Pre-trip

You can touch every part and explain its properly mounted and not damaged. (not leaking) if liquid/air inside. Id study more about all the airbrakes because if you miss 1 you fail there.

http://www.newbiedriver.com/pretrip/DOT_Form0003.gif

 

When I took the CDL test in NM, we pointed and explained. When I took the CDL test in TX, we didn't even do the pretrip, lol!

 

always start your Pre/Post trips at the same starting location on the vehicle each time.

Mark

 

in IL....you need to know critical parts you need to know to check yourself, and must be able to check and show what you are looking for and why.
first your walk around or walk up to...what are you checking for???
--- truck leaning to one side or the other, could be flat tire, broken leaf spring, shifted load
--- visually look to see the lights ALL work (parking,head, etc) nothing broken or missing and no cracks and leaks
windshield, no cracks, etc....mirrors...same, hork is free and clear of debri....explore remaining obvious visual inspection terms and why info.
- then open hood, (just a quick run down example for ya is...)
-looking at the steering column, checking for not bend, cracked or broken...down the arm, steering ring ..knuckle, tie rod ends....to brakes....inspecting for no leaks, broken bent or missing parts...-..continue around front to back of tractor /trailer.....leaf springs, hubs, wheel - looking for no rust if steel wheel or if aluminum white residue that could indicate cracks, or missing or loose bolts........explaining as much info. as possible visually and mechanically as you do each place..-
..tanks must have rubber strap under two metal straps prevents metal on metal and securely fastened....use words like....make sure it is SECURE, no missing, broken or cracked.....A LOT.....then tell them why that is.... LOOK toward and you can just point with hand as explaining (either is accepted though..laser or)

 

When I took mine here in North Dakota, I just had to point to the parts or syetm I was checking and why I was checking it. Meaning, I did not have to crawl under the truck and show the inspector the slack adjusters, suspension etc. I did not have to drag out my tire gauge to check tires.

Also, even though I did not bring one, they allow us to use a check list for PTI during testing.

 

if it is made of or connected to rubber, (I.E. belts and hoses) remember CDL (not Cracked, Damaged or Leaking) and if it is bolted, its PMS (Properly Mounted and Secured)

 

lol im not touching that one.