Pre-trip inspection checklist

A pre-trip inspection finds problems before they find you. This checklist follows the general order taught in many CDL programs. It is a study and memory aid only: your state CDL manual, your carrier's policy and the vehicle manufacturer's instructions have the final word. Tick items as you go; progress is saved in this browser.

1. Approach and overview

• Look for leaks under the vehicle: fuel, oil, coolant, grease
• Check that the vehicle sits level, with no sagging suspension
• Review the last DVIR (driver vehicle inspection report) and confirm reported defects were repaired
• Check for damage to the body, lights and reflectors as you approach

2. Engine compartment

• Engine oil level
• Coolant level and hoses
• Power steering fluid and hoses (if equipped)
• Belts: alternator, water pump, air compressor, not cracked or loose
• Wiring not frayed or loose
• Windshield washer fluid
• No leaks in the engine compartment

3. Start the engine and check inside the cab

• Parking brake set, transmission in neutral or park, then start the engine
• Gauges: oil pressure rises normally, air pressure builds, ammeter or voltmeter normal, coolant temperature rising normally
• Controls: horn, wipers, heater, defroster, lights and switches
• Mirrors and windshield clean, not cracked, properly adjusted
• Emergency equipment: fire extinguisher (charged and secured), warning triangles, spare fuses if required
• Seat belt works and is in good condition

4. Lights check

• Turn off the engine, turn on headlights (low and high beams) and four-way flashers
• Walk around: all lights, reflectors and clearance markers working and clean

5. Walkaround inspection

• Steering: steering box, linkage and tie rods secure, no excess play
• Suspension: springs, airbags, shock absorbers, mounts not broken or leaking
• Brakes: chambers, hoses, slack adjusters, drums or rotors, linings
• Wheels and rims: no cracks, missing lug nuts or rust trails around nuts
• Tires: inflation, tread depth (at least 4/32 inch on steer tires, 2/32 inch on others under federal rules), no cuts, bulges or mismatched sizes
• Fuel tanks secure, caps on, no leaks
• Coupling: fifth wheel locked around the kingpin, no gap between fifth wheel and trailer apron, locking jaws closed, release arm locked
• Air and electrical lines connected, not tangled, chafing or leaking; gladhands seated
• Trailer: landing gear fully raised with crank handle secured, doors closed and latched, frame and cross members not damaged
• Cargo secured as required (cargo securement)

6. Signal lights

• Turn signals and brake lights work on tractor and trailer

7. Air brake check (engine running)

• Air pressure builds within the normal time and range for your vehicle
• Governor cut-out and cut-in pressures are within the manufacturer's specified range
• Air leakage rate within limits with brakes released and with full brake application, per your CDL manual
• Low air pressure warning activates before pressure drops too low (commonly at or above 60 psi)
• Spring brakes apply automatically as pressure drops further, per your CDL manual's range
• Parking brake holds when gently pulled against it
• Service brakes stop the vehicle smoothly without pulling to one side

Before you roll

• Logbook or ELD set to the correct duty status (ELDs)
• Route checked for low bridges, weight limits and steep grades
• Phone mounted or stowed, mirrors adjusted, seat belt on