In truck driving school studying the pre-trip

Describe everything you see. Say this constantly "Properly mounted and secured" and "not cracked, bent or broken" and if it can leak, say "there are no leaks".

 

if you buy a map book i got the laminated one its right there in the front , walking is the best way, every stop , while with trainer , just walk around truck number of times and recite and look at everything,, one thing i wish was there and it is ,sorta, check that fith wheel pin , pull handle and make sure you look under it to make the sure the jaws are locked around the pin its gets easier over time good luck on new adventure

 

Repetition. I used to pre trip semis going down the interstate.

 

Have you downloaded the Ca Commercial Drivers Handbook? It is located here:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/web/eng_pdf/comlhdbk.pdf

California will not have you walk through the entire pre-trip, they have 4 different pre-trips, which means they will only have you do part of it. The CDL Handbook has the pre-trip checklist in it.

While it may seem daunting, page attention tpo page 11-1, there is a note most miss, but if you have practices the pre-trip, and know it, there is a guide in the Ca CDL Handbook to give you some guidence/reminders.

This is on Page 11-1:

1. During the pre-trip inspection, you must show that the vehicle is safe to drive. You will have to walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. You will NOT have to crawl under the hood or under the vehicle.
   
   You may use the guides shown on the last page of this section when taking your pre-trip test. You cannot write any instructions or notes on how to perform the pre-trip inspection on the guide. If you do not pass the pre-trip inspection test, the other tests will be postponed.

 

Memorize it & practice in sections.

 

Two things.

1. Routine. Start at the same place and go around the truck. Stop in the same spots every time. Practice in order.

2. Notes. Condense the information down to notes. So you have something concise to study. Know what works for you and study that way.

This question surprises me because our school gave us a guide and we had a script. I studied 10 days for at least 2 hours on site in front of the truck. And countless hours on my own time.

The test site was over an hour away and we had to be there at 730... So we stayed in a hotel and soaked in the bath. Had pizza and watched tv. Too much stress can sink you on the test don't overthink it.

We had a guy on our day fail because he didn't turn the key when he was doing the air brakes test and he restarted several times. But, couldn't think straight because he was focused on passing his backing.

Worry about one part at a time. I wrote down the parts and the script multiple times. I used construction paper to make study guides and pictures of trucks on worksheets to write down all the parts and what I would say when I stand here.

Passed with 88/90 and hubby with an 83/90. I don't even know what I missed because I didn't want to know specifically. I didn't want to dwell on it when I was backing or driving.

 

It will come to you. It seems like a lot but really once you familiarize yourself with the tractor and trailer it will not seem as tough.

 

Same concern myself, Honestly it is the main thing I think about as far as the whole test goes. I understand the in cab inspection pretty good but just afraid of missing too much on the outside I know your main things is belts, hoses, coolant and power steering reservoirs, alternator connections, oil, steering box, linkage, tierod ends, tires, rims, lugs, lights, and slack adjusters. And I haven't been near a tractor in years just been studying my ### off lol

Study study study and you'll be alright.

 

Wait till after school ,depending on trailer you pull ,then like a refer you have to inspect the refer unit too just like your engine pretrip

 

Anthor thing might help well back at motel buy a toy 18 wheeler but best thing is plenty sleep so you can have a sharp mind to pass the tesr