Below, we present a complete pre-trip checklist with all the parts of the truck to be inspected during the test. However, it is important to point out that each truck has its own peculiarities: for example, the types of suspension and brakes may be different. Likewise, parts such as the alternator or water pump can be driven by belts or gears depending on the truck. Thus, the candidate needs to pay attention to the particularities of the truck in which they will take the test.
During the pre-trip exam, the candidate must point at or touch each part they inspect, saying its name and the condition in which it is found. To do so, the candidate must memorize certain phrases that are applicable to almost all parts and then add the adjectives that qualify that particular part.
General phrases
It is important to note that the following phrases are just examples and there are several possible variations.
PMS - properly mounted and secured (applicable to every part);
NBCD - not broken, cracked or damaged (applicable to almost every part);
NABCC - no abrasions, bulges, cuts or cracks (applicable to hoses and other parts with similar properties);
NWM - not worn or missing (applicable to bushes and other parts with similar properties);
NCCW - not cut, chafed or worn (applicable to belts and parts with similar properties).
As an example, if we are inspecting the radiator hose, we will touch or point at it, say its name (radiator hose) and use the applicable general phrases:
"The radiator hose is properly mounted and secured. It's not broken, cracked or damaged. There are no abrasions, bulges, cuts or cracks".
Now, it’s time to add the adjectives or adjective phrases which are specific to the piece or part. In this case, we must mention that the hose is not or should not be leaking and that the fittings are not loose or missing:
"The radiator hose is properly mounted and secured. It's not broken, cracked or damaged. There are no abrasions, bulges, cuts or cracks. It's not leaking. There are no loose or missing fittings".
Below, our checklist. Each piece or part will be followed by the applicable general phrases represented by initials and the specific adjectives or adjective phrases. For example, the radiator hose will appear in the checklist as follows:
Radiator hose
PMS; NBCD; NABCC. It's not leaking. There are no loose or missing fittings.
Passenger side
It is also worth mentioning that the parts which are located on the passenger side do not need to be mentioned when they are identical to those that are on the driver's side. Most of them are, in fact, identical, with the exception of some parts in the engine compartment on the passenger side.
PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST
AIR BRAKE TEST
The air brake test is arguably the most important section of the pre-trip test. Given its importance, any mistake on this section will very likely result in an automatic fail.
We should also mention that every step listed below has to be explained to the examiner beforehand or at the same time the applicant is carrying them out.
Engine safe start
Make sure the truck is in neutral;
Turn the key on, but do not start the engine yet. Make sure gauges cycle;
Wait for the ABS light to come on, and mention it to the examiner when it does;
Make sure you are in neutral again, and push the clutch in;
Start the engine;
Make sure you are in neutral again and gently let off the clutch.
Aplication brake test
Let the air pressure build-up to the governor cut off (125 to 140 p.s.i);
Shut off the engine;
Turn the key to the on or battery charge position;
Chock your wheels or simulate you are doing so by putting the truck in a low gear;
Disengage (push in) both the tractor (yellow) and trailer (red) parking brakes;
Apply the brakes for 01 minute (continuous aplication), and make sure you do not lose more than 04 p.s.i. Mention what you found to the examiner.
Low-air-warning test
Tell the examiner that you are going to perform the low-air-warning test, and that the low air warning buzzard and/or indicator light should come on before the pressure drops below 60 p.s.i.;
Fan off the brakes till the low air warning buzzard and/or indicator light comes on, and tell the examiner what you found.
Spring brake pop-out test
Tell the examiner that you will perform the spring brake pop-out test, and that you are going to fan off the brake until both buttons pop out. Mention that the tractor spring brake (yellow button) should pop out at around 20 p.s.i., and that the trailer spring brake (red button) should pop out at around 40 p.s.i., but it is possible that them both pop out at the same time;
Continue to fan off the brakes untill the buttons pop out, and tell the examiner what you found.
Tug, tug, roll test
Tractor parking brake test (tug)
Perform an engine safe start;
Build pressure to the governor cut out;
Release the trailer parking brake (push in the red button) and engage the tractor brake (pull out the yellow button);
Put the truck in a low gear;
Tug agaisnt the brakes lightly. If the truck doesn't move, it means the tractor parking brakes are working properly.
Trailer parking brake test (tug)
Release the tractor parking brake (push in the yellow button) and engage the trailer parking brake (pull out the red button);
Put the truck in a low gear;
Tug agaisnt the brakes lightly. If the truck doesn't move, it means the trailer parking brakes are working properly.
Roll test
Put the truck into third gear and release the parking brakes.
Put finger-tips (only) on the steering wheel. Release the clutch and get the truck rolling (05 mph).
Apply the brake pedal to make sure the truck stops. The steering wheel should not move.
IN CAB
MIRRORS;
PMS. NBCD. Clean, properly adjusted to the driver.
SEAT BELT;
PMS. NBCD. It's not cut, torn or frayed.
WINDSHIELD;
PMS. NBCD. Clean. There are no ilegal stickers.
WIPERS AND WASHER FLUID;
PMS. Work properly. There is fluid.
HORNS (city horn and air horn);
PMS. Working properly.
LIGHT INDICATORS (left and right turn signals; 4-way flashers, low and high beams);
PMS. Working properly.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE;
PMS. Rising to the proper level between 35-75 PSI.
WATER TEMPERATURE GAUGE;
PMS. Rising to the proper level between 180 and 200 fahrenheit.
VOLTMETER;
PMS. It should read between 12 and 14 volts.
AIR PRESSURES GAUGES (primary and secundary);
PMS. Rising to the proper level. Operating range is from 100 to 120 psi.
HEATER AND DEFROST;
PMS. It works properly.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT (03 REFLECTIVE TRIANGLES; 06 SPARE FUSES AND FIRE EXTINGUISHER).
PMS. NBCD. Fire extinguisher charged to the green.
APPROACH OVERVIEW
CLEARANCE LIGHTS;
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is amber.
HEADLIGHTS;
Low beams and high beams are PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is clear.
MARKER LIGHTS;
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is amber.
LEFT, RIGHT TURN SIGNALS AND 4-WAY FLASHERS;
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is amber.
LEANS;
There are no leans. Leans might indicate broken suspension, that the truck is parked on uneven ground, that the load has shifted or that there is a flat tire.
LEAKS;
I am looking for leaks, especially those related to oil, fuel, water coolant and power steering fluid. There are no leaks.
WINSHIELD WIPER BLADES;
PMS. NBCD. They are not dry-rotted or missing. They have the proper tension to the windshield.
FENDER MIRRORS;
PMS. NBCD. Clean, properly adjusted to the driver.
DRIVER SIDE MIRROR AND BRACKET;
PMS. NBCD. Clean, properly adjusted to the driver. There are no loose or missing fittings.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT – PASSENGER SIDE
COOLANT RESERVOIR;
PMS. NBCD. It's not leaking. Filled to the proper level between minimum and maximum.
RADIATOR HOSES (UPPER AND LOWER);
PMS. NBCD; NABCC. They are not leaking. There are no loose or missing fittings.
ALTERNATOR;
PMS. NBCD. Electrical connectors show no evidence of corrosion. It's belt-driven.
ALTERNATOR BELT;
PMS. NBCD. NCCW. When measured in the center, it doesn't have more than 3/4 inches of play.
WATER PUMP;
PMS. NBCD. It's not leaking. It's belt-driven.
WATER PUMP HOSES;
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. They are not leaking. There are no loose or missing fittings.
WATER PUMP BELT;
PMS. NBCD. NCCW. When measured in the center, it doesn't have more than 3/4 inches of play.
EXHAUST;
PMS. NBCD. There are no holes or dents. There are no leaks. I will check every 4 to 6 feet for carbon or soot trails.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT – DRIVER SIDE
ENGINE HOSES;
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. They are not leaking. There are no loose or missing fittings.
OIL DIPSTICK AND FILLER TUBE;
PMS. NBCD. They are not leaking. Oil dipstick is where and how I would check for the proper oil level between minimum and maximum. The filler tube is how and where I would add oil if needed. The filler tube has a cap with a rubber seal. It is PMS. NWM.
AIR COMPRESSOR;
PMS. NBCD. It's not leaking. It's gear-driven.
AIR COMPRESSOR HOSES;
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. They are not leaking. There are no loose or missing fittings.
POWER STEERING PUMP;
PMS. NBCD. It's not leaking. No missing hardware / no missing nuts and bolts. It's gear-driven.
POWER STEERING HOSES;
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. They are not leaking. There are no loose or missing fittings.
POWER STEERING RESERVOIR;
PMS. NBCD. It's not leaking. Filled to the proper level between minimum and maximum.
STEERING COLUMN;
PMS. NBCD. There is no excess of play.
POWER STEERING BOX;
PMS. NBCD. No missing hardware / no missing nuts and bolts.
PITMAN ARM, DRAG LINK, UPPER LOWER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM AND TIE ROD.
PMS. NBCD. No missing hardware. These parts are fastened together by castle nuts and cotter pins. The rubber bushings are not worn or missing.
FRONT SPRING HANGER;
PMS. NBCD. No missing hardware / no missing nuts and bolts. Rubber bushing is not worn or missing. Properly secured to the frame.
FRAME;
PMS. NBCD. There are no ilegal holes or welds. It is not bent or twisted.
LEAF SPRINGS;
PMS. NBCD. No leaf spring is out of alignement more than 1/4 of an inch, which would indicate a broken leaf.
02 U-BOLTS;
PMS. NBCD. They are held in place by 04 locking nuts.
SHOCK ABSORBER;
PMS. NBCD. It's not leaking. The rubber bushings at the botton and at the top are not worn or missing. It's properly secured to the frame.
REAR SPRING HANGER;
PMS. NBCD. No missing hardware / no missing nuts and bolts. Rubber bushing is not worn or missing. Properly secured to the frame.
BRAKE LINES;
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. They are not leaking. There are no loose or missing fittings.
BRAKE CHAMBER;
PMS. NBCD. There are no leaks or dents. The nuts and bolts on the clamps are PMS, they are not loose or missing.
SLACK ADJUSTER AND PUSHROD;
PMS. NBCD. When pulled by hand with the brakes released, the pushrod has no more than 01 inch of play.
BRAKE DRUM;
PMS. NBCD. There are no ilegal holes or welds. No missing hardware. No dents.
No cracks over half the width of the friction surface. It's free of contamination or debris.
BRAKE LINING OR SHOES;
PMS. NBCD. No contamination or debris. The brake lining or shoe is not worn dangerously thin.
INNER AND OUTER TIRE WALLS;
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. They are not leaking. There is no fabric showing through.
TIRE TREAD;
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. It's not leaking. There is no frabric showing through. The top of the tire is evenly worn. The tread depth is no less than 4/32 inches in any major groove. The tire is the same size and type accross the axle.
RIMS;
PMS. NBCD. There are no ilegal holes or welds. There is no sign of distortion. It is not bent. There are no rust trails indicating the wheel is loose on the wheel.
LUG NUTS;
PMS. NBCD. All are tight and present. No presence of (ddmrs) distortion, discoloration, metal shavings, rust trails or shiny threads.
VALVE STEM;
PMS. NBCD. The valve stem has a dust cover. It's where I would check for the proper tire inflation with a tire gauge.
WHEEL SEAL.
PMS. NBCD. It's not leaking. If the wheel seal has a sight glass, I would check if the oil is at the proper level.
SIDE OF THE TRACTOR
SIDE LIGHT;
Turn signal, 4-way flasher, marker light. PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is amber.
DRIVER DOOR;
PMS. NBCD. The hinges support the weight of the door. The windows and inside / outside handles/latches work properly. The rubber seal is not worn or missing.
DOT REFLECTOR;
PMS. NBCD. It is clean. Proper color is red.
FUEL TANKS;
PMS. NBCD. They are not leaking. They are held in place by static straps. The cap is PMS and it has a rubber seal, which is not worn or missing. There is also a safety chain, which is PMS.
FUEL LINES;
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. They are not leaking. There are no loose or missing fittings.
REAR OF THE TRACTOR
REFLECTOR TAPE ON TOP (04 STRIPS);
04 reflective strips. They are PMS. NBCD. Proper color is clear.
UTILITY LIGHT;
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is clear.
AIRLINES;
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. They are not leaking. They connect to the trailer - blue to blue and red to red - through the glad hands. The glad hands are PMS. They are not leaking. They have a rubber seal. the rubber seal is not worn or missing. The airlines are not pinched,tangled or dragging against any tractor parts.
PIGTAILS;
PMS. NBCD. NCCW. The connectors are free of debris. They have no missing pins and show no evidence of corrosion. They are held in place at both the tractor and trailer ends by safety latches. The pigtails are not pinched,tangled or dragging against any tractor parts.
CATWALK AND STEPS;
PMS. NBCD. Free of debris.
DRIVESHAFT AND U-JOINTS;
PMS. NBCD. Free of debris. They are not bent or twisted.
FRAME AND CROSSMEMBER;
PMS. NBCD. There are no ilegal holes or welds. They are not bent or twisted.
SPLASH GUARD;
PMS. Not cut or torn. It has the proper clearance from the tires and ground.
FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY:
AIR LINE (TO SLIDING FITH WHEEL);
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. It's not leaking. No loose or missing fittings.
APRON;
PMS. NBCD. It's not bent.
KINGPIN;
PMS. NBCD. It's not bent.
FIFTH WHEEL SKID PLATE;
PMS. NBCD. No missing hardware / no missing pins, nuts or bolts. It's properly lubricated.
GAP
There is no visible light or gap between the apron and the skid plate.
PLATFORM;
PMS. NBCD. No missing hardware.
RELEASE ARM;
PMS. NBCD. It's in the locked position with the safefy latch in place.
SLIDING FIFTH WHEEL LOCKING PINS;
PMS. NBCD. No hardware missing. They are in the locked position.
MOUNTING BOLTS;
PMS. NBCD. All are tight and present. No missing hardware.
LOCKING JAWS;
PMS. NBCD. They are wrapped around the shank of the kingpin.
FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY CLEARANCE;
The fifth wheel assembly is positioned in such a way that the frame of the tractor will clear the landing gear during turns.
MUD FLAPS;
PMS. Not cut or torn. It has the proper clearance from the tires and ground.
TAIL LIGHTS (MARKER LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, 4-WAY FLASHERS AND BRAKE LIGHTS);
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is red.
BACKING LIGHTS;
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is clear.
REFLECTORS
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is red and clear.
AXLE #2
BRAKE LINES;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
BRAKE CHAMBER;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
SLACK ADJUSTOR AND PUSHROD;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
BRAKE DRUMS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
BRAKE LINING OR SHOES;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
TORQUE SPRING HANGER;
PMS. NBCD. No missing hardware / no missing nuts and bolts. Rubber bushing is not worn or missing. Properly secured to the frame.
TORQUE SPRING;
PMS. NBCD. No missing hardware.
02 U-BOLTS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
SHOCK ABSORBER;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
UPPER AND LOWER AIR BAG MOUNTS (REAR SPRING HANGER);
PMS. NBCD. No missing hardware.
AIR BAG;
PMS. NBCD. NABCC. It is not leaking.
INNER AND OUTER TIRER WALLS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
TIRE TREAD;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
VALLEY (SPACE BETWEEN TIRES);
PMS. NBCD. There is no debris or chunks of rubber missing.
RIMS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
LUGNUTS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
VALVE STEM;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
WHEEL SEAL
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
AXLE #3
Same as Axle #2.
FRONT OF THE TRAILER
CLEARANCE LIGHTS;
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is amber.
BULKHEAD;
PMS. NBCD. There are no holes or missing rivets. The bulkhead is strong enough to hold the load if it shifts during a sudden stop.
SIDE OF TRAILER
SIDE OF TRAILER;
PMS. NBCD. There are no holes or missing rivets. DOT tape
DOT TAPE;
PMS. NBCD. It should cover 80% of the trailer lenght. the proper color is red and clear.
LANDING GEAR;
PMS. NBCD. It should be in the raise position. There is no missing hardware. The crank handles is PMS and in the stowed position.
FRAME OF THE TRAILER;
PMS. NBCD. I will check every 4 to 6 ft for ilegal holes, welds and missing crossing members.
TRAILER SIDE LIGHT (MARKER LIGHT, LEFT TURN SIGNAL, 4-WAY FLASHER);
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is amber.
SLIDING TANDEMS;
PMS. NBCD. The locking pins are in the locked position. The release handle is in the locked position.
ABS LIGHT;
PMS. NBCD. Proper color is amber.
REAR SIDE MARKER LIGHT.
PMS. NBCD. Proper color is red. It indicates the end of the trailer.
AXLE #4
BRAKE LINES;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
BRAKE CHAMBER;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
SLACK ADJUSTOR AND PUSHROD;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
BRAKE DRUMS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
BRAKE LINING OR SHOES;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
FRONT SPRING HANGER;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
TORQUE ROD AND BAR;
PMS. NBCD. The torque rod is round and it's on the driver's side. The torque bar is square and it is on the passegener's side.
LEAF SPRINGS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
02 U-BOLTS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
REAR SPRING HANGER (BUT FRONT HANGER FOR AXLE #5);
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
INNER AND OUTER TIRE WALLS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
TIRE TREAD;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
VALLEY (SPACE BETWEEN THE TIRES);
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
RIMS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
LUG NUTS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
VALVE STEM;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
WHEEL SEAL.
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
AXLE #5
Same as Axle #4
REAR OF TRAILER
MUD FLAPS;
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
REFLECTOR TAPE ON TOP (04 STRIPS);
Same description of the previous item with the same name.
CLEARANCE LIGHTS;
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is red.
TRAILER DOORS;
PMS. NBCD. The hinges support the weight of the doors. The latches are PMS. NBCD. They work properly. The doors have a rubber seal. It is not worn or missing.
DOT REFLECTIVE TAPE BOTTOM OF DOORS;
PMS. NBCD. It covers 100% of the trailer doors. The proper color is red and clear.
TAIL LIGHTS (turn signals, marker lights, 4-way flashers, brake lights);
PMS. NBCD. Clean. Proper color is red.
BUMPER;
PMS. NBCD.
DOT REFLECTIVE TAPE ON BUMPER;
PMS. NBCD. It covers 100% of the bumper. The proper color is red and clear.
ASK EXAMINER TO CHECK LIGHTS ON THE TRACTOR AND TRAILER: clearance lights, marker lights, headlights, turn signals, 4-way flashers and brake lights.
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