the side mirrors to ensure they are clean and not cracked and that the brackets
are not bent and are mounted securely with no missing parts

Battery/Electrical System

Damage to the batteries, electrical system, or electric motor can cause vehicle breakdowns or
electrical shortage leading to a fire on board the vehicle.

I am inspecting the battery compartment to ensure that the batteries are secure and that all
connections are tight and there’s no sign of excessive corrosion and that all the electrical system
cables and lines are secure and not cracked or worn

I am also inspecting the battery box and cover to ensure it is secure.

Fuel Tanks

Leaks are a fire hazard than can cause driving hazards to other traffic. In addition, fuel on the
pavement can be very slippery

I am inspecting both fuel tanks to make sure they are securely mounted, the caps are on tight, and
there are no leaks from the tanks or the lines

I am inspecting the DEF tank to ensure that it is securely mounted, the cap is on tight, and there
are no leaks from the tank or the line

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11.5.4. Rear of Vehicle or Trailer
Lens and Reflectors

I am walking around the truck to inspect all the light lenses and covers to ensure that they are the
proper color, clean, not broken or missing to ensure they work properly.

I am inspecting the reflectors on the side of the vehicle and trailer to ensure they are the proper
color, and none are missing or broken. The reflectors allow the vehicle to be seen and to
communicate presence with other traffic

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11.6. Combination Vehicles
11.6.1. Combination Vehicles Only
Air and Electric Lines/Connectors

NOTE: YOU MUST INSPECT THE CONNECTIONS ON BOTH THE POWER UNIT AND THE
TRAILER TO RECEIVE CREDIT

A loss of air in the trailer can result in a partial or total loss of braking to the towed unit. A low air
condition will cause sudden application of the trailer spring brakes which may result in a loss of
control and lead to a crash.

Damaged electric lines may result in loss of the vehicles ability to communicate its maneuvers to
other drivers, for example, no turn or brake lights. Not being seen by other traffic at night is a
serious traffic hazard and can lead to a crash.

I am inspecting both the air and electric connectors both on the power unit side and the trailer unit
side to ensure that they are seated and sealed, free of damage and locked into place.

In addition, I am inspecting that the air hoses and electrical lines are not cut, cracked, chafed,
spliced, taped, or worn and I am listening for air leaks from the air brake system.

Finally, I am ensuring that the electrical lines and air-lines are not tangled, crimped, or pinched or
dragging against vehicle parts or the ground.

Fifth Wheel Skid Plate

A faulty or damaged fifth wheel skid plate and an improper connection between the tractor and the
trailer can result in handling problems, roll over, or separation of the tractor and trailer leading to a
crash.

I am inspecting that the fifth wheel skid plate is securely mounted to the vehicle by the fifth wheel
platform in addition I am inspecting for cracks, breaks, or excessive wear and ensuring that there
is sufficient and proper lubrication.

Kingpin, Apron, & Gap

Wear or damage to the king pin can result in handling problems, rollover, or separation of the
tractor and trailer leading to a crash.

I am inspecting that the kingpin is in place and not bent, damaged or worn. I am also inspecting
that the visible part of the apron is not bent, cracked, or broken. In addition, I am ensuring that the
trailer is lying flat on the fifth wheel skid plate and there is no space between the apron and fifth
wheel in other words there is no gap. Finally, I am in checking for proper lubrication.

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Locking and Safety Devices

The trailer could uncouple during travel if the locking mechanisms are not secured. Safety devices
help to keep the locking mechanism in place and provide assistance should the connection fail.

I am looking into the fifth wheel gap and inspecting that the locking jaws are fully secured around
the kingpin and checking for any play between the kingpin and the locking jaws. In addition, I'm
ensuring that the release arm is in the engaged position and the safety latch is in place.

Finally, I am checking the sliding fifth wheel locking pins for damage and ensuring the pins are
fully engaged.

11.6.2. Trailers Only

Landing Gear Clearance

Landing gear must be raised properly so that it will not strike the ground during travel and must
clear the back of the power unit while turning. Its handle must be secured to the vehicle so it will
not move and strike other traffic. Any damage to landing gear supports may result in the trailer
tipping or falling over when disconnected.

I am inspecting that the landing gear is fully raised, has no missing parts, the crank handle is
secure, and the support frame and landing pads are not damaged.

I am also inspecting that the fifth wheel is positioned properly so that the tractor frame will clear
the landing gear during turns

Reflective Tape

Reflective tape on a trailer allows the driver of a commercial vehicle to be seen and to
communicate presence with other traffic.

I am ensuring that the reflector tape on the sides and the rear of the trailer is present and securely
affixed to the vehicle

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