Passenger Bus CDL Class B Pre-Trip Inspection

Pre-Trip Inspection Passenger Bus Class B

The commercial driver’s license (CDL) pre-trip inspection for a passenger bus includes 71 items to be checked.

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.

At the end of this checklist (scroll to the bottom of this page), you will find procedural videos to assist you in understanding the requirements for successfully completing the Class B (Passenger bus) Pre-Trip Inspection.

Engine Compartment

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

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 powered, working properly
3. 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”
Air Compressor
1. secure to engine, bolts tight, hoses secure, not leaking
2. must say that it is belt driven
3. works properly
4. belt, not cracked or frayed, tension is between ½” and ¾”
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
2. sockets are not worn or loose
3. must check from steering box to wheel
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. 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. 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
Brake Drum
1. no holes, cracks or dents
2. smooth surface
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. not welded
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

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 mounded, brackets not damages, bolts in place
2. mirror is not broke and clean
Fuel Tank
1. straps are secure
2. cap is on tight
3. must check tank & cap for leaking

Under Vehicle

Exhaust System
1. no signs of soot (leaking)
2. securely mounded
3. all clamps are tight
4. must check hole exhaust system from turbo to top of stack
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
3. no holes, cracks, chipped and flat

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
Brake Hose
1. not kinked, cut, swollen or leaking
Brake Hose Fitting
1. fitting is secure
2. not bent, broke or 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)
Brake Drum
1. no holes, cracks, or dents
2. smooth surface
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 not cracked, secure, leaking or twisted and cap is in place
Rim
1. no cracks, no rust or welded
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
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

Door
1. opens and closes
2. no damage, holes, broken glass
3. hinges are secure, no missing bolts
4. seal is not missing or torn

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

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. 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
Steering Play
1. check steering play for no more than 10 degrees or 2”
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, 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 they work properly
2. feel for air to blow from vent at windshield
Safety/Emergence Equipment
1. must have fire extinguisher
  1. mounted
  2. charged
2. Three triangles
  1. Red
  2. Reflective
3. spare fuses or breakers (which ever truck is equipped with)
Safety Belt
1. must work properly, fit securely
  1. not cut, frayed or torn
  2. securely mounded at seat, shoulder and floor (all points)
Air Brake Check-PASS FAIL ITEM ON TEST–MUST DO DETAILS EXACTLY CORRECT
1. build air pressure to 120, governor cut out or purge
2. turn off engine then turn key to on position
3. release parking brake, push in
4. 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)
5. after leak test, say that low air buzzer will come on at 60 PSI, pump foot brake (fan) so buzzer will sound
6. after checking the low air warning device, say that parking brake will pop out at approximately 30 PSI, pump foot brake (fan) so buttons pop

Passenger Items

Seats
1. not torn
2. securely mounted
3. walk through bus and check
Emergency Exits
1. labeled
2. opens and closes
3. buzzer sounds when open (key on)

Lights—Amber on Front, Red on 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

CDL Class B Passenger Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Video

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 (Passenger Bus).