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Section 12: Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection Test

This section covers:

• Internal Inspection
• External Inspection

Class A Pre-trip Inspection Test

If you are applying for a Class A CDL, you will be required to perform a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle you have brought with you for testing. The vehicle must be a combination vehicle, representative of the unit you will drive, and must meet the class weight requirements.

If the vehicle is an air brake vehicle, you must first pass the Air Brake Knowledge test. You also must have passed all applicable endorsement knowledge tests that pertain to the vehicle you bring in for testing.

You will be required to perform one of the four versions of the inspection; you will not know which version until just before testing begins. All the tests include an engine start, in-cab inspection, and inspection of the coupling system.

In addition, your test may include an inspection of the entire vehicle or only a portion of the vehicle which your CDL Examiner will explain to you.

Class B and C Pre-trip Inspection Test

If you are applying for a Class B or C CDL, you will be required to perform a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle you have brought with you for testing. The vehicle must be a representative of the unit you will be driving and must meet the class weight requirements.

If the vehicle is an air brake vehicle, you must first pass the Air Brake Knowledge test. You also must have passed all applicable endorsement knowledge tests that pertain to the vehicle you bring in for testing.

You will be required to perform one of the three versions of the inspection; you will not know which version until just before testing begins. All the tests include an engine start and in-cab inspection.

In addition, your test may include an inspection of the entire vehicle or only a portion of the vehicle which your CDL Examiner will explain to you. You will have to inspect any special vehicle features, if applicable.

Taking The Exam

During the pre-trip inspection, you must show that the vehicle is safe to drive. You may have to walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. At the time of your test, the examiner will direct you to the areas of the vehicle to inspect for the test. In addition to this section, you should also review Section 2 prior to conducting the pre-trip inspection.

Any Tank vehicle that will be used for the skills/drive testing must be purged of hazardous materials 48 hours prior to testing with documentation verifying the purge. When using a Tank vehicle for the skills tests, the applicant must have passed the Tank Knowledge test, and the tank must be empty.