Alberta road test suggesion

A proper full pre-trip would take roughly 45 minutes.

Honestly, if you don't know what you're doing, save your money and cancel your test until you learn everything you need to know about everything to check during a pre-trip.

 

One word of advice: Tell the examiner exactly what you are looking at/checking/doing as you go through the pre trip. He or she can't read your mind. I know a couple guys who failed right out of the gate because of that. Point out any damage too such as bent fairings or scuffed paint. The examiner docked me 10 points on my pretrip because of that. Oh and don't fall out of the cab either when getting out lol.

During the 90 degree back definitely GOAL and they only gave me 1 pullup IF I had the trailer axles between the first set of barrels.

Talk to the examiner while driving. Tell them you're checking your mirrors from time to time (actually do it, they're watching). Tell them you're scanning intersections as you approach for vehicles and pedestrians.

 

YouTube is your friend.
Type in Pre-Tripping.
There are many video's and some have scantily clad instructors to make sure you pay attention!

 

Apparently someone in Alberta threw out their back or shoulder or something opening the hood. That was the reason I was given for not being required to open the hood on a pre-trip.

 

Here's a video that can help you. A DOT guy is explaining to a class exactly what he looks for and why during an inspection. Be aware that a proper pre-trip for an exam does include more things. DOT usually doesn't give a hoot about some things you better point out to a tester.



Here's the top 10 that DOT finds and tickets while trucks go through scales (in no particular order):

1. Brakes out of adjustment
2. Tire problems
3. Reflective tape
4. Fire extinguisher
5. Lights, lights, and more lights
6. Cracks in wheel rims
7. Cracks in windshields
8. Air line leaks
9. Load securement
10. Trailer ABS problems

A good rule of thumb is do a complete circle check. Be sure to pop the hood and manually check what you can, and look for any and all problems under there. Check the frame of the tractor and the frame of the trailer. Check out all major bolts on each. Take a good look at the wheels and tires. And be #### sure to point out the hot brakes, if they are. Check out, and listen, the air lines for any leaks or splits in the rubber. Make sure every single light on the truck and trailer is working, even the sleeper beauty lights, and the marker lights along the top sides of the trailer. If your trailer happens to have hazmat in it, make sure that all the tags are on in the right places, and make double sure the tags are absolutely correct for whats inside. Etc Etc Etc.

The big thing to know is that you must point out every flaw, no matter how small. Keep your mouth moving during the checks. Tell the guy what you're doing and why. Example, you're under the trailer, tell him you're looking at the frame and cross members to spot any bad welds etc. Tell him you're also looking for any loose wires or any that look like a mess. Tell him you're inspecting the air lines, looking for cracks and listening for air leaks. Tell him you're checking to make sure the trailer pins for the axles are in the holes and locked. Tell him you're checking out the axles, wheels, brakes and tires. You're checking for any bulges down the sides. You're checking for trailer skin integrity. Point out any damage you see, even if it's not technically mechanical. At the front, tell him you're checking the glad hands etc.

Ok, that's just for a dumb stupid trailer. The tractor has way more things inside and out you have to say that your're checking and why.

 

Amodel: That is freaking scary lol

 

A good way to look at things during a pre-trip test is to think of the truck as if you're going to buy it. And each and every problem you find means you pay less. You'll find lots to impress the guy lol