Dump Truck CDL Class B Pre-Trip Inspection

Pre-Trip Inspection Dump Truck Class B

The Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) pre-trip inspection will have approximately 80 items to be checked on a dump truck with air brakes. The number of checks will be based on the actual vehicle’s installed equipment. The following procedures/items would be the same for other Class B vehicle types (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of straight trucks weighing 26,001 lbs. or more) such as bucket trucks, garbage trucks, flatbeds, and other straight trucks.

Here is a procedural training video demonstrating the requirements and best practices to help prepare you for successfully completing the Pre-Trip Inspection portion of the CDL Class B (Dump Truck). Below the video is a line item checklist you can also use for study.

To earn your Commercial Driver’s License, you must pass a series of tests. One of the first tests is the Pre-Trip Inspection. In your working life after earning your CDL, you would actually accomplish each checklist item — physically check oil level, tire pressure, etc. But, while testing to earn your CDL, you only need to name and point to or touch each item, and fully explain to the examiner what you are inspecting (for the In-Cab portion of the Pre-Trip Inspection Test, you must physically demonstrate each item).

You are being graded to ensure you know what to check each part for, and not that you just know the names of the parts. You will have to check each item as outlined.

Whereas the checklist below is a good guide to follow, there is no specific order or sequence to the test. You just need to ensure you complete every item.

Pre-Trip Inspection Class B with Air Brakes Checklist Items

This checklist order starts in the front of the vehicle 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).

Front of Vehicle

Clearance Lights
1. securely mounted
2. clean
3. not broken or cracked
4. amber in color
Headlights
1. securely mounted
2. Clear and clean
3. not broken or cracked
Under Engine
1. ensure no leaks or oil puddles

Engine Compartment

Oil Level
1. Locate the oil dipstick
2. make sure level is between add and full
Coolant Level
1. locate coolant reservoir
2. ensure level is sufficient for operation, between hot and cold mark
3. not leaking
4. if no reservoir, verbally describe how to remove radiator cap and check coolant
Power Steering
1. ensure level is between add and full
2. must say if it is gear or belt driven
3. working properly
4. not leaking
5. securely mounted
6. not damaged
Water Pump
1. securely mounted, bolts tight
2. not leaking
3. belt driven
4. belt, not cracked or frayed, and tension is between ½” and ¾”
Alternator
1. securely mounted, bolts tight
2. wire secure into back of alternator
3. belt driven
4. belt, not cracked or frayed, tension is between ½” and ¾”
Air Compressor
1. secure to engine, bolts tight
2. hoses secure, not leaking
3. not damaged
4. working properly
5. must say if it is gear or belt driven
6. if belt driven, belt not cracked or frayed, tension is between ½” and ¾”
Leaks
1. check under vehicle for oil puddles
2. check engine for leaks
Hoses
1. check hoses for splits and cuts
2. ensure all clamps are tight
3. check all hoses for leaks
4. make sure to check both hoses on both sides of engine for leaks

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
2. sockets are not worn or loose
3. must check from steering wheel to steering box and from steering box to axle.
Springs
1. none broken
2. all in alignment
3. not shifted
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. not cracked, bend, or broke
3. bolts tight
4. 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. clamp is 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. not bent or broken
Brake Drum
1. securely mounted
2. no holes, cracks or dents
3. smooth surface
4. 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
Wheel Rim
1. no cracks
2. no rust trails
3. no aftermarket welds
Lug Nuts
1. none missing
2. not loose
3. no signs of rust trails
4. no cracks or distortion from lug bolt holes
Wheel Seal
1. not leaking
2. no loose or missing bolts
3. proper fluid level (if sight glass)

Side of Cab and Vehicle

Turn Signal Lights
1. securely mounted
2. amber in color
3. clean
4. not cracked or broken
Door
1. door hinges are secure, bolts tight
2. handle works, no damage to side
3. seal is intact and not torn
4. opens and closes properly
Mirror
1. securely mounted, brackets not damages, bolts in place
2. mirror is not broke and clean
Steps
1. securely mounted, bolts
2. not cracked or broken
3. no fluid or debris on steps
Fuel Tank
1. straps are secure
2. cap is on tight
3. must check tank & cap for leaking
Diesel Exhaust Fuel (DEF) Tank
1. straps are secure
2. cap is on tight
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 turbo to top of stack
Department of Transportation (DOT) Reflective Tape
1. securely mounted
2. not peeling or cracked

Under the Vehicle

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

Rear Truck Axle

Springs
1. none broken
2. all in alignment
3. not shifted
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
Torque Arm
1. securely mounted
2. not cracked
3. straight
4. bushing not torn or missing
Brake Hose
1. not kinked, cut, swollen
2. not leaking
Brake Hose Fitting
1. fitting is secure
2. not bent, broke
3. not leaking
Brake Chamber
1. securely mounted, bolts tight
2. not cracked or rusted or leaking
3. clamp is 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 with brakes released (double chamber)
2. not bent or broken
Brake Drum
1. securely mounted
2. no holes, cracks, or dents
3. smooth surface
4. 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 not cracked, secure, leaking or twisted and cap is in place
Wheel Rim
1. no cracks
2. no rust trails
3. no aftermarket welds
Lug Nuts
1. none missing, not loose, no signs of rust trails
2. no cracks or distortion from lug bolt holes
Axle Seal
1. not leaking
2. no loose or missing bolts
3. proper fluid level (if sight glass)
Spacer/Between Tires
1. must check there is no debris between tires
2. tires are evenly spaced
3. rims flush (butted) together

Rear of Vehicle

Splash Guards (Mud Flaps)
1. securely mounted
2. mud flaps not torn
Rear Door
1. no damage/ holes
2. fits to the bed
3. opens and closes properly
4. hinges are secure; bolts tight
5. if equipped, seal intact; not torn
Rear Lights
1. securely mounted
2. red in color
3. clean
4. not cracked or broken
DOT Reflective Tape
1. securely mounted
2. not peeling or cracked

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

Safety/Emergence Equipment
1. must have fire extinguisher
  1. mounted
  2. charged
2. must have three safety triangles
  1. Red
  2. Reflective
3. spare fuses or breakers (whichever truck is equipped with)
Safety Belt
1. must work properly
2. put on seat belt; must click secure and fit properly
3. not cut, frayed or torn
4. securely mounted at seat, shoulder and floor (all points)
Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) Light
1. After turning key to "On" position, ensure ABS light turns on and then turns off.
Diesel Exhaust Fuel (DEF) Light
1. After turning key to "On" position, ensure DEF light turns on and then turns off.
Lighting Indicators
1. on dash, check left & right turn arrow
2. 4 way flashers
3. high/low beam indicator
Temperature
1. check temperature gauge for operation and in safe range
Voltmeter
1. check voltmeter for operation and in safe range
2. needle indication charging
Oil Pressure
1. check oil pressure gauge for operation and in safe range
Air Gauge
1. working properly, pressure builds to 120 PSI or governor cut out or purge
Windshield
1. must be clean
2. no cracks or chips
3. no obstructions; stickers
4. 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
3. good contact to windshield
4. medal arms are secure, no damage
5. washer fluid operates (squirts)
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 they work properly
2. feel for air to blow from vent at windshield
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
Parking Brake
1. check parking brake by applying and putting truck in low gear and try to move (lug engine)
2. must check both tractor and trailer parking brake individually
Service Brake
1. pull forward at 5 mph and stop with foot brake
2. ensure steering wheel does not pull left or right
Air Brake Check-PASS FAIL ITEM ON TEST
1. roll driver’s side window down (listen for leaks)
2. build air pressure to ~120 PSI, governor cut-off (to purge)
3. turn off engine then turn key to on position
4. release parking brake, push in
5. apply foot brake & keep pressure and listen, applied for 1 minute-cannot lose more than 3 pounds in 1 minute (must hold for full, timed minute)
6. say that low air buzzer will come on at ~55 to 60 PSI; pump foot brake (fan) so buzzer will sound
7. say that parking brake will automatically engage at approximately 20-30 PSI, continue pumping foot brake (fan) until parking brake engages.

Exterior Light Operation Check

In Florida, you may ask the examiner to assist in checking the external lights. You must tell the examiner exactly which lights they would check (headlight high and low beam; right and left turn signals; 4-Way flashers; Clearance Lights)

Remember, lights are amber in color on the front, and red in color on the rear (all lights, must say color and describe light condition)

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