Michigan Pre Trip

Call the driver license office and ask. Obviously use a checklist if you are allowed. Make sure you use the exact words in the CDL manual, not some equivalent. People sometimes fail for not using the exact words the examiner is waiting to hear. You usually don't have to complete every item form front bumper to rear bumper, but you will do in-cab, under hood, and air brake test at a minimum. Exact words.

Review the pre-trip videos on YouTube from truck driving schools.

 

I'd take the check list anyway. "My instructor told me to always use this checklist."

 

Illinois has failed students for using the word "gauge" instead of "indicator" when checking air pressure.

 

Which company are you going with?

 

You should know the pretrip inside and out, know all the parts of the truck and explain why they are being checked. Read the manual, read it more and more, practice on the truck you are being trained on, if you fail, then delay your road test until you get it without any help.

 

Go to your state dmv website and download the "CDL Manual Supplement " See attached pic.

On the 4th page in section 11M it states...

"You are only required to inspect the items on the CDL Vehicle Inspection checklist. You may use the checklist provided in this section for your test and check off items as you have completed them, but NO additional markings or writing may be placed on this list prior to the test."

Home this helps.