CDL pre-trip inspection for a tractor trailer truck
√ Internal Component CDL Pre-Trip Inspection
√ External Component CDL Pre-Trip Inspection
√ Cab and Instrument Panel CDL Pre-Trip Inspection
The CDL pre-trip inspection saves lives
A CDL Pre-Trip Inspection (DOT pre-trip inspection) is where the driver of a tractor-trailer truck walks around the truck inspecting certain mechanical components on the truck and its trailer to ensure that they are in good working condition and that the vehicle can be driven safely. The driver walks around the vehicle inspecting the external and internal (under the hood) mechanical components of the truck and trailer. As the driver checks certain components, he or she checks it off on a checklist. The intended purpose of requiring a Pre-Trip Inspection is to avoid and eliminate accidents that cause injuries and death due to a defective mechanical component.
The basics of a pre-trip inspection
Once the driver has completed the visual and physical Pre-Trip inspection on the exterior of the tractor trailer truck, they climb inside the cab of the truck and continue the Pre-Trip Inspection process by checking items such as the seat, seat belt, windshield, correct mirror adjustment, and other safety related items. The driver starts the truck and continues to check items such as the brakes, (air brakes), lighting system, turn signals, windshield wipers, horn, gauges, and other items crucial to the mechanical integrity of the truck. The CDL Pre-Trip Inspection is part of the CDL Driving Skills Test. This is a short list of the mechanical components checked for illustration purposes. The actual CDL Pre-Trip Inspection list will include many more components that are listed in a particular order.
The pre-trip inspection checklist is required.
When the driver performs the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection an industry standard checklist is used that is in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a division the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the local State Department of Transportation. The designated items are on a standard checklist and checked off during the inspection. The driver signs off on the checklist confirming the truck and the trailer are in good mechanical condition and are safe to be driven. During the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection, if the driver finds a defective or faulty component, it is documented and the proper procedure(s) is performed to correct the defect. The driver is required to report the incident to their employers dispatch department to determine what action(s) is to be taken, if any. The driver does not have the authority to operate the vehicle, but can deem the vehicle inoperable upon discovery of any defective item. The dispatch department will tell the driver what action(s) to take. If the defect is minor, many times the driver is instructed to continue to drive the truck or go directly to the nearest repair facility. If the defect is a major mechanical problem or a safety hazard, the vehicle must be repaired and have supporting documentation showing the repair was made and that the vehicle is now safe to drive.
The pre-trip inspection is part of the CDL skills test
A written (knowledge) and a performance (skills) test are required to obtain a CDL license.The Pre-Trip Inspection and Post-Trip Inspection are a part of the CDL training curriculum.
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