the pre trip inspection part of the test

The pre-trip inspection is the most intimidating part of the test to me. It's trying to memorize the words and not stumble up. It certainly is not something that anyone could just breeze through it. You really have to KNOW what the engine parts, and components, etc..are for and how they work, etc..

So, what happens if you pass the pre-trip, but fail the alley dock or a maneuver? Do you have to go back and do the whole thing all over again for another $300 or whatever it costs or do you just usually go back to do that maneuver that you failed? I have experience in driving motor coaches for 14 years, so vehicle length would not bother me but then again, it's been 14 years since I alley docked a 45 footer (bus). Practice makes perfect though.

 

My instructor gave me this...
(not) Charlie Daniels Band
Not..
C cracked
D damaged
B broken

Not..
Leaking
Frayed
Where applicable

You have to point at each at item you are inspecting. This will be judged also.

We tested on our practice trucks from the school so it's easy to script yourself. Repetition is key. This part for me was easier than I thought it would be. The air break test messed with me much more.
Good luck!

 

I got this when I started. ABC for tires: no Abrasions, Bulges, Cuts
CDL for most of the rest. not Cracked, Damaged, or Leaking

 

Also loose

 

This is the part that worries me the most to. I've went over it in my head and out load. I'm afraid I'll be like a deer caught in headlights when I'm in front of the Dmv tester.

 

When I did mine a few years back I just pretended the examiner wasn't there and vocalized every thing I was doing. I passed but he deducted a couple points as I failed to mention some cosmetic damage on the cab.

 

5. Mounted
6. Secured

 

Know your components, from there it is easy.

Everything is "Properly Mounted and Secure"
If it is made of rubber/plastic: "Not cracked, frayed or bulging"
If made of metal: "Not bent cracked or broken"
If holds air/liquid: "Not leaking"
If you can see the fasteners: "No loose or missing nuts or bolts"
Know what your auto-fails are and you'll be fine.

 

Both times I did the test (B then A) they'd ask you about specific parts and want an answer? So they'd point to the slack adjuster and ask what it is and what to look for. They only asked about tire depth and slack adjusters for me. Then the brake test and onto a driving test. I have heard of others where they literally had to go over every nut and bolt though.