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California Department of Motor Vehicles
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Commercial Driver License Handbook

 

Typical Truck or Combination Vehicle Inspection Guide
Step 1:

Engine Compartment

  • Fluids
  • Belts and hoses
  • Components (Alternator, etc.)

 

 Image of combination vehicle
Step 2:

Left Side of Cab Area

  • General condition
  • Left front wheel
  • Left front suspension
  • Left front brake

 
Step 3:

Front of Cab Area

  • Condition of front axle
  • Condition of steering system
  • Condition of windshield
  • Light and reflectors

 
Step 4:

Right Side of Cab Area

  • All items as done on left side of cab area

 
Step 5:

Right Saddle Tank Area

  • Right fuel tank(s)
  • Condition of visible parts

 
Step 6:

Trailer Front Area

  • Air and electrical connections
  • Lights and reflectors

 
Step 7:

Right Rear Tractor Wheels Area

  • Dual wheels         Suspension
  • Tandem axles       Brakes

 
Step 8:

Rear of Tractor Area

  • Frame and cross members not bent, cracked or otherwise damaged or missing
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Air and electrical lines properly secured to frame, not damaged or chafing

 
Step 9:

Coupling System Area

  • Fifth-wheel (lower)
  • Fifth-wheel (upper)
  • Sliding fifth-wheel
  • Air and electric lines visible from this point

 
Step 10:

Right Side of Trailer Area

  • Front trailer support (landing gear or dollies)
  • Spare tire(s)
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Frame and body
  • Proper placarding

 
Step 11:

Right Rear Trailer Wheels Area

  • Dual tires                 Suspension
  • Tandem axles           Brakes

 
Step 12:

Rear of Trailer Area

  • Lights and reflectors
  • Cargo securement

 
Step 13:

Left Rear Trailer Wheels Area

  • All items as on right side except for air tank draining.

 
Step 14:

Left Side of Trailer Area

  • All items as on right side and check any traffic side doors.

 
Step 15:

Left Saddle Tank Area

  • All items as on right saddle tank area.

 
Step 16:

In Cab Brake Checks

  • Refer to Section 5 for air brake checks.

 

Need not be done in this exact sequence.

Table of Contents | Section 10 Pre-Trip Test | Passenger Vehicle Inspection Guide