CDL Pre-Trip Inspection: The Full Class A Walkaround

How the pre-trip is graded

The examiner scores what you say, not what you think. If you look at a part and stay quiet, it counts as missed. For each item, name the part, say how it is mounted, and say what you are looking for: not cracked, not bent, not broken, not leaking, and properly secured.

Many states let you skip repeating identical parts on the other side, but you still walk that side. Check your state's CDL manual for the exact rule.

1. Engine compartment

1. Leaks under the truck"I'm checking under the vehicle for fresh puddles or drips of oil, coolant, or fuel. No leaks."
2. Oil level"Oil is on the dipstick between the add and full marks."
3. Coolant"Coolant is above the minimum line in the sight glass. Hoses are not cracked, swollen or leaking."
4. Power steering fluid"Power steering fluid is at the proper level. Hoses are secure and not leaking."
5. Belts"Water pump, alternator and air compressor belts are not frayed or cracked and have no more than three quarters of an inch of play."
6. Alternator, water pump, air compressor"Each one is securely mounted, not cracked or broken, and gear or belt driven as designed."
7. Steering box and linkage"Steering box is securely mounted and not leaking. Pitman arm, drag link and tie rod are not cracked or bent, with all nuts and cotter pins in place."

2. Cab check and engine start

1. Safe start"Parking brake is set and transmission is in neutral. Starting the engine."
2. Gauges"Oil pressure rises to normal in a few seconds. Air pressure is building. Coolant temperature and voltmeter read normal."
3. Mirrors and windshield"Mirrors are clean, adjusted and securely mounted. Windshield is clean with no cracks or obstructions."
4. Wipers, heater, defroster, horn"Wipers work and blades are in good shape. Heater and defroster work. City horn and air horn both work."
5. Safety equipment"I have a fire extinguisher that is charged and secured, three reflective triangles, and spare fuses if required."
6. Seat belt"Seat belt is securely mounted, latches and releases, and the webbing is not cut or frayed."

3. In-cab air brake check

This is its own test inside the pre-trip and the one people fail most. See the full step by step on our air brake test page, with the numbers you need to say.

Read the in-cab air brake test step by step

4. Lights

1. Light check"Headlights on low and high beam, four way flashers, turn signals, marker and clearance lights, and brake lights all work and the lenses are clean and not cracked."

5. Front of the tractor: steering, suspension, brakes, wheel

1. Springs and mounts"Leaf springs are not cracked, broken or shifted. Spring mounts and U bolts are secure."
2. Shock absorber"Shock is securely mounted and not leaking."
3. Brake chamber and hoses"Brake chamber is securely mounted, not cracked or dented. Air hoses are not cracked or leaking."
4. Slack adjuster and pushrod"Slack adjuster and pushrod are not broken or loose. With the brakes released, the pushrod moves no more than about one inch when I pull it by hand."
5. Drum and linings"Brake drum has no cracks or dents. Linings are not worn dangerously thin and are free of oil or grease."
6. Tire"Tread depth is at least four thirty seconds of an inch on a steer tire. Even wear, no cuts or bulges, valve stem and cap in place, and properly inflated."
7. Rim and lug nuts"Rim is not cracked or bent and has no illegal welds. Lug nuts are all present and tight, with no rust trails or shiny threads."
8. Hub oil seal"Hub oil seal is not leaking and the oil level is good."

6. Side of the tractor and fuel area

1. Door and mirror"Door opens and closes properly, hinges are secure, and the mirror bracket is not loose or cracked."
2. Fuel tank"Fuel tank is securely mounted, cap is tight, and there are no leaks."
3. Drive shaft and exhaust"Drive shaft is not bent or cracked and couplings are secure. Exhaust system is secure, not leaking, and not touching wires or air lines."
4. Frame and catwalk"Frame has no cracks or bends. Catwalk is solid and clear of loose items."

7. Coupling system

1. Air and electric lines"Glad hands are sealed with good rubber seals, air lines are not cut or tangled, and the electrical line is plugged in and secured."
2. Fifth wheel"Mounting plate and pivot pins are secure. Platform is not cracked. Skid plate is greased."
3. Locking jaws"Locking jaws are closed around the shank of the kingpin. Release arm is in the locked position with the safety latch engaged."
4. Apron and gap"Trailer apron is resting flat on the fifth wheel with no gap."
5. Sliding fifth wheel"Slider locking pins are fully engaged and the fifth wheel is positioned so the frame clears the landing gear in turns."

8. Trailer and rear

1. Landing gear"Landing gear is fully raised, crank handle is secured, and the frame is not bent or cracked."
2. Trailer frame and doors"Header board and side walls are not damaged. Rear doors close and latch securely."
3. Trailer wheels and brakes"Same checks as the tractor: tires, rims, lug nuts, hub seals, brake chambers, slack adjusters and drums."
4. Tandem release"Tandem slider pins are fully locked and the release arm is in the locked position."
5. Rear lights and reflectors"Tail lights, brake lights, turn signals and reflectors are clean, working, and not cracked."