Do CDL schools and your carriers allow you to use a pre trip cheat sheet?

I do believe you can use the cheat sheet in the state driver manual on test day.
IIRC, I studied for the PTI by touching each thing in order, then memorizing the stock phrase to say about each item, and once I had both memorized, I practiced repeating each item, then stock phrase, then item, then stock phrase, etc etc. The key for me was to be like a robot with the stock phrase. Also study for 20-25 minutes, then stop and do something else about as long, then study for 20 minutes. Make sure you get plenty of sleep at the end of each study day and before the test. Lack of sleep will poison your memory.

 

Some follow-up footnotes on the above-posted pre-trip video:

• Although probably not required for your CDL pre-trip exam -- later on, in the real world...as a driver, with a valid CDL...you will also need to routinely check your tractor's main batteries (usually located under the driver-side door). Check for tight connections at the terminals...& also check/look for any:
  • swells
  • smells, &/or
  • leaks

Batteries that are leaking gasses can potentially produce enough concentration within the cab to cause real problems for any occupants who...for example....may be asleep. ​

• Newer tractors & trailers will very likely have disc brake systems, rather than drums -- so the whole "s-cam, & slack adjuster" configuration thus goes away -- & is replaced with a totally different, yet simpler pre-trip sequence...which you can learn per your specific tractor & instructor.

• While the tractor & trailer were uncoupled -- the instructor made no mention of checking for proper grease lubrication on the 5th wheel's top plate; later on, out in the real world....as a driver, you will want to routinely check the 5th wheel's top plate (while uncoupled) for adequate grease. Too little grease there can actually produce binding/lock-up between the 5th wheel plate, & the trailer's apron -- & then the superior weight of a loaded trailer can actually push the tractor OFF THE ROAD. Don't let this happen to you!!!

-- L

 

My school let us use cheat sheets. All that mattered is that we had everything memorized by test time. One week of class time, three weeks of driving, backing, and seemingly endless amounts of time to memorize that dang pre-trip.

 

4th page in. The actual checklists begin at pg 14. The school may do differently to pass you.

 

I simply can't believe it, this is what is replacing us? A cheat sheet? I can't help but say, my 1st trucking job, I filled out a 3x5 index card with a few phone numbers, and was trucking that very afternoon. I didn't get a chauffeurs licence for 2 months, I can't believe what has to be done to drive a stinkin' truck today. Good luck, cheat sheet, that tears all,,,

 

Not when I did it back in 2011. I remember one guy from our school who failed it. You could miss a certain number of points overall, but you had to score 100% on the coupling device and air brake leak down portions of the test. This was at the DDS office in Jackson.

 

They made me do the pre trip and drop/hook every time I got behind the wheel. Probably ran through it 30 times or so before I did the road test.

 

Where everybody fails on the pre-trip are the 4 air brake tests and adequately verbalizing them. I don't know of any state that allows you to read them from a cheat sheet. Knowing them perfectly is a requirement.

Everything else you should be able to look at the truck and be reminded what you need to 'check.'