CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Use the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist to comply with the commercial driverâ€™s license requirements before a trip by inspecting the trailer, wheels, etc.

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Transport & Automotive
CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Front Of The Truck

Engine Compartment

Front Of The Truck/Tractor

Brakes

Wheels/Tires

Rear Of Truck

Coupling Area

Trailer

Truck Exterior

Cab Check

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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Use the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist to comply with the commercial driverâ€™s license requirements before a trip by inspecting the trailer, wheels, etc.

1. Are the lights clean, securely mounted, the right color, and working?

2. Is the truck not leaning?

3. Are there no leaks under the engine compartment?

1. Are the critical fluid levels, including power steering, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and engine oil checked?

2. Are the reservoirs, tanks, and hoses inspected for leaks, splits, or cuts?

3. Are the hoses for the water pump, coolant, oil, and power steering properly connected and securely mounted?

4. Is the air compressor well secured?

5. Are the belts on the alternator, pumps, and compressor inspected to ensure they are secure with no more than 1/2″ to 3/4″ of play and no cuts or splits?

1. Is the steering shaft and gearbox properly mounted to the frame with no cracks or breaks?

2. Are the gearbox hoses checked for leaks?

3. Is there no excessive play in the steering belt, and are the connections secure?

4. Are the connections and potential leaks on the pitman's arm, drag link, upper/lower control arms, and tie rod checked?

5. Are the spring mounts, leaf springs, and U-bolts not cracked or broken and securely mounted?

6. Is the shock absorber inspected for cracks or breaks, visible leaks, and dry rot in the rubber bushings?

7. Is the rubber of the airbag checked?

1. Are the hose, chamber, drum, pads, and slack adjuster securely mounted with no leaks?

2. Are there no breaks, splits, or cuts in the brake components?

3. Does the slack adjuster push rod have no more than 1″ of play and is it at a 90° angle to the brake chamber?

4. Is the brake drum free of bluing from excessive heat?

5. Do the brake pads have a minimum thickness of 1/4”?

1. Are the tires free of cuts, bulges, and abrasions?

2. Are the tire tread depth and inflation levels confirmed?

3. Are all lug nuts accounted for and in good condition?

4. Is the valve stem properly secured and capped?

5. Are there no unauthorized or illegal welds on the wheel rims?

6. Are the tires properly spaced if the tractor/trailer has duals?

7. Is the hub seal/axle seal not loose and free of visible leaks?

1. Is the frame free of any breaks?

2. Are there no unauthorized welds on the frame?

3. Are the catwalk and steps properly mounted and kept clear?

4. Is the drive shaft free of debris with unbroken and untwisted U-joints?

5. Is the exhaust system secure and free of exterior soot indicating a leak?

6. Are the mudflaps secured at the right height?

1. Are the fifth wheel platform, apron, and kingpin secure, not cracked, bent, or broken, and free of unauthorized or illegal welds?

2. Is the skid plate properly greased?

3. Are the release arm, locking jaw, and slide locking pin fully locked?

4. Are the mounting bolts tight with none missing?

5. Are the glad hand's seals in good condition with no signs of rot or leaks?

6. Are the electric lines secured with safety latches in place?

7. Is the air connector secure on both ends without cuts or abrasions?

1. Are there no holes in the trailer’s front, sides, or floor and are all rivets present?

2. Is the DOT tape properly secured and not dirty?

3. Is all hardware present on an untwisted, unbroken frame and are cross members securely mounted with none missing?

4. Are the lights clean, working, and not loose?

5. Is the landing gear raised, securely mounted, with an operational handle?

6. Are the airlines securely mounted, above ground, with no audible leaks?

7. Are the tandem slide and release arms properly mounted and locked?

1. Are the truck steps mounted and secure?

2. Is the fuel cap tight and the tank not leaking?

3. Do the doors latch properly with hinges intact?

4. Are the mirrors unbroken and securely attached?

5. Are all the lights and reflectors working, including running lights, high beams/low beams, turn signals, hazards, brake lights, license plate lights, and reflector tapes?

6. If driving a hazardous load, are the proper hazmat placards securely affixed?

1. Does the seat belt adjust and latch properly with no rips or frays?

2. Is the shifting distance adequate with room for the clutch and is the parking brake on?

3. Is the steering wheel secure and the foot pedals clear of obstruction?

4. When the vehicle is on, does the ABS light come on and then go off?

5. Are the windshield wipers, heat and defrost gauges, and horns working?

6. After pumping the brake pedal several times, does applying pressure and holding for five seconds ensure the pedal does not move?

7. For air brakes, are applied pressure, warning lights and buzzers, and valve pop-out all working?

8. Are there three reflective triangles, spare fuses or circuit breakers, and a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher with its pin in place?