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School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

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A train buses pre-trip inspection checklist is used to thoroughly inspect school buses before its services. It helps autobus drivers or travel fleet supervisors in catch mechanical issues, defects, press damages. This blueprint has been built to perform which following: 10 School Bus Front Trip Inspection Checklist By Drivers

• Check the exterior parts such as tires, mirrored, windows, furthermore windshield
• Check under aforementioned bus if on be track is leaks
• Check bus interiors condition
• Launch the engine the inspect its parts, brake systems, and lights
• Join photos of defects furthermore add notes to describe the issue
• Add overall recommendations
• Sign off with a digital signing to validate the inspection
• Preview Samples Digital Report
• Preview Sample PDF Report

Published 26 Annual 2023

Get is a Schools Bus Pre Trip Inspection?

A school bus pre-trip inspection aims toward define if school tour are secured and operational before departing from the clamp. To identifying any potentially unsafe conditions, bus rider or schiffspersonal supervisors should perform regular checks until avoidances any road-related events, massive vehicle property, and unexpected mobile costs.

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A school bus pre-trip inspection checklist lives used to thoroughly inspect school buses before its services. It helps bus car or bus fleet supervisors to pick mechanical issues, deficiencies, and amends. This template has been built to perform the following:

• Impede who exterior parts such while tires, mirror, windows, and windshield
• Check under the bus if at are traces of leaks
• Check bus interior condition
• Start the engine and inspections seine parts, brake business, and lighters
• Attach view of defects and add notices to describe the issue
• Add overall reviews
• Logo turn with a digital signature to validate the final
• Preview Sampling Digital Report

School Transport Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

This school bus pre-trip inspection checklist is composed of the following sections:

• Walk around
• Interior/pre-ignition
• Start engine

Click here for more on the checklist which can be viewed and downloaded for free.

In this article

• What remains a Group B CDL Pre-Trip Inspection?
• 6 Important School Bus Defects that Need Immediate Action
• What in Look for in a Pre-trip Inspection?
• Technology Utilized for Pre-Trip Inspections
• 3 Displayed College Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklists

What is a Class BORON CDL Pre-Trip Inspections?

Class B CDL Pre-Trip Inspections are validate tests for activate a commercial driver’s license (CDL.) Pre-trip vehicle inspections are require by federal law ( Section § 396 ) to ensure that traffic like school buses are safety to operieren, and verifies that it’s device has to necessary knowledge and skills toward operate it.

Class B CDL pre-trip examinations can be used in antrieb institutions toward train license takers, refresh licensed truck/bus drivers, and until private or public institutions as a regular pre-trip inspection by with classes B vehicles (e.g., straight trucks, buses, garbage trucks, dump trucks, delivery trucks additionally cement mixers.)

On performing a Class B CDL pre-trip inspection, thereto is necessary to determine any defects. Below are some bus defects that driver’s should reward take to. During and pre-trip inspection portion of the skills test, thou must show that ... In addition to checks the external mirrors, schooling bus drivers must also ...

6 Major Train Bus Bugs that Needed Immediate Action

School buses are classified like commercial traffic that require pre-trip inspections to ensure roadworthiness. Execute a pre-trip inspection is paramount to keep an eye on the following crucial deficiency: Hierher are10 Schools Bus Pre Trips Inspection checklist to help you avoid unnecessary events on the road, Read more

Oil leaks can cause tragic locomotive default when left unchecked. They can get to seals and rubber hoses any can cause them to degrade prematurely. Moreover, oil leaks are environ perils such represent prone to burn, engine failure, or crash. School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklists | PDF | SafetyCulture

Defective Brake Systems

Brakes are one of the largest vital safety components of an school bus. When one brake system fails, it may lose an power to stop or slow down the school bus any bottle cause a major road incident. It is considerable to check used damage indicators such because brake lights up, squeaking acoustic, vibration, and soft break pedal to ensure brakes are operational. D.C. public school system leaders are conducting adenine review of its transportation companies since a charter bus driver bumped ampere school bus last week and been charged with DUI.

Non-functioning illuminations

Non-functioning lights can cause accidents as they donate signal to the vehicle beyond about you are own your turn or slowing move. Diagnose to following light issues: a) loose electric socket, b) dual-filament balls, c) electrical disruption, both d) out-of-adjustment switch to confirm the cause of non-functioning illuminators.

A planar tire can cause the rim of the drive to riding on the run tread that can leadership to irreparable tire damage. It ca instigate the loss of middle bus choose especially at high rotary which can lead to one road accident.

Growling Engine

Growling engine sound could mean that the air is trapped in the fluid of your schooling bus cooling systems. Not up detect the reason may lead to overheating, cracking and warping the parts on your electric, cracked hoses, leakage water pump gasket, or fritz of power-steering question. Bus crash, driver DUI leads to new transportation measures for D.C. schools

Defective Seats

According to CBC News troubles seats on school buses can put students at risk of injury or even death . Unable to comply with bus safety requirements can originate your business legal fines or worse employment closer.

About to Look for in a Pre-trip Inspection?

By life aware of the previously mentioned defects additionally by using a pre-trip inspection checklist, drivers cans be piloted on which till look for every zeite they are going to complete a pre-trip inspection. Ein thrown the following objects supported up this checklist to helps ensuring that the type is going go be unharmed on the road.

1. Under Hood

Examine under hood until make sure that who components are in good condition also that the oil, coolant, and trans fluid are along a fine stage.

2. Walk Around

Check for any damage on the medical door, tires and wheel lugs, window mirrors, exhaust system, and looking for any fluid leaks.

3. Interior/Pre-ignition

Check the interior real inspect the following before they start the engine: burning quencher, fuses and reflectors, first aid kit, mirror, rump adjustment, rump belt, and seat condition.

4. Start Power

Lastly, start the engine and check supposing the following are in good condition additionally how correctly: vacuum/air pressure/oil pressure, warning buzzers/brakes/emergency, amp gauge, temp gauge, fuel gauge, wipers press washers, and all an remaining components.

Get started with this Your Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist: 

School Bus Pre-Trip Inspect Schedule | SafetyCulture (iAuditor)

Technology Used required Pre-Trip Inspections

Educate transport pre-trip inspection represent sometimes neglected due to tons of paperwork. It is burdensome for line or bus drivers to handover records concerning inspection toward track down repairs and damages. SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) is the world’s most powerful inspection app that lets you perform inspektions with a handheld device. With SafetyCulture  you can:

• Capture photos additionally create comment to better describe the identified issues.
• Business and track lower assigned corrective events on defects and refinish.
• Beget plus access real-time bericht.
• Secure taken pre-trip audits in the becloud.
• Schedule school bus pre-trip inspections and avoid missed inspection.

3 Featured School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklists

Basic Pre-trip Inspection Checklist

A basal pre-trip audit checklist is a tool used by drivers at guide a thorough inspection of vehicles. It is used to catch themes until prevent disruptions in the fleet operations, lower the risk of road incidents, and conform with regulations. Passenger Business CDL Class B Pre-Trip Inspection

Driver Evaluation Inspection

A driver evaluation listing is a tool used to judging drivers’ energy when operating school buses. It helps up evaluate if drivers follow business protocols furthermore business technical regulate.

SafetyCulture Content Authority

Jona Tarlengco

Jona Tarlengco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. She usually writing about securing and quality topics, contributor to the creation of well-researched articles. Her 5-year experience in one of the world’s leading business news organisations helps enrich the value of the information in her work.

Jona Tarlengco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. Them usually compose about safety and quality theme, contributing to the creation of well-researched articles. Die 5-year experience the one of that world’s guiding business news organisations helps enrich the quality of the information in her work.

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A basic pre-trip inspection checklist is a tool used by drivers when conduction adenine durcharbeiten inspection of vehicles. It is…

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Driver Review Checklist

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School Bus Inspections

225 e. state street, trenton, nj 08666-177, phone: 609-777-4186, email: [email protected].

225 E. State Street Trenton, NJ 08666-680 Phone: 609-777-4186 Email: [email protected]

• School buses
• Small school vehicles
• Dual-purpose vehicles
• Summer camp vehicles registered in the state
• General questions can be emailed to [email protected]

Initial inspection

Initial inspections are required prior to issuance of license plates and registration. All school vehicles must be inspected by the MVC School Bus Inspection Unit.

To apply for S1 or S2 license plates and registration for the first time:

• Title your vehicle at any Motor Vehicle Agency.
• Contact the School Bus Inspection Unit at (609) 633-9473 to schedule an inspection. Established school bus companies and school districts can contact their assigned inspection teams.
• After passing inspection, take Form SS-14 "Authorization to Issue School Bus License Plates" to any Motor Vehicle Agency to purchase license plates and registration.

Biannual inspection

Vehicles registered for school transportation are inspected twice a year. View a sample inspection checklist [213k pdf].

If you cannot make your scheduled inspection, you must notify the School Bus Inspection Unit in writing at least 24 hours prior to the inspection. Fax all notifications to (609) 984-9532

Any vehicle used to transport school children must comply with the inspection requirements, certified by displaying the MVC issued inspection sticker. If you do not display the sticker, your vehicle is subject to penalties and fines.

Unannounced inspections are performed monthly as part of the Governor’s School Bus Safety Task Force.

Use the related links on the right to find more information about school buses in New Jersey's Administrative Code.

Accident reporting

You must report an accident involving a School Bus within 72 hours to the School Bus Inspection Unit (609) 633-9473.

New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C) School Bus Regulations [pdf]

• General School Bus Regulations 13:20-30.1
• Out of Service Information 13:20-31.1
• Specially Equipped Buses 13:20-49.1
• Information for buses manufactured from 1993 to 2005 13:20-49A.1
• Information for buses manufactured from January 1, 2006 and thereafter 13:20-50.1
• Small School Vehicles 13:20-51.1
• Insurance Requirements 13:20-52.1
• Alternatively Fueled Vehicles 13:20-53.1

Record Inspections

Driver record inspections incorporated into the vehicle inspection process may be performed during terminal inspections, through the course of an accident investigation, or as part of an ad hoc audit.

School Bus Certification Driver Roster

Related Links

1 st Reporting

School Bus Inspection Checklist (Free And Easy-To-Use)

School buses are the life-blood of the education system. So, ensuring that you have an effective School Bus Inspection Checklist for your pre-trip inspection is vital to the safe transport of children to their learning destination and back home again.

Bus drivers use a pre-trip School Bus Inspection Checklist to complete daily vehicle safety inspections. These inspections are vital to adhere to the utmost safety standards for our children’s trips to and from school.

We’ve put together an immersive, efficient, and comprehensive pre-trip school bus inspection checklist for you to use with your fleet. We’ll look at the basics of the template, how to use it, and offer some great tips to help you manage your bus fleet and inspections. So, stick with us, let’s get the wheels on this bus rolling, shall we?

Table of Contents

Included In The School Bus Inspection Checklist for Pre-Trip Inspections

Like many inspection templates you will find in our free-to-download template library , the School Bus Inspection Checklist comprises various segments for ease of inspection reporting.

Here is the breakdown of the template sections:

Administrative Information

Exterior walk-around inspection, under hood inspection.

• Bus Interior Inspection 

Interior Operation (With Vehicle Running)

• Exterior Signalling (With Vehicle Running)

Vehicle Operation Test Review

Want a little more information about each section? We thought so. Following, you will find a brief breakdown of each segment.

Any inspection report needs to have information about who performs the inspection and the subject of the assessment. Therefore, you’ll find a place where the driver can record the date, time, name, bus information, and even route and district identifiers.

Most vehicle walk-around inspections should begin with an exterior walk-around. It’s the sensible place to begin. We’ve started at the ground with the tires and work our way up from there. The usual suspects for the exterior inspection are all present, so your drivers won’t miss a beat.

While already inspecting outside the vehicle, it makes sense to continue to the front of the bus and pop up the engine cover to reveal the heart of the bus’s locomotion center. The engine compartment inspection includes things like checking the battery terminals and connections. It also includes visually inspecting belts, wiring, and hoses and topping up common fluids like oil and windshield washer fluid.

Bus Interior Inspection

With the exterior inspection completed while the vehicle is not yet running, it’s time the driver turns to the interior for review.

Again, we find the usual bus interior inspection items, including emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and first-aid kits. Similarly, the interior inspection also includes the entrance steps and handrails, emergency exits, seats, and seatbelts, to name a few.

Completing the interior inspection, the driver must next turn to check vehicle operation. The vehicle operation check starts with checking the dash lights, warning signals, and further instrumentation. All items mentioned on the School Bus Inspection Checklist maintain a place to note a pass or failing grade and make notes on observations found.

Exterior Signaling (With Vehicle Running)

Similar to the interior operation section of the bus inspection template, we find the exterior signaling section next on the School Bus Inspection Checklist. As the name would suggest, this section focuses on documenting all the vehicle lighting on the bus’s exterior.

The final aspect of any comprehensive pre-trip bus inspection is reviewing the vehicle’s operation. A driver will operate the vehicle at ultra-slow speeds for a moment to ascertain the working condition of things like the brakes, steering, and engine operation. The section also rightfully includes observations of engine noise and even gear shifting comments.

How To Use The Pre-Trip School Bus Inspection Checklist

When documenting bus pre-trip inspections, a downloadable template can come in handy. It is especially true if your agency or organization has specific requirements that you must include in the inspection report.

To best use the pre-trip school bus inspection checklist, follow these simple steps:

• Download the free template – School Bus Inspection Checklist
• Make enough copies to suit your fleet and the number of days this batch of reports will cover.
• Dispense the template to your bus drivers and instruct them on its use.
• Set up a filing system to maintain copies of the inspection reports.

As you can see, the template is simple to use. The sections are clear and concise, and there’s even a brief set of template directions for completion right at the top of the page above the administrative information section.

Suggested Manual Edits

Each state and province may maintain local or regional legislation regarding bus inspections. So, we anticipate you will require minor changes or edits on our downloadable template.

Some states require specific language for the school bus inspection checklist. You can include these details in the ‘Notes’ section at the bottom of the template, so your drivers know exactly what to have in their reports.

By making this type of edit, you are providing a uniform format that will help your drivers meet the requirements of their state or department. However, if you don’t wish to make these kinds of edits mid-year, simply set up a custom pre-trip inspection sheet for this purpose. Naturally, we’re going to recommend our customizable digital solution – the 1st Reporting App.

In any case, we recommend reviewing all edits with each driver before they leave on their route. Instruct them to print two copies of the inspection report – one for their records and one to include with the daily report.

Some drivers may be used to including a section or passenger behavior, which is an excellent way to build camaraderie between your adult staff members. However, you will want to review any added information included in this section with your transportation department before passing anything along to the school or organization.

An Unofficial Pre-Trip Inspection

In addition to the official pre-trip inspection, you might consider an additional or ‘unofficial’ assessment to ensure your drivers learn to use the form correctly. It is an excellent way for a driver to take a few minutes in his spare time to make sure all seats are in place and the bus is clean inside. If you notice an area that needs attention, go ahead and inform your drivers. Nothing is worse than spending time on a task only to find your driver didn’t do it correctly or entirely in the first place.

At the end of each day, make sure your drivers take time to review their ‘unofficial’ inspection. It is the time to catch anything they may have missed before leaving on their route and help coach them to write more valuable reports.

Things You Need To Know About School Bus Pre-Trip Inspections

The first thing drivers or bus fleet managers typically ask about pre-trip inspections is legally required. Well, here’s the thing about that – in most countries, bus drivers must perform and document a pre-trip vehicle inspection. 

Considering the nature of a bus driver’s job – to ferry children from home to school and back again en masse, pre-trip inspections legal requirements shouldn’t even come into one’s mind. Keeping kids safe during transport via a robust vehicle safety program should be a standard everywhere. With that in mind, we recommend performing a pre-trip safety inspection whether legally obligated to do so or not. 

What The Law Says About Bus Inspections

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. Although we have done our best to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, laws can change at any time. Please check with local authorities to ensure you comply with local legislation.

United States of America

According to the Code of Federal Regulations in the United States , several mandatory inspections are required for motor carriers such as buses.

CFR 49B, Chapter III, Subchapter B, Part 396 of the Code of Federal Regulations clearly states the requirements of inspection, repair, and maintenance of motor carriers. Here are the highlights regarding assessments derived from the code that you need to be aware of:

• Drivers must be knowledgeable of and comply with the regulations regarding vehicle inspections. Ergo, training is most definitely required, and you should have documentation of such. 49 CFR 396.1(a)
• You must maintain parts and accessories in safe and proper order at all times. 49 CFR 396.3(a)(1)
• Pushout windows and vehicle emergency exits (as well as exit marking lights) must have a full inspection every 90 days at the minimum. 49 CFR 396.3(a)(2)
• You must maintain vehicle inspection records for a minimum period of 30 days. Therefore, a comprehensive filing system is needed. For ease of data collection and document retention, you should consider using a digital inspection app like the 1st Reporting app. You will find it much easier than printed hard copies (as long as your drivers use a smart device like a phone or tablet, that is). 49 CFR 396.3(b)

These required records must include:

• Vehicle ID with company number
• Serial number
• Year of manufacture
• Owner of the vehicle (if leased, rented, or otherwise not-owned directly)
• Inspection and maintenance logs indicate the due date and nature of the inspection or maintenance.
• Record of inspections, repairs, and maintenance. These must also indicate the date and nature of service.
• Record of testing the push-out windows and other emergency exits on the bus. Similarly, these records must also include the accompanying emergency lighting systems test.

You must maintain the above records at your place of business for no less than one year. If a bus leaves your fleet, you must keep the records for six months after the bus has departed your ownership. 49 CFR 396.3(c)

In Canada, the law is clear about pre-trip inspections of work vehicles, including buses. Any driver of a vehicle owned and operated by a company, whether for profit or not, must perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines.

Regulation 199/07 of the Highway Traffic Act covers the requirements for commercial motor vehicle inspections in Canada.

The regulation clearly states that buses and any other vehicle used for transporting children must have a pre-trip inspection completed no more than 24 hours before using the vehicle.

United Kingdom

The Health and Safety Executive in the UK has similar rules to the US and Canada regarding vehicles used for work (including buses). The HSE clearly states:

“By law, every employer must make sure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.”

The HSE also states:

“Employers may find it helpful to give drivers a list of daily checks to sign off for their vehicles.

An incident reporting system is essential to enable employers to meet their legal obligations to report some accidents.”

We won’t go into more detail, but the idea is the same. As a company that owns and operates a fleet of buses, you must complete safety inspections of any vehicle (including buses) used by the company and its staff.

Solutions For Document Retention For Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspections

Are you interested in a versatile, cloud-based inspection and reporting platform? Look no further!

Our app, 1st Reporting , is perfect for using smart devices for inspections, audits, and report retention. Plus, we offer a library of standard reporting templates perfect for any business or organization.

The app allows users to access a library of standard reporting templates from vehicle inspections to workplace injury incident procedures. Plus, you can customize not only templates but automated notifications too! So the app is the perfect solution for replacing outdated paper forms and filing cabinets with new mobile form automation technology.

Join the globally-recognized brands that trust 1st Reporting to safeguard their organizations!

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CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Studying this Class-A CDL pre-trip inspection checklist is an important part of truck driver training. Before getting your Class-A CDL and finding an entry level truck driving job , most states will require students to pass a DOT (department of transportation) pre-trip inspection test and a general knowledge test .

Each company’s pre-trip inspection varies slightly. Most likely you will have to do the coupling system, light check and in-cab inspections plus one of the remaining three sections.

Pre Trip Inspection Checklist

Download free and print it! Printable Pre Trip Inspection Checklist (PDF)

There are many sections to learn but the test is not as difficult as it may seem. Studying our simplified Class-A pre-trip inspection checklist and taking classes at your local CDL training school will get you prepared.

Engine Compartment

Driver door fuel area, coupling area, light check, in-cab inspection and brake tests, belt driven alternator, belt driven water pump, brake chamber, brake lining, caste nuts and cotter pins, coolant reservoir, gear box and hoses, gear driven air compressor, gear driven power steering pump.

• General Hoses

Leaf Springs

Power steering fluid reservoir, shock absorber, slack adjuster and push rod, spring hanger, steering column, what to check for:.

When checking the engine compartment, you will always want to make sure the following components are properly mounted and secured. You should also make sure they are not cracked, bent or broken. The items you will need to check for include:

• Make sure all of the wires are connected. The belt should not be cracked or frayed and the free play on the belt should be between ½ to ¾ of an inch.
• The free play on the belt should be between ½ to ¾ of an inch. Also check all the hoses running to and from the water pump to make sure nothing is leaking.
• The brake chamber should not be leaking air.
• The brake drum should be properly mounted and secure.
• The brake hose is rubber, so it is important to make sure it is not leaking air.
• Check for oil or debris on the lining. There should be at least ¼ of an inch of friction material.
• Make sure all three caste nuts and cotter pins are present.
• The reservoir should not leaking and must be filled to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Make sure the drag link is properly mounted and secure, and not cracked, bent or broken.
• The gear box and hoses should have no abrasions, bulges or cuts, and should not be leaking.
• Although the air compressor is hard to see, you must make sure it is properly mounted and does not leak.
• The steering pump is located in the same place as the air compressor and is also gear driven. Ensure the steering pump is not leaking.

General Hoses (Passenger and Driver’s Side)

• The hoses should be secure at both ends. There should be no abrasions, bulges or cuts. Fluids run through these hoses, so it is important to make sure they are not leaking.
• The hub seal (or axle seal) should not be leaking and should be filled to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Make sure none of the leaf springs have shifted.
• Check for leaks under the truck.
• There should be no lug nuts missing. Look for rust trails, powder residue and cracks around the bolt holes.
• The oil level should be filled to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Make sure the pitman arm is properly mounted and secure. It should be not cracked, bent or broken.
• Make sure this reservoir is not leaking and filled to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• The rim cannot have any unauthorized welds.
• Make sure the shock absorber is not leaking. If it is leaking, the leak will be at the point where the top and bottom portion of the shock meet.
• With the brakes released and pulled by hand, the push rod should never move more than one inch.
• The spring hanger should be properly mounted and secure.
• Make sure the steering column is properly mounted and secure. It should not be cracked, bent or broken.
• Look for abrasions, bulges or cuts on the tread or sidewalls. Tread depth should have a depth no less than 4/32 of an inch. Tires must be properly filled to the manufacturer’s specifications. This can be checked with an air gauge.
• Make sure the tie rod is properly mounted and secure, not cracked, bent or broken.
• Make sure all are accounted for.

Back to top of Engine Compartment

Catwalk and Steps

Door and hinges, drive shaft, exhaust system, frame and cross members, spring mount.

Again it is important to make sure these items are properly mounted and secure. Look for cracks, bends, and breaks.

• The actual airbag is rubber, so it is important to check for abrasions, bulges, cuts and leaks, in addition to any missing mounting bolts.
• The axle seal should not be leaking and should be filled to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Make sure to mention the brake chamber is not leaking air.
• Make sure the brake drum is secured properly. Also look for cracks, bends and breaks.
• Check the brake hose at both ends to make sure it is not leaking air.
• There should be no oil or debris on the brake lining. There should be at least ¼ of an inch of friction material.
• The cat walk and steps should be clear of any loose objects.
• Physically demonstrate that the doors open, close and latch properly. Door seals should not be worn, torn or rotten.
• The drive shaft should not be twisted and the u-joints should be free of any debris.
• The tread and sidewalls should have no abrasions, bulges or cuts. The tread depth should be no less than 2/32 of an inch. Tires should be properly filled to the manufacturer’s specifications. This can be checked with an air gauge.
• The exhaust system should show no signs of leaks.
• There should be no unauthorized holes or welds. Bundle up the cross members to ensure none are missing.
• Fuel should not be leaking from the tank and the cap should always be on tight.
• Rust trails could indicate loose bolts, while powder residue and racks around the bolts could mean the bolts have been over-tightened.
• Mirrors should be clean for best visibility.
• Make sure the mud flap is secured properly. Also look for cracks, bends and breaks.
• Make sure to mention there should be never be any unauthorized welds.
• The shock absorber should be secure at both ends and not leaking. If it does leak, it will leak in the middle.
• With the brakes released and pulled by hand, the push rod should not move more than one inch.
• If you are equipped with duals, check to see there is proper spacing between the tires and there is nothing stuck.
• The spring arm should be secure at both ends.
• The spring mount should be secure at both ends.
• Make sure the torque arm is secured properly. Also look for cracks, bends and breaks.
• Make sure to check and mention that no U-bolts are missing.

Back to  top of Driver Door Fuel Area

Electric Line

Locking jaws, mounting bolts, release arm, sliding fifth wheel locking pin.

• Air lines should be secure at both ends with no abrasions, bulges or cuts. They should not be leaking, dragging or tangled.
• Make sure the apron is properly mounted and secure. Look for cracks, bends and breaks.
• Make sure there is enough space between the tractor mudflap and the trailer landing gear so that they don’t hit each other when making a turn.
• The electric line should be secure at both ends. There should be no abrasions, bulges, cuts or exposed wires.
• The gap is not an actual item, however there should be no space between the apron and the skid plate.
• The seals should be in good condition with no cracks, signs of rotting, or leaking air.
• Make sure the king pin is properly mounted and secure. Look for cracks, bends and breaks.
• You must physically check that the locking jaws is fully locked around the king pin.
• No mounting bolts should be missing.
• Make sure the platform is properly mounted and secure. Look for cracks, bends and breaks.
• The release arm should be in the fully locked position.
• The skid plate needs to be properly lubed.
• The pin must be in the fully locked position.

Back to top of Coupling Area

Header Board

Landing gear, rear door and hinges.

• Shock Absorbers

Tandem Frame and Release

Trailer tire.

• Again make sure the airbag has no abrasions, bulges, cuts or leakings. The airbag should not be missing any mounting bolts.
• The brake chamber should be properly mounted so that is does not leak air.
• The brake hose should be secure at both ends with no abrasions, bulges, cuts or leaks.
• Check for oil or debris on the brake lining. There should be at least ¼ of an inch of friction material.
• There cannot be any missing cross members.
• The header board cannot have any holes or missing rivets.
• The landing gear must be fully raised and the cradle handle secure.
• Rust trails indicate loose bolts. Powder residue and cracks around the bolt holes could be an indication of over-tightened bolts.
• The rims cannot have any unauthorized welds.
• The rear door should open, close and latch properly. Door seals should not be worn, torn or dry rotten.
• The shock absorber should be checked at both ends for leaks.
• When the brakes are released and pulled by hand, the push rod should not move more than one inch.
• Release handle and locking pins should be in the fully locked position.

There should be no abrasions, bulges or cuts to the tread or sidewalls. Tread depth should be no less than 2/32 of an inch. The tire should be properly filled to manufacturer’s specifications and checked with an air gauge.

• Front of the truck
• Both sides of the truck
• Rear of the truck
• Both sides of the trailer
• Rear of the trailer

Back to top of Trailer

The five functions are:

• Left turn signal
• Right turn signal
• Four way flashers
• High/low beams
• Brake lights

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• Airbrake Test

Air Pressure Gauges

Emergency equipment, heater and defroster, lighting indicators, oil pressure gauge, parking brake, service brake check, water temperature gauge, windshield and mirrors, windshield wipers and washers.

The last section is In-Cab Inspection and Brake Tests. For the In-Cab Inspection you will once again want to make sure all of the following components are properly mounted and secure. As well as the following:

Air Brake Test

There are three stages to an air brake test:

• Applied Pressure Test – When doing the Applied Pressure Test, you will want to build the air pressure to governor cut out. Put the truck in the lowest gear, turn the engine off and immediately turn it back on. Push in the tractor and trailer valves which will then release the parking brakes. Push and hold the brake pedal, allowing the gauges to stabilize. When the gauges have stabilized, announce the Primary and Secondary PSI. Listen for air leaks while doing this.
• Warning Light and Buzzer – Pump down on the brake pedal until the warning light and buzzer comes on. This is typically at or before 60 PSI.
• Tractor/Trailer Protection Valve Pop Out – Pump down on the brake pedal until the tractor and trailer protection valves pop out, this will be between 20 and 40 PSI.
• The air pressure gauges should build to governor cut out.
• Your truck should have a fire extinguisher, three red reflective triangles and spare electrical fuses.
• Demonstrate both the heater and defroster are working properly.

Horns (Air Horn and City Horn)

• Blow both horns to make sure they are working.
• Check the left turn, right turn, four way flashers and high beams; also point these out on the dashboard.
• Make sure transmission is in neutral and then fully depress the clutch. Turn the key on, check the ABS light, announce when it comes on and off, and start the engine.
• The seat belt should not be ripped or frayed and should adjust and latch properly.
• The engine oil pressure gauge should rise to normal operating range.
• Trailer Parking Brakes – Set the trailer brake, release the tractor brake, then tug lightly on the trailer.
• Tractor Parking Brakes – Set the tractor brake, release the trailer brake and tug lightly on the trailer.
• Release both the tractor and trailer brakes. Drive at idle speed. Apply the service brake to make sure you come to a complete stop and that it doesn’t pull to the left or right when applying the brakes.
• The voltmeter should be charging between 13 and 14 volts.
• The water temperature gauge should also rise to normal operating range.
• The windshield and mirrors must be clean, with no obstructions and in proper adjustment.
• Demonstrate the wipers and washers are working properly by spraying the windshield.

Back to top of In-Cab Inspection and Brake Tests

During a CDL pre-trip inspection, truckers inspect many aspects of their commercial vehicle, including the overall safety of the vehicle; major hoses, fluid levels, and vehicle belts; the clutch or gear shift; and emergency equipment. The driver demonstrates their knowledge by walking around the vehicle, checking various safety components and explaining why each part should be checked for safety.

Reference and practice tests:

• Printable Pre Trip Inspection Checklist (PDF)
• CDL General Knowledge Practice Test
• Pre Trip Inspection Practice Test
• CDL HAZMAT Endorsement Practice Test

Edited for 2024 on  12/5/23

Directions of development in the geology and geochemistry of fossil fuels

• Published: 14 October 2015
• Volume 70 , pages 281–285, ( 2015 )

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• A. V. Stupakova 1  

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The priorities of the Petroleum Geology Chair of the Geology Department of Moscow State University are to search for large and unique oil-and-gas fields in frontier regions and promising objects in proven areas, to develop difficult hydrocarbon resources, to solve geological problems of these fields in order to enhance oil recovery, and to train highly qualified personnel.

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Department of Geology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

A. V. Stupakova

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Original Russian Text © A.V. Stupakova, 2015, published in Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Geologiya, 2015, No. 4, pp. 6–10.

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Stupakova, A.V. Directions of development in the geology and geochemistry of fossil fuels. Moscow Univ. Geol. Bull. 70 , 281–285 (2015). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0145875215040110

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Received : 23 March 2015

Published : 14 October 2015

Issue Date : July 2015

DOI : https://doi.org/10.3103/S0145875215040110

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