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To pass a CDL road test, students complete pre-trip and post-trip inspection training. At Mike’s Driving School in Clayton, New Jersey, our CDL school courses cover pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Here, Mike’s Driving School talks about what goes into those pre-trip and post-trip inspections.

Importance of Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections

Professional drivers must perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections every time they take their tractor-trailer out on the road. Those reasons include:

Safety

Taking the time to check that everything on the truck is in proper working order means you won’t hurt yourself or anyone else on the road while making your trip.

Complying With the Law

Legally, drivers need to perform their pre-trip truck inspections. If an issue is found during the driver’s vehicle inspection, a report needs to be filled out. If not, the driver could face violations during an audit.

Performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections can also reduce liability if you are involved in an accident. If the accident isn’t the fault of the truck driver, proof of inspection can reduce liability.

Staying on the Road

If a Department of Transportation (DOT) official finds something wrong with the truck that isn’t documented, the driver can receive a violation. A DOT official can also take a truck out of service until the issue is fixed.

Saving Money

An inspection can save a driver money. If a minor issue is found during an inspection, it can be taken care of before it becomes a major issue.

Pre-Trip Inspection Training

A professional driver will complete a pre-trip inspection before every trip. It involves checking over the rig and trailer. Pre-trip inspections occur:

• At the beginning of a shift
• After a 10-hour break
• Any time a new trailer is picked up

There are many parts of the truck and trailer that a driver must check during a pre-trip inspection. These include:

• Passenger side engine: Accessory drive belt, air conditioner compressor, air filter housing, alternator, engine ductwork, turbocharger, and windshield washer fluid.
• Driver’s side engine: Dipstick, engine coolant reservoir, ending ductwork, fuel pump, fuel water separator and filter, oil filler cap, pitman arm, drag link, power steering reservoir, radiator and brace, steering gearbox, steering shaft, and water pump.
• Brakes: Brake air line, chamber, drum, lining, and slack adjuster.
• Wheels: Hub oil, lug nuts, outer oil seal, tires, valve cap, and wheel frame.
• Steer axle and rear suspension: Axle, airbag, leak spring, shock absorbers, tie rods, and u-bolts.
• Side of cab: Battery box, diesel exhaust fluid cap, doors, fuel cap, tank, lights, turn signals, mirrors, side box, side skirting, sleeper berth, and steps.
• Rear of cab: Airline, cab airbag, cab shock absorber, and electrical cord.
• Driveshaft: Differential, driveshaft, frame, and universal joint.
• Fifth wheel area: Fifth wheel platform, pivot pin, release arm, slider lock pins, slider rail, and slider stop blocks.
• Front of trailer: Airline, gland hands, clearance lights, document box, electric hook-up, height sticker, placard holder, preventative maintenance sticker, registration, top trail, and tracking device.
• Side of trailer: Bottom light, clearance light, landing gear, reflector tape, side panels, and top rail.
• Rear of trailer: Bumper, door hooks, door seals, hinges, latches, license plate, lights, reflector tape, and splash guard.

This is a comprehensive list of all items that should be checked before driving. Check with your current company about what pre-inspection checks they require.

Post-Trip Inspection Training

A post-trip inspection occurs after every trip that involves a pre-trip inspection. A post-trip inspection will be completed:

• When a trailer has been dropped
• At the end of the day

A post-trip inspection entails checking over all the equipment that was checked in the pre-trip inspection to make sure nothing was damaged during the haul.

Earn Your CDL at Mike’s Driving School

Mike’s Driving School in Clayton, New Jersey, is ready to help students pass their CDL test so they can get on the road and start trucking. One of the many requirements we teach is pre-trip and post-trip inspections. If you’re looking to start your trucking journey, contact us today.