Semi-trailer truck pre-trip inspection

Any semi-trailer truck pre-trip inspection should be based on the CDL Vehicle Inspection Test‎‎.

Versions

According to the 11.6.1 section of the CDL Vehicle Inspection Test‎‎, the tested applicant is "required to perform one of the four versions of a Vehicle inspection in the vehicle."

All versions include:

1. an engine start,
2. an in-cab inspection,
3. an inspection of the coupling system,
4. an inspection of the entire vehicle or only a portion of the vehicle.

Version A

Coupling system

   2.1 Kingpin and jaws
   2.2 Trailer apron
   2.3 Rear tractor lights/reflectors
   2.4 Fifth wheel skid plate
   2.5 Fifth wheel platform
   2.6 Sliding locking system
   2.7 Electrical line coupling
   2.8 Air line coupling

3 Inside the cab

   3.1 Emergency equipment
   3.2 Safety belt
   3.3 Safe start engine
   3.4 Mirrors
   3.5 Windshield
   3.6 Windshield wipers
   3.7 Horns
   3.8 Oil pressure gauge
   3.9 Ammeter/voltmeter
   3.10 Temperature gauge
   3.11 Air pressure gauge
   3.12 DEF level indicator
   3.13 Light indicators
   3.14 Cab and windshield fans
   3.15 Brake check series

4 Air brake check

   4.1 Air brake check preparation
   4.2 Leak down test
   4.3 Low air warning device test
   4.4 Tractor protection valve test

5 Parking brake check

   5.1 Parking brake check preparation
   5.2 Tractor parking brake check
   5.3 Trailer parking brake check

6 Service brake check

   6.1 Preparation
   6.2 Execution

7 Front of truck

   7.1 Front lights
   7.2 Front leaks

8 Engine compartment

   8.1 DPF
   8.2 Engine hoses
   8.3 Coolant level
   8.4 Water pump
   8.5 Oil dipstick
   8.6 Alternator
   8.7 Air compressor

9 Steering components

   9.1 Power steering pump
   9.2 Power steering fluid reservoir
   9.3 Steering gear box
   9.4 Steering linkage

10 Suspension components

   10.1 Spring mounts
   10.2 Spring leaves
   10.3 U-bolts
   10.4 Shock absorber

11 Brake components

   11.1 Air hoses
   11.2 Brake chamber
   11.3 Slack adjuster/push rod
   11.4 Brake drum
   11.5 Brake linings

12 Tires

   12.1 Tire surfaces
   12.2 Tread depth
   12.3 Air pressure
   12.4 Valve stem/cap

13 Wheels

   13.1 Rims
   13.2 Budd spacing
   13.3 Lug nuts
   13.4 Hub seal

14 Driver's door/fuel area

   14.1 Mirror brackets
   14.2 Cab doors
   14.3 DEF tank
   14.4 Fuel tank

15 Behind the cab

   15.1 Catwalk and steps
   15.2 Exhaust system
   15.3 Drive shaft
   15.4 Frame

16 Trailer front and sides

   16.1 Trailer header board
   16.2 DOT reflective tape
   16.3 Landing gear
   16.4 Trailer side lights
   16.5 Frame and tandem release
   16.6 Splash guards
   16.7 Door tie back hook

17 Trailer rear

   17.1 Trailer rear lights
   17.2 Trailer doors
   17.3 Door tie back chain

Inside the cab

Brake check series

The brake check series consists of three different checks:

1. Air brake check
2. Parking brake check
3. Service brake check

Air brake check

Failure to perform all three components of the air brake check correctly will result in an automatic failure of thee vehicle inspection test. If you realize that you have missed something or did something incorrectly during your air brake check, you may start over.