Full CDL-A Pre trip checklist

There are some training aides online, but there is not a universal checklist. Pre trip is specific to your truck and trailer. A lot of things are the same on all trucks and trailers, but there are also a lot of differances, not all have exactly the same parts to check.

 

http://www.truckingtruth.com/truckers-forum/Topic-3798/Page-1/pre-trip-inspection-my-way-a-must-see

 

Also, what state?

 

There are a lot of youtube videos. When I took it a lot of the points were subjective to the testor, it was based on how well you explained things and if you said key phrases that they wanted to hear. It's not 120 differant things to check on the truck.

 

When I did mine in CT in 2013 the inspector had me do the in cab, full brake test and once I started the walk around I made it to the tractor mudflap and he said ok good job. After the exam was complete I asked him why he stopped my walk around. He responded saying "you verbalized absolutely everything you were doing, were thorough, and named parts and pieces by name and weren't afraid to get under the hood and actually check the items you were talking about."
My point is to know your parts, even those not specifically listed on your sheet, get in there and grab hold of them, show confidence in your knowledge, and verbalize everything you do even exiting the cab say "I am exiting the cab maintaining three points of contact".
Remember the inspector may not have his eyes on you at all times so remember this quote "you may check a part but if you don't tell him you did it it may as well have never happened.
Show confidence and be proud of the skills you have learned and the opportunity to showcase them.
Oh also address the inspector respectfully saying sir or ma'am. A few students I tested with and observed were disrespectful to the inspector and it reflected in the assessment.

 

I have attached the one I used to study.

 

Just go to your nearest truckstop tomorrow morning and watch all the drivers waking up and performing their pre-trips. Write down what they are checking and that will give you at least 2 or 3 of the points you are looking for. Of course, the guys with coffee makers in their truck don't even have to get out to do their pre-trips though.

 

"These are the wheels. They all have air in them. At least 2 mirrors. All the lights work. Let's go."

Easy.

 

Lights, mirrors, engine components.

Make sure you identify your air compressor, power steering pump, steering/gear box, water pump, and all the hoses related to them. Identify anything with a fluid that you can check.

The O-ring on your fuel tank cap.

Your driveshaft.

The lights on the back of your tractor!

Headlight fluid should always be full.

Suspension, brakes, tires, wheels.

Start with your shock absorbers, or air bags, and slowly work your way down, identifying each part.

If it helps, get a long stick, and poke everything as you describe it to yourself. It's not enough to know what its called. You have to know what it looks like and where it is.

Just walk around the truck several times. Identify everything you can see and touch.