CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Walk up to the truck and look at it as a whole before you touch anything.

• General condition: no damage, truck not leaning to one side
• Under the vehicle: no fresh oil, coolant, grease or fuel leaks
• Around the vehicle: no hazards to movement (people, vehicles, objects, low wires, limbs)
• Last vehicle inspection report reviewed; sign it if defects were noted and certified repaired or not needing repair

Parking brakes on or wheels chocked, then open the hood or tilt the cab.

• Parking brakes on and/or wheels chockedDVIR item
• Engine oil level
• Coolant level and condition of hoses
• Power steering fluid level and hose condition (if equipped)
• Windshield washer fluid level
• Battery fluid level, connections and tie-downs (battery may be elsewhere)
• Automatic transmission fluid level (may need the engine running)
• Belts tight and not worn (alternator, water pump, air compressor)
• No leaks (fuel, coolant, oil, power steering, hydraulic, battery fluid)
• Electrical wiring insulation not cracked or worn
• Hood, cab or engine compartment door lowered and secured

Parking brake on, gearshift in neutral (or park), then start and watch the gauges.

• Engine starts with no unusual noises
• ABS light comes on, then goes off (if equipped)
• Oil pressure comes up to normal within seconds
• Air pressure builds from 50 to 90 psi within 3 minutes; build to governor cut-outDVIR item
• Ammeter and/or voltmeter in normal range
• Coolant and engine oil temperature rise gradually to normal
• Warning lights and buzzers go out right away
• Steering wheel: not loose, sticking or damagedDVIR item
• Clutch and accelerator
• Foot brake, trailer brake, parking brake and retarder controlsDVIR item
• Transmission controls and interaxle differential lock (if equipped)
• Horn(s)DVIR item
• Windshield wiper and washerDVIR item
• Light switches: headlights, dimmer, turn signals, four-way flashers, clearance and marker lightsDVIR item
• Mirrors and windshield: no cracks, dirt, illegal stickers or obstructionsDVIR item
• Fire extinguisher, properly charged and ratedDVIR item
• Three red reflective trianglesDVIR item
• Spare electrical fuses (unless circuit breakers)DVIR item
• Optional items: chains where winter conditions require, tire changing equipment, emergency numbers, crash reporting kit

Parking brake set, engine off, key with you.

• Low beams and four-way flashers on, then get outDVIR item
• At the front: low beams on and both four-ways workingDVIR item
• High beams work (push the dimmer switch)DVIR item
• Headlights and four-ways off; parking, clearance, side-marker and identification lights on; right turn signal onDVIR item

Clean lights, reflectors and glass as you go. Check for cracked, chipped or missing windows.

• Left front: driver door glass clean, latches and locks work
• Left front wheel and rim: no missing, bent or broken studs, clamps or lugs; no signs of misalignmentDVIR item
• Left front tire: properly inflated, valve stem and cap OK, no serious cuts, bulges or tread wear (steer tread at least 4/32 in)DVIR item
• Rust-streaked lug nuts checked for looseness; hub oil level OK, no leaksDVIR item
• Left front suspension: springs, hangers, shackles, U-bolts and shock absorber
• Left front brake: drum or disc and hosesDVIR item
• Front axle and steering system: no loose, worn, bent, damaged or missing parts; grab steering parts to test for loosenessDVIR item
• Windshield, wiper arms (spring tension) and wiper bladesDVIR item
• Front lights and reflectors clean, working, proper color (amber at front)DVIR item
• Right front: everything checked on the left frontDVIR item
• Cab locks engaged (cab-over design)
• Fuel tanks: securely mounted, not leaking, crossover line secure, caps on, enough fuel
• Rear of engine and transmission not leaking; exhaust secure, not leaking, not touching wires, fuel or air lines
• Frame and cross members: no bends or cracks
• Air lines and wiring secured against snagging, rubbing and wearDVIR item
• Spare tire carrier, spare tire and wheel secure and adequate (if equipped)DVIR item
• Cargo securement (trucks): blocked, braced, tied; header board, side boards, tarp and permits as needed
• Right rear wheels and rims: no missing, bent or broken spacers, studs, clamps or lugsDVIR item
• Right rear tires: inflated, no cuts or bulges, not rubbing, nothing between duals, same type and size (other tires at least 2/32 in)DVIR item
• Wheel bearings and seals not leakingDVIR item
• Rear suspension: springs, hangers, shackles, U-bolts, axle secure, torque rods, shocks, air ride; drive axles not leaking gear oil
• Rear brakes: brake adjustment, drums or discs, hoses not worn from rubbingDVIR item
• Side-marker lights and reflectors clean, working, proper color (red at rear, others amber)DVIR item
• Rear: clearance, identification and taillights, reflectors and right rear turn signal working, proper colorDVIR item
• License plate present, clean and secured; splash guards not damaged or dragging
• Cargo secure and rear doors closed, latched or locked
• Left side: everything checked on the right side, plus battery box mounted, covered and batteries secure and not leaking

Extra checks for a combination vehicle, from the CDL manual's combination vehicle section.

• Lower fifth wheel: securely mounted, no missing or damaged parts, enough greaseDVIR item
• No visible space between upper and lower fifth wheelDVIR item
• Locking jaws around the shank, not the head, of the kingpinDVIR item
• Release arm properly seated and safety latch or lock engagedDVIR item
• Upper fifth wheel: glide plate securely mounted; kingpin not damagedDVIR item
• Electrical cord firmly plugged in and securedDVIR item
• Air lines connected to the glad hands, no leaks, secured with slack for turns, not damagedDVIR item
• Sliding fifth wheel (if equipped): not damaged, greased, all locking pins present and locked, no air leaks, not too far forwardDVIR item
• Landing gear fully raised, not damaged, crank handle secured; no air or hydraulic leaks if powered

Back in the cab, then out again to look.

• All lights off; stop lights on (trailer hand brake or a helper on the pedal); left turn signal onDVIR item
• Left front turn signal working, proper colorDVIR item
• Left rear turn signal and both stop lights working, proper colorDVIR item
• Back in the cab: seat belt OK, lights not needed for driving off, papers and permits on board, loose items secured

Air brakes get the full air brake check.

• Air brake check done (leakage, low-air warning, spring brakes, buildup, governor)DVIR item
• Parking brake test: tractor brake set, trailer brake released, gently pull against it in low gear; then repeat for the trailerDVIR item
• Service brake test: at about 5 mph, push the pedal firmly; no pulling to one side, odd pedal feel or delayed stopDVIR item