CDL Class A w/o Air Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Pre-Trip Inspection Class A without Air Brakes

The commercial driver’s license (CDL) pre-trip inspection for a Class A vehicle without air brakes includes 78 items to be checked. You must be able to correctly tell and demonstrate to the tester what you are checking each part for and how to check it.

You must name and point to or touch each item, and fully explain what you are inspecting (you must ensure the tester knows what you are referring to). You are getting graded that you know what to check each part for, not that you know the names of the parts. You will have to check each axle as outlined. There is no order or sequence to the test. If you miss a part, you can go back and identify it.

A full step by step video demonstration video of the Pre-trip inspection procedure. Below the video is a written checklist to help with your study.

Pre-Trip Inspection Class A Checklist Items (w/o Air)

This order starts in the engine compartment and inspects only the axles on the driver’s side of the truck. The test requires you to only inspect the driver side unless the item is only on the passenger side (parts in engine compartment, exhaust).

Engine Compartment

Oil Level
1. make sure level is between add and full
Coolant Level
1. level is sufficient for operation, between hot and cold mark
Power Steering
1. level is between add and full
2. must say that it is gear or belt driven
3. if belt driven-belt not cracked or frayed, tension is between ½” and ¾”
4. working properly
5. not leaking, securely mounted
Water Pump
1. securely mounted, bolts tight, not leaking
2. belt, not cracked or frayed, tension is between ½” and ¾”
Alternator
1. securely mounted, bolts tight
2. wire secure into back of alternator
3. belt, not cracked or frayed, tension is between ½” and ¾”
Master Cylinder
1. securely mounted, bolts tight
2. not leaking
3. fluid level is sufficient
Leaks
1. check under vehicle for oil puddles
2. check bottom of motor for leaks
Hoses
1. check hoses for splits, cuts
2. make sure all clamps are tight
3. check all hoses for leaks
4. make sure to check both sides of engine for leaks/hoses

Front Truck Axle

Steering Box
1. secure, bolts tight
2. not leaking
Steering Box Hoses
1. not cut, pinched or leaking
2. fittings are secure not cracked or broken
Steering Linkage
1. not bent, bolts tight, no cracks, cotter pins in place, sockets are not worn or loose
2. must check from steering box to wheel
Springs
1. none broken
2. all in alignment
3. not rusted
U-bolts
1. nuts tight
2. not broke or rusted
3. not shifted
Spring Mounts
1. check front and rear mount for cracks, rust
2. check for tight or missing bolts
3. make sure bushings are not torn or missing
Shock Absorber
1. straight
2. bolts tight
3. not leaking
Brake Hose
1. not kinked, cut, swollen or leaking
Brake Hose Fittings
1. fittings secure
2. not bent, broke or leaking
Brake Drum or rotor
1. bolts tight, securely mounted
2. smooth surface, not dented
3. no signs of grease or oil
Brake Linings
1. shoes are sufficient, more than ¼” pad
2. no cracks, no chipped pads
3. no fluid, grease or oil
Tire
1. 4/32” tread depth
2. no cuts or bubbles on side walls
3. check top of tire for even wear and flat spots
4. check pressure with gauge
5. check valve stem is not cracked, broke, leaking or twisted and secured with cap
Rim
1. no cracks
2. no rust
3. no aftermarket welds
Lug Nuts
1. none missing
2. not loose, no cracks or distorted lug bolt holes
3. no signs of rust trails
Wheel Seal
1. not leaking
2. no loose or missing bolts
3. proper fluid level (if sight glass)

Side of Cab

Door
1. door hinges are secure, bolts tight
2. handle works, no damage to side
3. seal is in tack and not torn
4. opens and closes properly
Mirror
1. securely mounted, brackets not damages, bolts in place
2. mirror is not broken and is clean
Steps (if equipped)
1. securely mounted, bolts
2. no fluid or debris on steps

Under Vehicle

Fuel Tank
1. straps are secure
2. cap is on tight with seal and chain
3. must check tank & cap for leaking
Exhaust System
1. no signs of soot (leaking)
2. securely mounted
3. all clamps are tight
4. must check hole exhaust system from engine to exhaust exit
Frame
1. no cracks
2. bolts are all tight
3. must also check cross members for same
Drive Shaft
1. straight, no cracks, bolts are tight
2. must check u-joint bolts and u-joint is free of foreign objects

Pintle Hitch

Electric Lines/Connections
1. secure, plugged in tight (locked or latched if applicable)
2. lines not repaired, taped, cut or pinched
3. securely hanging, not rubbing on frame
4. must check at truck plug in and trailer plug in/connection
Bolts–mounting pintle to truck
1. none missing, all tight
Pintle Hook
1. no cracks, rust, or worn thin
Release Latch/Lever
1. locked down in place, locking pin is secured
Pintle Ring
1. no cracks, rust, or worn thin
2. bolts are tight, none missing
Safety Chains
1. crisscrossed, not broke or pinched
2. hooks secured, not broken

Rear Truck Axle

Springs
1. none broken
2. all in alignment
3. not rusted
U-bolts
1. nuts tight
2. not broke or rusted
3. not shifted
Spring Mounts
1. check front and rear mount for cracks
2. check for tight or missing bolts
3. make sure bushings are not torn or missing
Shock Absorber
1. securely mounted, not leaking, straight
Brake Hose
1. not kinked, cut, swollen or leaking
Brake Hose Fitting
1. fitting is secure
2. not bent, broke or leaking
Brake Drum
1. no holes, cracks, or welds
2. securely mounted, bolts tight
3. no fluid, grease or oil
Brake Linings
1. shoes are sufficient, more than ¼” pad
2. no cracked or chipped pads
3. no fluid, grease, or oil
Tire
1. 2/32” tread depth
2. no cuts or bubbles on side walls
3. check top of tire for even wear and flat spots
4. check pressure with a gauge
5. check valve stem is secure, not cracked, leaking or twisted, and cap is in place
Rim
1. no cracks, no rust or aftermarket welds
Lug Nuts
1. none missing, not loose, no signs of rust trails
2. no cracks or distorted lug bolt holes
Axle Seal
1. not leaking
2. no loose or missing bolts
Spacer/Between Tires
1. must check there is no debris between tires
2. tires are evenly spaced
3. rims flush (butted) together

Trailer

Frame
1. no cracks or broken welds
2. cross members are straight
3. no holes in trailer floor
Landing Gear
1. fully raised
2. no broken welds or cracks, bolts are tight on framing
3. crank handle is secured
4. feet are secure and not broken
Header Board
1. trailer front has no cracks, holes or dents
2. will secure load in sudden stop
3. no missing bolts or rivets

Front Rear Trailer Axle-treat same as truck axles

Rear of Trailer

Ramps
1. secure, up all the way
2. no cracks, not bent
Splash Guards (if equipped)
1. mud flaps are not torn
2. bolted securely

Cab Compartment/Engine Start (need to demonstrate all mechanisms)

Clutch/Gear Shift
1. push in clutch & make sure shifter is in neutral before starting engine
2. if automatic transmission make sure vehicle is in neutral
ABS Light
1. should go on and off after engine starts, if stays on ABS not working properly
DEF Light
1. should go on and off after engine starts, if stays on, check DEF gauge for level
Temperature
1. needle moves, check temperature gauge for operation and in safe range
Voltmeter
1. check voltmeter for operation and in safe range
2. needle indicating charging
Oil Pressure
1. needle moves, check oil pressure gauge for operation and in safe range
Parking Brake
1. put truck in low gear and try to move (lug engine) with parking brake applied
Service Brake
1. pull forward at 5 mph and stop with foot brake, check for no pull left or right
Windshield
1. must be clean
2. no cracks, chips or stickers
3. seal is secure with no leaks
Mirrors
1. no stickers
2. mirrors are adjusted
3. clean
Wipers
1. operate properly (must turn on)
2. rubber blades are not cracked with good contact to windshield
3. metal arms are secure, no damage
4. washer fluid operates (squirts)
Lighting Indicators
1. on dash, check left & right turn arrow
2. 4 way flashers
3. high/low beam indicator
Horn
1. blow electric horn
Heater
1. must turn to hot and feel for air from vents
Defroster
1. turn on defroster to make sure they work properly
2. feel for air to blow from vent at windshield
Safety/Emergency Equipment
1. must have fire extinguisher
  1. mounted
  2. charged
2. three triangles
  1. red
  2. reflective
3. spare fuses or breakers (whichever truck is equipped with)
Safety Belt
1. must work properly, fit securely
  1. not cut, frayed or torn
  2. securely mounted at seat, shoulder and floor (all points)
Hydraulic Brake Check
1. While engine running, pump foot brake 3 times and hold for five seconds
2. Make sure that brake does not leak down to floor

Lights—Amber on Front, Red on Rear (all lights, must say color and describe light condition)

Lights (front of vehicle AMBER)-headlights (high & low beam), right/left turn signal, 4 way flashers, clearance, must turn on, clean, not broken, operating properly
Lights (front side of tractor AMBER)-right/left turn signal, put on emergency, flashers, make sure working, amber lenses, not broken, clean
Lights (rear of tractor RED)-right/left turn signal, put on 4 way flashers, clearance and brake lights, red lenses, not broken, clean
Lights (front side of trailer AMBER)-must turn on, working properly, amber lenses, not broken, clean
Lights (rear side of trailer RED)-must turn on, working properly, red lenses, not broken, clean
Lights (rear of trailer RED)-must turn on, right/left turn signal, emergency flashers, clearance and brake lights, red lenses, not broken, clean