01INSPECTION ZONE
Engine Compartment
Start under the hood and follow the same sequence every time.
- Oil, coolant and power-steering fluid
- Belts and hoses
- Leaks and loose wiring
- Steering components
- Air compressor and water pump
CDL PRE-TRIP INSPECTION TRAINING
Inspect With a System. Test With Confidence.
Learn a repeatable commercial-vehicle inspection routine, understand what the examiner expects, and prepare to explain every safety-critical component clearly.
YOUR INSPECTION ROUTE
Follow the truck—not a random checklist.
The strongest pre-trip routine is physical and repeatable. Start at the same point, move in the same direction, and group related components together. This reduces missed items and helps you stay composed during the CDL skills test.
02INSPECTION ZONE
Front & Driver Side
Move systematically from the front of the vehicle toward the rear.
- Lights and reflectors
- Windshield, mirrors and wipers
- Steering axle, suspension and brakes
- Wheels, rims, lug nuts and tires
- Fuel tank, steps and frame
03INSPECTION ZONE
Coupling System
Confirm that the tractor and trailer are connected securely.
- Air and electrical lines
- Fifth wheel and mounting platform
- Locking jaws and kingpin
- Release arm and safety latch
- Sliding fifth-wheel pins
04INSPECTION ZONE
Trailer & Rear
Continue down the trailer and finish at the doors and rear lights.
- Landing gear and frame
- Tandem release and locking pins
- Trailer suspension and brakes
- Tires, wheels and mudflaps
- Doors, hinges, lights and reflectors
05INSPECTION ZONE
In-Cab Inspection
Verify controls, safety equipment and visibility before starting.
- Seat belt and mirrors
- Gauges and warning lights
- Horn, heater and defroster
- Emergency equipment
- Safe-start procedure
06INSPECTION ZONE
Air-Brake Tests
Perform each test in the correct order and state the result clearly.
- Air-pressure build-up
- Governor cut-out and cut-in
- Applied-pressure leakage
- Low-air warning
- Spring-brake pop-out and service-brake test
AIR-BRAKE TEST
Know the sequence before test day.
The air-brake portion must be performed carefully and in the correct order. Train in the same vehicle you expect to test in whenever possible, because procedures and acceptable readings should match the vehicle and current testing standards.
Practice With an Instructor- Build pressureStart with a fully charged system and verify normal operating range.
- Check leakageApply the brakes and confirm pressure loss remains within the permitted limit.
- Test warningsFan the brakes and confirm the low-air warning activates.
- Verify spring brakesContinue reducing pressure and confirm the parking valves pop out.
- Test service brakeMove forward slowly and apply the service brake to confirm the vehicle stops straight.
TEST-DAY READINESS
Common mistakes—and how to avoid them
Skipping a routine
Use the same walk-around path during every practice session.
Naming without explaining
Say what you inspect and the unsafe condition you are checking for.
Missing the brake sequence
Memorize the order and know the acceptable readings for your vehicle.
Rushing the inspection
Point to or touch each component and speak loudly enough for the examiner.
TRAIN ON REAL EQUIPMENT
Turn the checklist into muscle memory.
Practice the full inspection with an experienced Patriot CDL instructor in Levittown, PA.