Pre trip inspection.

In the real world you can use a paper...but not on the tests

 

Yeah...that pre-trip list is extensive......but I guess if you do it enough it becomes second nature.

 

What mickey mouse outfit would even keep drivers like this? I'm sorry but I have never seen a driver with over 10 years experience that didn't know the truck inside and out. Maybe it's because I hauled gasoline and we were a little more careful on who we hired.

 

allysman,
Yep.... gotta do it all!
If someone knows a way around it PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

I am at a school right and we have been practicing every day.... yippee...

I did want to add that in California you are permitted to take a guide with you for the pre-trip inspection test...... in the 2008 CDL Manual it is on page 125. It's not detailed but at least it can help jog your memory....

Definitely not my favorite part of this process!!!

 

Skunk_Truck_2590 has the best list but ya need to know the air press that the air buzzer should come on at and the parking brake should set at for air press the air and brake system is what got the last man i helped git a CDl

 

how have you been driven for 12 years if you dont have a CDL or ya just have a B class CDL not a A class yet

 

I went last Friday to Test Out for CDL. The pre-trip was givin to us at school every morning. After seeing it done 1 time I realized that if you know the parts of the tractor and trailer you can BS your way through this part of the test. Just know what the items are where they are located either trailer,tractor or in cab. I was able to pass so I'm sure most anyone can get through it. Hope all goes well for you on TEST DAY. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Stevie

 

Skunk,

That is probably the BEST pre-trip list I have seen out there. And for everyone else reading this, that is exactly what you are going to have to do.

Just remember when you are doing it, it all has a flow to it. For instance, when you are on the driver's side of the engine compartment, follow the steering column down to the steering box (that has a hose leading to the power steering reservoir, where you check the fluid level), which is connected to the pittman arm. That lies (most times) right next to the spring mount, which is connected to the spring, and runs inline with the frame where the shock absorber is attached. Then there is the air lines running to the brake chamber which is connected to the slack adjuster. Then work your way towards you. Drum, inner rim, inner wall of tire, over to the tread and inflation, down the outer tire wall, to the rim, into the lugs, then the hub / axle seal. And there you have it. And repeat the exact flow for each wheel. Shock, hose, chamber, slack adjuster, drum, rim, tire, rim, lugs, seal. There are more things to check, but if you can get the repetitive part of the wheels firm in your mind, you will do much better with the rest.

When you get in the cab, hold your hands in front of you like a stewardess in a plane, pointing forward, then to both sides. Checking the windshield (hands in front), then the windows and mirrors (hands to either side), airhorn, city horn, slack in steering wheel, slack in clutch, detent spring. DONE

Then mention that you are going to start the vehicle, and will be checking for the gauges to work properly. Start the truck, note the gauges, and while you are waiting for the air to build, you are going to check everything electrical moving from one side of the dash to the other (heater, wipers, dash lights, 4 ways, turn signals, high beam indicator). By now you should have your air pressure built up. Check trailer brakes then tractor brakes to make sure they are working. DONE.

Turn key off, turn key on, and press in both brake buttons. Press and hold brake for no more than 4psi drop in a minute, pump brakes until warning comes on (60-80 psi), then pump again until brake buttons pop out (20-40 psi). Take out the key, and hand it to the examiner. DONE.

See what I mean? When I first saw everything involved in the pre-trip, I FREAKED! Then when I was showed how you can sweep left to right, and back and forth, you see everything you need to mention. And that works inside and out the truck. Best thing you can do is let someone else go before you so you can watch and learn.

Good luck!

 

I just passed my test last friday and the examiner had me do the outside front of tractor, engine comp. and coupling. I think they can have you do 1-3 sections. I just looked at each section and told about what I saw in each section and explained what I was checking for.
ie: locking jaws around kingpin upper/lower 5th wheel ect. Trust me you'll do fine. What he's looking for is if you know what you are checking and WHY reason
SAFETY!!!!!!!!!!

 

I thought I would bomb the pre trip also. But it was easy. Just take your time and relax. Here in Northwest Ohio, we couldn't have a cheat sheet. Remember these letters or phrases....

Brakes No Excessive D O G- Dirt- Oil- Grease

Tires D-I-C Depth = Inflation - Condition

Tires A - B- C No Abrasions - Bulges - Cuts

Just my .02