Pre-Trip DrillThe inspection chapter describes three air-brake components. Governor/build-up, parking and service-brake checks also matter; the three-component drill is not the entire inspection.
Say two things about every item
What it is, and its condition. For most parts that means: securely mounted, not cracked, bent or broken, not leaking. Point to or touch the part while you say it. The air brake test is the one place where order matters as much as words.
Engine compartment
- Oil level
- Coolant level
- Power steering fluid
- Water pump
- Alternator
- Air compressor
- Belts and hoses
- Steering box and linkage
- Front suspension (springs, shocks, mounts)
- Front brakes (chamber, slack adjuster, pushrod, drum, lining)
- Front wheel, rim, tire, lug nuts, hub seal
Front of cab and lights
- Lights and reflectors
- Windshield and wipers
- Mirrors
- Doors and steps
- Fuel tank, cap and lines
- Battery box
- Drive shaft
- Exhaust system
- Frame and cross members
- Cat walk and steps
Side and rear of tractor
- Rear suspension and air bags
- Rear brakes
- Dual wheels, tires, spacing, lug nuts, axle seals
- Mud flaps
- Rear lights and reflectors
- Fifth wheel area
Coupling system
- Air and electrical lines
- Glad hands and seals
- Apron and platform
- Fifth wheel skid plate and gap
- Release arm and locking jaws
- Kingpin
- Mounting bolts
- Sliding fifth wheel locking pins
Trailer
- Header board
- Trailer lights and reflectors
- Landing gear
- Frame and cross members
- Tandem release and locking pins
- Trailer suspension and brakes
- Trailer wheels and tires
- Doors, ties and lift
- Splash guards
In-cab inspection
- Seat belt
- Gauges (oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter, air pressure)
- Warning lights and buzzers
- Mirrors and windshield
- Wipers and washers
- Heater and defroster
- Horns (city and air)
- Lighting indicators
- Safety and emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, triangles, fuses)
- Parking brake check
- Service brake check
Air brake test
- Applied leak test (pressure loss within limits over one minute)
- Low air warning device activates
- Tractor protection valve and emergency brakes pop out (spring brake activation)
- Air pressure build-up and governor cut-in/cut-out
Bring your checklist to life.
CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Drill helps you practice each card out loud, record your answer and mark what needs work. Pro adds Examiner practice and optional keyword feedback. Planned for iPhone in October 2026, one-time price, no subscription.
Planned one-time price, no subscription. Nothing to pay now; final price is confirmed in the App Store at launch.
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Not affiliated with Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, any DMV or FMCSA. Study aid only.