Pre-trip inspections allow truck drivers to ensure their tractor and trailer are safe to operate before hitting the road. Failure to take the time to complete a pre-trip could result in dangerous situations for both you the driver and the motoring public.
What is checked in a pre-trip inspection?
A pre-trip inspection is simply a thorough check of your truck to make sure everything is functioning before you get behind the wheel. … A basic DOT pre-trip inspection includes checking your fluid levels, leaks, tires, 5th wheel, brakes, clutch, shock absorbers, ball joints, kingpins, gauges, lights, and more.
Why do pre-trip inspections?
The pre-trip inspection checklist is a critical step that allows you and your drivers to catch any issues before heading out on the road. When used properly, it can prevent accidents, increase safety, limit downtime, and get your drivers to their destinations on schedule.
Is the pre-trip inspection test hard?
Learning the vehicle inspection portion of the CDL test is difficult for many students. … Passing the test requires each student to study and memorize the items tested. Drivers need to be able to point out a part, and describe what condition it is in.Do I have to do a pre-trip?
They’re required under federal law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires pre-trip inspections before each haul. The driver must be satisfied that all parts are in good working order. … So a driver taking a multi-day trip must perform an inspection each day.
What do I need to know for CDL pre-trip?
- Passenger side engine. Air filter housing: Secure mounting, cover in place. …
- Front brakes (covers all five brake components) Brake drum: No cracks. …
- Front wheel. …
- Driver side of engine. …
- Steer axle suspension. …
- Rear suspension. …
- Side of cab. …
- Rear of cab.
Do you have to do a 15 minute pre-trip?
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure the vehicle is safe for operation and is free from defects. Currently, there are no guidelines as to how long a pre-trip inspection should take. If you check everything you should be checking, a full inspection should take you approximately 30 to 50 minutes.
What is the difference between post-trip and pre-trip?
A good pre-trip inspection keeps the driver from leaving your facility with a vehicle that has an existing problem. A good post-trip inspection gives the shop time to react to a problem that has been identified and to correct it before the truck goes back out on the road.What is the 11 hour limit?
2. What is the 11-hour rule? The 11-hour rule states that within the 14-hour window, a property-carrying driver can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Passenger-carrying drivers can drive up to 10 hours after eight consecutive hours off duty.
When performing a pre-trip inspection Why is it a good idea to do it exactly the same way every time?Pre-trip inspections should be conducted in the same way every time. This will reinforce the steps, making it less likely that you will forget to inspect something important. 10.61 % of our users get this question wrong.
Article first time published onWhat is the meaning of pre-trip?
: before travel : occurring or existing prior to travelling pretravel planning a pretravel medical consultation.
Do you have to do pre-trip and post-trip?
SUMMARY: Daily, a Pre-Trip Inspection and a Post-Trip inspection of the tractor and trailer is required by DOT and THIS CAN ONLY BE DONE WHILE “ON DUTY”. … Remember, these inspections are for your safety and the other vehicles on the road and to keep your wheels your rolling.
What is Postpass inspection?
What Is a Post-Trip Inspection? Also referred to as a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR), a post-trip inspection documents vehicle fault conditions known to the driver at the conclusion of each trip. It occurs at least once every 24 hours if a trip extends beyond a day.
Where should the ignition key be during the pre-trip inspection?
Where should the ignition key be during the pre-trip inspection? A In your pocket. Step 4: Make sure the parking brake is set, turn off the engine, and take the key with you.
What should you do at the beginning of your lighting inspection?
- Left front turn signal light clean, operating and proper color (amber or white on signals facing the front).
- Left rear turn signal light and both stop lights clean, operating and proper color (red, yellow or amber).
When inspecting the engine compartment you should check?
Look for damage or vehicle leaning to one side. Look under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease or fuel leaks. Check the area around the vehicle for hazards to vehicle movement (people, other vehicles, objects, low hanging wires, limbs, etc.).
What happens when DOT puts you out of service?
In addition to your penalties for the “violations,” you will receive two severity points, which can be multiplied by three time-weights if you have had a violation as recently as six months. Then, when fleet management gets notified, your driving record will come under the microscope or you will be terminated.
How long can truckers drive in a day?
You are allowed a period of 14 consecutive hours in which to drive up to 11 hours after being off duty for 10 or more consecutive hours. The 14-consecutive-hour driving window begins when you start any kind of work.
Can you go off duty while loading?
In your case, the company you drive for has made it their policy and that’s how they want it logged. Now, technically, if you’re at the dock and you aren’t counting the load, assisting, etc, you can be off duty.
What is the 60 70 hour rule?
The rule basically means that a commercial truck driver can only be on duty for 60 hours within any 7-day period, after which he cannot drive until his hours are below 60 (either with a 34-hour reset or by waiting for hours to “drop off”).
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during pre-trip inspection?
Question: For what reason do you keep the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection? Answer: So no one moves the vehicle while you are inspecting underneath it.
How many questions are on the Texas CDL general knowledge test?
How many questions:50Passing score:80%
What is a header board on a school bus?
Front-end header boards are also referred to as “headache racks.” These are designed to protect you from collisions with your cargo in the event of a crash of emergency stop. … You can find more information about this topic in theTransporting Cargo Safely (3) section of your official driver’s handbook.
What vehicles require a Dvir?
Drivers of vans, buses, and other passenger-carrying vehicles must prepare a DVIR once they’re done driving the vehicle for the day, whether there is a defect to report or not.
What should a post trip inspection include?
- Service brakes including trailer brake connections.
- Parking (hand) brake.
- Steering mechanism.
- Lighting devices and reflectors.
- Tires.
- Horn.
- Windshield wipers.
What does Dvir stand for?
Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance; Driver-Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)
What should a tractor inspection begin with?
- Check all fluid levels. Engine oil. Coolant. Fuel. Hydraulic fluid. …
- Tires and wheels. Properly inflated. Check the operator’s manual. Check tires for cuts or breaks in the tread or sidewalls. …
- Batteries. Securely held down. Connections are clean. Electrolyte level is good.
- General Condition.
