CDL Class A w/Air Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Pre-Trip Inspection Class A with Air Brakes

Once you have completed the federally required Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory and behind the wheel (road and range) mandated training, the next step to gaining your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) are the three basic skills formal tests. The three test and the order for which they must be completed are as follows: the Pre-Trip, Basic Skills (backing manurers), and the Road Course. This article discusses the Pre-Trip Inspection.

During the Pre-Trip Inspection skills test for the air brake equipped Class A Tractor and Trailer, you will have about 95 items to check on a tractor with 2 axles and 2 trailer axles.

A full step by step video demonstration of the Pre-trip inspection procedure. A written checklist can be found below the video to help with your study.

When you are completing the inspection test, 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 will be graded on whether you know what to check each part for, and not necessarily that you know the specific 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.

You cannot use any assistance during the Pre-Trip Inspection Test required for gaining your CDL -- you will be completing the inspection checklist by memory, so ensure you know your stuff!

At the end of this checklist, you will find procedural videos to assist you in understanding the requirements for successfully completing the Class A with Air Brakes Pre-Trip Inspection. Utilizing both the written checklist and the demonstration videos in your study will greatly increase your chance of achieving a passing grade on the Pre-Trip Inspection portion of your Basic Skills test.

Pre-Trip Inspection Class A Checklist Items

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; for example, parts in engine compartment and exhaust system.

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 pump is gear driven, working properly.
3. not leaking, securely mounted.
Water Pump
1. securely mounted, bolts tight, not leaking.
2. belt driven, 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 driven, belt not cracked or frayed, tension is between ½” and ¾”.
Air Compressor
1. secure to engine, bolts tight, hoses secure.
2. must say that it is gear driven.
3. works properly, not leaking.
Leaks
1. check under vehicle for oil puddles.
2. check motor for excessive 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 and rust.
2. check for tight or missing bolts.
3. make sure bushings are not torn or missing.
Shock Absorber
1. straight (not bent).
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 Chamber
1. securely mounted, bolts tight.
2. not cracked, dented, rusted or leaking.
3. must check clamp; secure, tight and in place.
Slack Adjuster
1. pins in place holding slack adjuster to push rod.
2. straight, not broken.
Push Rod
1. no more than 1”adjustment (movement) on the push rod.
2. Straight, not broken.
Brake Drum
1. no holes, cracks or welds.
2. bolts tight, none missing.
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 is installed).

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 clean, and not broken.
Steps
1. securely mounted, bolts tight.
2. no fluid or debris on steps.
Fuel Tank
1. straps are secure
2. cap is on tight with chain and seal in place.
3. must check tank & cap for leaking.
DEF Tank
1. bracket secure.
2. cap is on tight.
3. not leaking.
Exhaust System and Emission Devices
1. no signs of soot (leaking).
2. securely mounted.
3. all clamps are tight.
4. must check whole exhaust system from the turbo to the top of stack.

Rear of Cab

Frame
1. no cracks, straight.
2. bolts are all tight.
3. must also check cross members for same.
Air Lines/Connections
1. not pinched, cracked, swollen.
2. securely hanging, not rubbing.
3. not leaking.
4. metal fittings at tractor secure, not broken.
5. rubber grommets at trailer not dirty, pinched or leaking air.
6. metal fittings at trailer secure, not broken.
7. must check at both ends — tractor and trailer.
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 or cat walk.
4. must check at both ends — tractor and trailer.
Drive Shaft
1. straight, no cracks, bolts are tight.
2. U-joint bolts tight and free of foreign objects.
Cat Walk
1. bolts are tight, not slippery.
2. no debris.

Fifth Wheel

Bolts
1. none missing, all tight.
Bracket
1. (bolted to frame) bolts tight, none are missing, not cracked, straight.
Platform
1. (raised area) no cracks or broken welds, straight.
Release Arm
1. in locked (all the way in) position, locking pin is secure if equipped.
Gap
1. must check there is no gap between 5th wheel plate and trailer apron.
Skid Plate/5th Wheel
1. not broke, dented, chipped, flat.
2. sufficiently greased.
3. pin is in place at pivot point (side).
Trailer Apron
1. no holes, cracks, chipped and flat.
Locking Jaws
1. look in back of 5th wheel to make sure that jaws are locked around king pin.
King Pin
1. straight, not broke or chipped.
Sliding 5th Wheel (if equipped)
1. locking pins fully extended through gear or locking device.
2. air-line not kinked, pinched or leaking (if equipped).
3. distance between tractor and trailer sufficient for turning without hitting.

Rear Truck Axle

Springs
1. none broken.
2. all in alignment.
3. not shifted.
Torque Arm (if equipped)
1. straight.
2. securely mounted.
3. bushing is not missing or damaged.
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.
Air-Bag (if equipped)
1. not kinked, pinched, weathered or leaking, securely mounted.
Shock Absorber (if equipped)
1. straight, securely mounted, not leaking.
Brake Hose
1. not kinked, cut, swollen or leaking.
Brake Hose Fitting
1. fitting is secure.
2. not bent, broke or leaking.
Brake Chamber (double)
1. securely mounted, bolts tight.
2. not cracked or rusted or leaking.
3. clamp is secure, tight and in place (must check to get credit).
Slack Adjuster
1. pins in place holding slack adjuster to push rod.
2. straight, not broken.
Push Rod
1. no more than 1” adjustment (movement) on the push rod with brakes released (double chamber).
Brake Drum
1. no holes, cracks, or welds.
2. smooth surface, not dented.
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, 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–Budd Spacing
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

Door/Tail Gate
1. opens and closes.
2. no cracks, not bent.
3. hinge secure, not broken.
4. seal in place, not torn (if equipped).
Splash Guards
1. mud flaps are not torn.
2. bolted securely.
3. length is sufficient.

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

ABS Light
1. if equipped, ABS light should go on and off when you turn the key on.
2. if ABS light stays on, then the ABS system is not working properly.
DEF Light
1. if equipped, DEF light should go on and off when you turn the key on.
2. if DEF light stays on, then there is less than 1/8 fluid level in the DEF tank.
Clutch/Gearshift
1. push in clutch & make sure shifter is in neutral before starting engine.
2. if automatic transmission make sure vehicle is in neutral.
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.
Air Gauge
1. working properly, pressure builds to 120 psi — MUST SAY: governor cut out, or purges.
Parking Brake
1. must have air pressure built up, and check parking brake by applying and putting truck in low gear or drive (for automatic) and try to move (gently).
2. must check both tractor and trailer parking brake individually.
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. medal 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 air and electric horn.
Heater
1. must turn to hot and feel for air from vents.
Defroster
1. turn on defroster to make sure it works 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 the 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).
  3. latches securely.
Air Brake Check-PASS FAIL ITEM ON TEST
1. Must build air pressure to governor cut-out or purges.
2. turn off engine, then turn key to on position.
3. release both parking brakes (push in truck & trailer valves).
4. apply foot brake & keep pressure and LET THE PRESSURE SETTLE. Apply for 1 minute –cannot lose more than 4 pounds in 1 minute, and listen for leaks (must hold for full, timed minute).
5. say that low air buzzer will come on at approximately 55 to 60 PSI, pump foot brake (fan) so buzzer will sound.
6. say that parking brake will pop out at approximately 20 to 40 PSI, pump foot brake (fan) so buttons pop.

Lights—Amber on Front, Red on Rear (MUST CHECK 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.

Videos are a great way to supplement your learning experience, but attending a certified, formalized truck driving school would be a way of ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills required to achieve your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Nothing can replace the actual behind the wheel driving experience! Classes convene regularly, so call (352)794-6080, and reserve your drive time, now!