CDL Pre-Trip Inspection in Clayton, New Jersey

At Mike’s Driving School in Clayton, New Jersey, we provide students with comprehensive preparation to earn a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL). An important component of the CDL test is the pre-trip inspection. In our CDL courses, you will be able to practice the inspection process, as well as study the inspection checklist in our classroom component.

Available CDL Courses

Mike’s Driving School offers several CDL school courses for prospective drivers, including:

• Class A CDL: Advanced Class A with Forklift
• Class B CDL: Advanced Class B Straight Truck with Forklift
• Class A Refresher: Advanced Class A Refresher
• Class B Passenger Endorsement: Advanced Class B with Passenger

Courses are typically offered from Monday through Friday during the day. However, we do offer some weekend and evening classes for students whose schedules do not allow them to attend weekday classes.

CDL Required Qualifications

To apply for a CDL through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, a driver must:

• Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident in the United States
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a Class D driver’s license in NJ
• Meet minimum requirements for physical fitness
• Be able to recognize red, green, and amber colors
• Have at least 20/40 vision
• Complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) course from an approved provider

All applicants must complete a self-certification. You may be required to submit documentation from a medical examiner.

Preparing for the CDL Tests

Anyone applying for a CDL in the State of NJ must complete both a knowledge test and a skills test. Once you pass the knowledge test, you can take your skills test (also known as the road test) 14 days later by appointment. The skills test consists of three parts:

• Pre-trip
• Basic skills
• Road skills

The CDL courses at Mike’s Driving School prepare students for all aspects of the knowledge and skills tests, with practical training as well as classroom study.

Steps of a Pre-Trip Inspection

Each of our CDL courses combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice in our training yard and out on the road. Students will learn how to properly perform a pre-trip inspection on a Class A or B vehicle, depending on their course of study. Our instructors will provide in-depth instruction on the steps of a pre-trip inspection:

• Step 1: Review the most recent vehicle inspection report.
• Step 2: Check the engine compartment.
• Step 3: Start the engine and inspect the inside of the cab.
• Step 4: Turn off the engine and check the lights.
• Step 5: Do a walk-around inspection outside the vehicle.
• Step 6: Check the truck’s signal lights.
• Step 7: Start the engine, test the brake system, and check for hydraulic leaks.

Each step in this process includes a detailed checklist of all the equipment and controls that you will need to inspect and test. Students will be able to practice pre-trip inspections under the guidance of experienced instructors and will have access to the CDL manual to study for their exams.

Financial Aid and Job Placement Assistance

Mike’s Driving School has been training commercial drivers for nearly three decades and is committed to helping students become responsible professionals in the trucking and transportation industries. To help students succeed, we offer financial assistance to those who qualify. Our financial aid partnerships include:

• Education benefits for veterans through the S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• One-Stop Career Centers of NJ
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement programs through major carriers

Students also benefit from free job placement assistance, referrals to job openings, help with interview preparation, and networking opportunities. Past graduates of Mike’s Driving School have gone on to careers with leading carriers including Coca-Cola, U.S. Xpress Inc., and Werner. Our staff members stay in touch with students after graduation to ensure they have continued career support.

Get in Touch With Mike’s Driving School Today

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? The CDL courses at Mike’s Driving School are taught by industry professionals who can help you thoroughly prepare for the CDL knowledge and road tests, including CDL inspection. CDL classes are offered at Mike’s Driving School’s campus in Clayton, NJ. To learn more or enroll in an upcoming course, contact us today.