Cdl - Walk Around

Front 1

May I use any reference on the test?

Back 1

Yes, Page 6 of the CDL DMV manual says I may use page 155, 156 as the only aid on the test to assist in the pre-trip inspection.

Front 2

Part 1 - As I approach the vehicle for inspection before we start anything what should I do?

Back 2

Tell the inspector. As we approach I'm looking for damage on the vehicle, leaking fluids and also hazards from or near the vehicle.

Front 3

Part 1 - Second thing to do on the pre inspection? Important even in the yard!

Back 3

Make sure wheels are chocked and parking break is on!

Front 4

Part 1 - What do I do with Leaks/Hoses?

Back 4

Tell the inspector, "I'm looking for any sort of leaks on the hoses and fluids on the ground." Also touch the hoses and say, "They appear to be in good condition with no cracks." In the book it also mentions look at the underside of engine/tran for leaks.

Front 5

Part 1 - What do I do with the Water Pump?

Back 5

Tell the inspector, "This is the water pump right behind the fan. It's part of the engine block and doesn't appear to have any leaks."

Front 6

Part 1 - What do I do with the Alternator?

Back 6

Tell the inspector, "This is the alternator on our trucks. It appears to be securely fastened with no noticeable physical damage."

Front 7

Part 1 - What do I do with the Air Compressor?

Back 7

Tell the inspector, "This is the trucks air compressor. It's built into the engine block of this unit. You can barely even hear them on this vehicle when running."

Front 8

Part 1 - What do I do with the Oil Level?

Back 8

Tell the inspector, "This is the oil dipstick on the truck. I'm going to check the oil levels." Pull it out, "It's above the refill mark and is good to go."

Front 9

Part 1 - What do I do with the Coolant levels?

Back 9

Tell the inspector, "This is the coolant reservoir and is filled to approximately here." If the vehicle isn't HOT remove radiator cap. If the vehicle is hot say, "We just finished driving this vehicle and because it's hot I'm not going to open the radiator cap to check." If it's cold to the touch, "The engine appears cool and I'm going to check the fluid levels in the radiator. It is full and good to go."

Front 10

Part 1 - What do I do with the Power Steering Fluid?

Back 10

Tell the inspector. "This is the power steering fluid reservoir. I'm going to check the levels." Open the cap and show, "It's above the refill mark and is good to go."

Front 11

Part 1 - What do I do with the WIndshield Washer Fluid?

Back 11

Tell the inspector. "The fluid level is at this level and the cap is secure. It's good to go."

Front 12

Part 1 - What do I do with the automatic transmission fluid level?

Back 12

(May require engine to be running and hot?)

Explain. "The vehicle might not be hot enough for us to check, but this is the automatic transmission fluid dipstick." Maybe even ask, "We can try and check it now but the indicator may be off if it's to cool. Would you like me to check it?"

Front 13

Part 1 - What do I do with the Engine Compartment Belts?

Back 13

Tell the inspector each belt. "This is a serpentine belt and it runs all the engine accessories. It auto tightens itself." Touch it and pull on it. "It appears to be tight and looks to be in good shape with no visual flaws." If wanting a number, belt deflection shouldn't be more than 3/4 of an inch.

Front 14

Part 2 - Just after the engine compartment (engine off inspection) what is the next step?

Back 14

We are finished with the engine visual inspection. I'm going to close the engine and latch it. The chocks are in in place and the break is on.

"Everything is secure, I'm going to start the engine."

Front 15

Part 2 - Just as I start the engine what do I do?

Back 15

Tell the inspector, "This truck is an automatic. The gear is in neutral and the parking brake is set." As the engine starts and the gauges relax. "I'm listening for unusual engine noises. Wait awhile. It sounds normal."

Front 16

Part 2 - What to do with Oil Pressure Gauges?

Back 16

Tell the inspector, "The oil pressure gauge is working and is in normal range of ..." If I have an oil temperature also mention that.

Front 17

Part 2 - What to do with Coolant Temperature Gauge?

Back 17

Tell the inspector, hopefully the engine is warm, "The temperature gauge appears to be rising and is currently in normal position for starting the vehicle."

Front 18

Part 2 - What to do with Ammeter/Voltmeter?

Back 18

Tell the inspector, "All warning lights are off and the voltmeter is charging at ... volts. All appears normal."

Front 19

Part 2 - What to do with the Oil Temperature Gauge?

Back 19

Tell the inspector, "It is rising to normal operating temperature."

Front 20

Part 2 - What to do with the Air Gauge?

Back 20

Tell the inspector, "The air tanks are building pressure as normal." Wait until it cuts out. "It cut out and is just under 130 psi."

Front 21

Part 2 - What to do with Mirrors and Windshield?

Back 21

Tell the inspector, "The mirrors are clean and adjusted." "Also the glass is clean and not damaged."

Front 22

Part 2 - What to do with Emergency Equipment?

Back 22

I need to have these and show them to the inspector. "My spare electrical fuses are here, my three red reflective triangles are located here, my fire extinguisher is charged and located right here."

Front 23

Part 2 - What to do with Optional Emergency Equipment?

Back 23

Tell the inspector. "We don't have tire changing equipment on this vehicle, we call our yard and they send a service technician. These are the phone numbers for the service tech, emergency, emergency spills, my boss, accident etc. And this is my collision reporting packet and camera."

Front 24

Part 2 - What to do with the steering wheel?

Back 24

Tell the inspector. "The steering wheel isn't to loose nor sticking. It's at a good position for me to drive."

Front 25

Part 2 - What to do with the steering play?

Back 25

Tell the inspector. "This truck has power steering." "I'm going to turn the wheel with the truck on to check for play." "The wheels are moving around here and here and that appears to be less than 2 inches of play. This is within normal limits."

Front 26

Part 2 - What to do with Wipers/Washers?

Back 26

Tell the inspector. "The wipers are secure, not damaged, and appear to be operating smoothly." "Would you like me to spray the windows?"

Front 27

Part 2 - What to do with lighting indicators?

Back 27

Tell the inspector. "I'm checking the indicators on the dash for lights. This is the left and right turn signals. This is the four way emergency flashers. This is the high beam indicator."

Front 28

Part 2 - What to do with the horn?

Back 28

Tell the inspector. "I'm going to check the horn. Press both the electric and air horn if equipped. They are in working order."

Front 29

Part 2 - What to do with the Heater/Defroster?

Back 29

Tell the inspector. "This is the heater and defroster. This is how it is used, air is coming out and appears to be working okay."

Front 30

Part 2 - What to do with the parking break check?

Back 30

Tell the inspector. "I'm going to do the parking brake check! Are you ready" Remove chocks and then PUT ON SEAT BELT! "Break is on and I am going to lightly accelerate. The truck is holding. Now I am going to check the trailer break." RELEASE THE PARKING BREAK and apply the the trailer break. Gently accelerate, it should hold.

Front 31

Part 2 - What to do with Service Brake/ABS Brake Test?

Back 31

"Would you like to see the ABS light by me turning off the engine and restarting? It is currently off and appears to be working." "I'm going to do the service break test which requires us to move forward slowly. Please have your seat belt on." Let the truck drive forward at 5 mph and hit the breaks. It shouldn't pull to one side or the other.

(? Rear ABS lights? Check)

Front 32

Part 2 - What to do with the Air Brake Check?

Back 32

Do section 5 In-Cab Air Brake checks. All marked with a * are necessary! Must pass all these tests or disqualified automatically! Remember must verbalize all of these checks!

Front 33

Part 2 - What to do with Seat Belts?

Back 33

Tell the inspector, "Let's take a quick check of the seat belts. Mine is in working order and isn't frayed in anyway. I checked yours earlier, would you like me to check it again?"

Front 34

Part 3 - Part 3 is the external inspection of the vehicle.

Back 34

Seems like more of the same.

Front 35

Part 3 - What to do with Lights/Reflectors?

Back 35

Check that all lights, reflectors and license are clean and functional! Check brake, turn signals, and 4-Ways separately. Even high and low beams.

Front 36

Part 3 - What to do with Steering Box/Hoses?

Back 36

"I'm looking at the steering box and it is secure and not leaking. There are no missing bolts or cotter keys. There are no power steering fluid leaks and the hoses seem to be in good condition."

Front 37

Part 3 - What to do with the Steering Linkage?

Back 37

"These are the connecting links, arms, rods and they are in good condition. The joints and sockets appear to be in good shape with little wear. There are no missing bolts or nuts."

Front 38

Part 3 - What to do with Springs/Air/Torque?

Back 38

"There are no missing leaf springs. If 1/4 or more were missing this truck would be out of service. The springs are not distorted and in good condition. The axles appear secure and in good condition." (If there are other suspension aspects mention them)

Front 39

Part 3 - What to do with Mounts?

Back 39

"I'm looking for the mounts, bushings, U-bolts, anything on the axle mounting parts. They all look in good shape."

Front 40

Part 3 - What to do with Shock Absorbers?

Back 40

"The shock absorbers are secure and appear to have no noticeable leaks!"

Front 41

Part 3 - What to do with the Slack Adjustors/Push Rods?

Back 41

"These are the slack adjustors. On our trucks they are automatic and adjust themselves. Even so when the break is pushed the rods shouldn't move out more than 2 inches."

Front 42

Part 3 - What to do with the Brake Chambers?

Back 42

"These are the Break Chambers and appear to be in good condition. There are no dents and are mounted securely with no missing clamps."

Front 43

Part 3 - What to do with the Brake Hoses/Lines?

Back 43

"I'm looking for cracked, worn, or leaking hoses, lines, and they are mounted securely."

Front 44

Part 3 - What to do with the Brake Drums?

Back 44

"I'm looking at the Brake Drums now. There are no cracks. There are no missing bolts. There is no grease or oil on drums nor the lining. They appear in good working condition."

Front 45

Part 3 - What to do with the Brake Linings?

Back 45

"I'm looking at the Brake Linings here. They appear in good working order on this one. They are fairly thick and not worn down. Would you like me to check the others around the truck? What about the trailer?"

Front 46

Part 3 - What to do with the Rims, Rim Locks, Or Slide Rings?

Back 46

"I'm looking at the rims. They aren't bent. They are not welded anywhere. There are not rust trails. The nuts appear to be on secure (Touching them)."

Front 47

Part 3 - What to do with the Tires?

Back 47

"I'm inspecting the tires. The tread depth is a minimum of 4/32 on steering tires. And the minimum tread on other tires is 2/32. (Use tread measure to show the tread on the tires.) The tires are not worn uneven, the stems are okay and the caps are on. The PSI is (check with tire gauge)... The tires are the same size, duals aren't touching."

Front 48

Part 3 - What to do with Hub Oil Seals/Axle Seals?

Back 48

"I'm looking at the seals on the axle and the hubs at the end. These don't have gauges but physically they appear fine."

Front 49

Part 3 - What to do with Lug Nuts?

Back 49

"All the lug nuts are presents here. There are no cracks or problems with the wheel. There are no rust trails and I see no shiny threads poking out."

Front 50

Part 3 - What to do with Spacers/Budds?

Back 50

"I'm looking for the spacers between the duals. They appear to be evenly centered and there is no debris between the tires." (Note: Need to do it on every axle)

Front 51

Part 3 - What to do with Doors/Mirrors/Windows?

Back 51

"The doors open and close properly. Hinges are secure. The mirrors are clean and not damaged. The windows are clean and in good order."

Front 52

Part 3 - What to do with the Fuel Tanks?

Back 52

"I'm looking at the fuel tanks. They are secure, caps are tight, there are no leaks and the fuel caps are secure."

Front 53

Part 3 - What to do with the Drive Shaft?

Back 53

"I'm looking at the drive shaft. It isn't bent nor cracked. The couplings are secure and there is not clutter in them."

Front 54

Part 3 - What to do with the Exhaust System?

Back 54

"I'm checking the exhaust system. It doesn't appear to have any leaks. It's secure. (Even look under truck) Mention, it shouldn't be really noisy when running, it probably has a leak if that's the case."

Front 55

Part 3 - What to do with the Frame?

Back 55

"Now I'm looking at the frame itself. There are no cracks, it doesn't appear bent. There are no welds nor holes."

Front 56

Part 3 - What to do with Condition of Visible Parts?

Back 56

"Just checking the visual parts of the truck. The back of the engine isn't leaking. The transmission isn't leaking. The air lines and electrical wires are secure. There are no spare tires on our vehicles."

Front 57

Part 3 - What to do with Splash Guards?

Back 57

"The splash guards are securely equipped and not damaged. They are not hitting the ground, nor the tires."

Front 58

Part 3 - What to do with Doors/Ties/Lifts?

Back 58

"Our boom is secure. The doors are secure and locked. Our reel loader bars are secure and stowed for driving."

Front 59

Part 3 - What to do with the Trailer air/electrical connections?

Back 59

"These are electric trailers. The plug is in firmly and locked in place."

Front 60

Part 3 - What to do with the trailer landing gear and handles?

Back 60

"I'm looking at the landing gear. It is fully raised, the pin is in and the handle is secured."

Front 61

Part 3 - What to do with the trailer straps, tarps, binders, etc?

Back 61

"I'm looking at the tarp, it is secure. All straps and chains are secure or stowed. All doors are secured."

Front 62

Part 3 - What to do with the trailer frame?

Back 62

"I'm looking at the trailer frame. There are no cracks, broken welds, or any type of damage. It appears in good order.

Front 63

Part 3 - What to do with the trailer tandem release arm or locking pins?

Back 63

"I'm making sure that the trailer is secure. The chains are wrapped correctly. The break away is in place."

Front 64

Part 3 - What to do with the Remainder of the Trailer?

Back 64

"I'm looking for all the things we did on the truck here. The wheels tread depth, the suspension is in working order. The brake lights work. The splash guards are in place. The bolts on the wheels are good. The PSI on the trailer..."