New! High Road 2.0! We have a new version of this program. You can find it here: High Road 2.0

Step 7: Start Engine and Check Brake System

Test for hydraulic leaks:
  • If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or other problem. Get it fixed before driving.

If the vehicle has air brakes, do the checks described in sections 5 and 6.

Test parking brake:
  • Fasten safety belt.
  • Allow vehicle to move forward slowly.
  • Apply parking brake.
  • If it doesnʼt stop vehicle, it is faulty; get it fixed.
Test service brake stopping action:
  • Go about 5 mph.
  • Push brake pedal firmly.
  • “Pulling” to one side or the other can mean brake trouble.
  • Any unusual brake pedal “feel” or delayed stopping action may mean trouble.
Test electric brakes:
  • Set electric brake to maximum sensitivity (dial or box).
  • Drive forward, step on brakes.
  • Trailer brakes should engage before power unit brakes.

Important Note

If you find anything unsafe during the pre-trip inspection , get it repaired immediately. Federal and state laws prohibit operating an unsafe vehicle.

Trip Inspection

Check the following regularly:
  • Instruments
  • Air-pressure gauge (if you have air brakes)
  • Temperature gauges
  • Pressure gauges
  • Ammeter/voltmeter
  • Mirrors
  • Tires
  • Cargo, cargo cover

If you see, hear, smell or feel anything that might mean trouble, check it out.

After-Trip Inspection

Drivers of trucks and truck tractors when transporting cargo must inspect the securement of the cargo within the first 25 miles of a trip and every 150 miles or every three hours (whichever comes first) afterward.

You may have to make a written report each day on the condition of the vehicle(s) you drove. Report anything affecting safety or possibly leading to mechanical breakdown.

The vehicle inspection report tells the motor carrier about problems that may need to be fixed. Keep a copy of your report in the vehicle for one day so the next driver will be aware of any problems you have found.

There may be a question on checking load securement. Make sure you memorize that loads need to be checked within the first 25 miles and then again every 150 miles or every three hours, whichever comes first.
Remember: You must perform a vehicle inspection daily.

Pre-trip Inspection:

A pre-trip inspection is a thorough inspection of the truck completed before driving for the first time each day.

Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge a vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is repaired.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

Review Questions - Click On The Picture To Begin...

When checking hydraulic brakes, you should pump the pedal three times then apply firm pressure and hold for how many seconds?
  • 10 seconds
  • 5 seconds
  • 1 second
  • 3 seconds

Quote From The CDL Manual:

If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or other problem. Get it fixed before driving.

Next
At what speed should you test your service brakes?
  • About 25 mph
  • About 55 mph
  • About 5 mph
  • About 15 mph

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Test service brake stopping action:

- Go about 5 mph.
- Push brake pedal firmly.
- "Pulling" to one side or the other can mean brake trouble.
- Any unusual brake pedal "feel" or delayed stopping action may mean trouble.

Prev
Next
If you find anything unsafe during the pre-trip inspection, you should:
  • Keep a daily log of the problem
  • Let your dispatcher know
  • Get it repaired after your next delivery
  • Get it repaired immediately

Quote From The CDL Manual:

If you find anything unsafe during the pre-trip inspection, get it repaired immediately. Federal and state laws prohibit operating an unsafe vehicle.

Prev
Finish
Please select an option
[2,3,4]
3

Join Us!

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training

About Us

TruckingTruth was founded by Brett Aquila (that's me!), a 15 year truck driving veteran, in January 2007. After 15 years on the road I wanted to help people understand the trucking industry and everything that came with the career and lifestyle of an over the road trucker. We'll help you make the right choices and prepare for a great start to your trucking career.

Read More

Becoming A Truck Driver

Becoming A Truck Driver is a dream we've all pondered at some point in our lives. We've all wondered if the adventure and challenges of life on the open road would suit us better than the ordinary day to day lives we've always known. At TruckingTruth we'll help you decide if trucking is right for you and help you get your career off to a great start.

Learn More