How to Pass the CDL Test Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection?

If you are a beginner driver, passing the CDL test vehicle pre-trip inspection involves many steps. There is a lot you’ll need to check, familiarize, and do before you’re ready. This test is a requirement for truck drivers for quality inspection every time before hitting the road. 

To pass the CDL Test Vehicle Pre-trip Inspection, you need to study and memorize all items tested. You may try learning from watching various videos. Also, there’s nothing better than having your checklist of steps. 

For starters, the CDL Test Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection is a verbal test that mimics the exact evaluation every truck driver is required to make of their vehicle before a trip. During the test, the driver will need to check or provide varying details on each section’s vehicle’s condition. 

How Do You Do a Good CDL Pre-Trip Inspection? 

You can do a good CDL pre-trip inspection through practice. By repeating the test daily, you can memorize each step. However, if you are starting your truck driving career, the best option is to have your checklist of each step you’ll need to learn.

Create a checklist, or a systematic procedure, that you can familiarize yourself with and follow. If you are comfortable starting the engine, you make that the first step on your list. 

The CDL pre-trip inspection does not have a step-by-step process, so you can start wherever you feel most comfortable and leave the remaining technical stuff in the end. 

Make sure that you cover everything. You can start by analyzing your truck first then proceed with creating your checklist.

What Is Normal to Find in Completing a Pre-Trip Inspection?

Normally, you may find yourself doing thorough safety inspections in completing a pre-trip inspection. And once you have your checklist ready, now it’s time for the hard part. 

Every vehicle has dozens of parts that need to be checked. There’s a lot you need to remember. 

If you’re not feeling that confident about your checklist, here are the general areas that you should look through: 

For more detailed information about the truck parts above, you can check here. 

If you’re certain that you have your whole checklist ready, what are the next steps? 

How Do You Pass a CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Like a Pro

Here is some additional information that may help in completing the CDL pre-trip inspection. 

1. Keep Records

This pro tip is the perfect way to avoid getting fines. like your driver’s license, CDL records are subject to random checks. There are some instances that you may experience being inspected at the warehouse or weigh station or being pulled over for some unknown reason. 

Having complete documents, not CDL records, can save you. It’s important to carry them with you. For these events, saying “I’m not informed” or “I didn’t know” can help. It’s better to be ready and stay calm. 

So what are examples of penalties or charges that you can encounter during a random inspection? 

First, you can get a fine. These are unavoidable if you’re found to violate any rules. 

Second, your truck can be ordered to be towed and repaired in some instances. This can cause the discontinuation of your transfer. 

Worst case scenario is that your vehicle can be placed out of service and taken from you, which is unlikely but still possible. 

So it's best to carry your record with you at all times. Think of it as your shield against negative outcomes. Keep your records organized and keep your truck tidy. Make sure to sound confident but not defensive when answering any inspectors’ questions. 

2. Fix What Needs to be Fixed

Yes, it can feel irritating to have to fix any issues with your truck right away. You have to schedule a time for the repairs, lose time at work, and many other reasons. 

However, there are moments when a small problem can turn into a huge expense, even with that said. For example, a small windshield crack can turn into a large crack and shatter. 

Even running over a bump or pothole can affect the windshield once it has a crack in it. It seems like a small problem, but it’s better to deal with it before it gets worse. 

That is why the CDL pre-trip inspection exists: it can help you avoid accidents. Document when every part of your truck will need to be serviced or replaced. Also, record any issues you’ve faced with your truck. This way, you can track the lifespan of the part and set dates for repairs and replacements. 

3. Don’t Delay Repairs

Since you know the importance of keeping your truck in great shape, repairs and replacements should be your priority. While some parts can last a long time without requiring repair, check and track the durability of each part, especially complicated parts like the engine. 

You can schedule weekly or monthly maintenance depending on your preference and availability. It’s better to be safe than risking your vehicle. 

Remember that you can avoid accidents by making regular safety checks from small checkups like oil, wheel, fluids to air filters, batteries, and so on. Always take note that it is important to drive with peace of mind, especially with your truck. 

4. Be Updated With FMCSA

If you are familiar with the FMCSA manual and have studied it for the last few years, there are some updated regulations from FMCSA. There are regulations related to CDL pre-trip vehicle inspection from FMCSA that can help you with the information you need to keep in mind. Check for the latest news and updates. These can benefit you by keeping you on your feet in uncertain situations. 

This can help you avoid getting a fine or even non-compliance tickets in the middle of your trip. 

You can check here for updates with FMCSA Regulations. 

5. Download Trucker Daily on Your Phone Now!

From CDL pre-trip inspection tips to regular news updates, Trucker Daily is here to provide updated information about trucking and road rules. You can download our app on your mobile devices so you can get notified of important news anytime. 

We also have our website to help beginner truck drivers and even experienced ones be well equipped and stay updated with what is needed. Go to further locations, check for the hottest spots, and boost your productivity with learning topics that can help your load and career.

You can go here to download our app to your phone now.

While it may be daunting to pass the CDL Test Vehicle Pre-trip Inspection, it will be worth it. You can be provided with several benefits, and I can attest to this for working in the trucking industry for over 15 years.