Semi-trailer truck pre-trip inspection

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


Contents

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

  1. Front of truck
  2. Engine compartment
  3. Steering components
  4. Of one side of the steering axle:
  5. Coupling system
  6. Inside the cab, including Air brake check, Parking brake check, Service brake check

Version B

  1. Driver's door/fuel area
  2. Behind the cab
  3. Of one side of any tractor tandem axles:
  4. Coupling system
  5. Inside the cab, including Air brake check, Parking brake check, Service brake check

Version C

  1. Coupling system
  2. Trailer front and sides
  3. Of one side of any trailer tandem axles:
  4. Trailer rear
  5. Inside the cab, including Air brake check, Parking brake check, Service brake check

Full version

An inspection of the entire vehicle may consist of:
  1. Front of truck
  2. Engine compartment
  3. Steering components
  4. Of one side of any axle:
  5. Driver's door/fuel area
  6. Behind the cab
  7. Coupling system
  8. Trailer front and sides
  9. Trailer rear
  10. Inside the cab, including Air brake check, Parking brake check, Service brake check

Front of truck

Front lights

The headlights, turn signals, and clearance lights:
  1. Meet general requirements.
  2. Are clean.
  3. Are the proper color.

Front leaks

No leaks or puddles from dripping fluids under the engine or transmission.

Engine compartment

DPF

Mounting brackets, hoses, and electrical components of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) meet:
  1. General requirements.
  2. Requirements for fluid-containing items.

Engine hoses

Engine hoses must meet the Requirements for fluid-containing items.

Coolant level

The coolant level must be at the proper level as observed from the reservoir tank or sight glass.

Water pump

The tested person is supposed to identify whether the pump is belt-driven or gear-driven. Any belt-driven pump must meet the Requirements for engine compartment belts. Any water pump must also meet:
  1. General requirements.
  2. Requirements for fluid-containing items.

Oil dipstick

Alternator

Air compressor

Steering components

Power steering pump

Power steering fluid reservoir

Steering gear box

Steering linkage

Suspension components

Spring mounts

Spring leaves

U-bolts

Shock absorber

Brake components

Air hoses

Brake chamber

Slack adjuster/push rod

Brake drum

Brake linings

Tires

Tire surfaces

Tread depth

Air pressure

Valve stem/cap

Wheels

Rims

Budd spacing

Lug nuts

Hub seal

Driver's door/fuel area

Mirror brackets

Cab doors

DEF tank

Fuel tank

Behind the cab

Catwalk and steps

Exhaust system

Drive shaft

Frame

Coupling system

Kingpin and jaws

Trailer apron

Rear tractor lights/reflectors

Fifth wheel skid plate

Fifth wheel platform

Sliding locking system

Electrical line coupling

Air line coupling

Trailer front and sides

Trailer header board

DOT reflective tape

Landing gear

Trailer side lights

Frame and tandem release

Splash guards

Door tie back hook

Trailer rear

Trailer rear lights

Trailer doors

Door tie back chain

Inside the cab

Emergency equipment

Safety belt

Safe start engine

Mirrors

Windshield

Windshield wipers

Horns

Oil pressure gauge

Ammeter/voltmeter

Temperature gauge

Air pressure gauge

DEF level indicator

Light indicators

Cab and windshield fans

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.

Air brake check preparation

Leak down test

Low air warning device test

Tractor protection valve test

Parking brake check

Parking brake check preparation

Tractor parking brake check

Trailer parking brake check

Service brake check

Preparation

Execution

Requirements

Electrical items

Engine compartment belts

Engine compartment belts may include power steering belt, water pump belt, alternator belt, and/or air compressor belt. During the inspection, they must:
  1. Be checked for snugness (1/2 to 3/4 inch play at center of belt), cracks, frays, loose fibers or signs of wear.
  2. Not be damaged or missing, be mounted securely and operating properly.

Fluid-containing items

Any inspected item that contains any fluid must be not dry-cracked, loose or leaking.

General

Any inspected item and its component or part must be:
  • If the item should:
    1. Not be movable, then, securely mounted,.
    2. Be movable, then, fastened or not loose.
  • Not broken, cracked, damaged, or missing.