CDL Pretrip Inspection Flashcards

Front of Bus

• Ensure bus is level, with no lean; listen for air leaks.
• Check mirrors for security and condition; inspect windshield for cracks and illegal stickers.
• Verify wipers and blades are functional and free from weather damage.
• Confirm all lights are securely mounted and undamaged; amber clearance and parking lights must be checked.

Front Axle - Front Wheel

• Tread depth must be a minimum of 4/32" and should not be retreaded; inspect for abrasions.
• Ensure valve caps and stems are intact, and check tire inflation with a gauge.
• Check rims for denting or damage and confirm lug nuts are properly fastened without rust trails.
• Absence of leaks around hub seal and adequate oil level must be verified.

Steering Parts

• Steering box should be securely mounted without damage or leaks; all nuts and bolts must be present.
• Ensure power steering hoses are undamaged and leak-free.
• Examine steering linkage for wear or cracks; joints must be secure without loose bolts.

Front Suspension

• Confirm no springs are present; check for damage or missing bushings.
• Air ride suspension needs to be securely mounted with no air leaks; shocks should also be intact.
• Examine U-bolts and torsion bars for secure attachment and damage.

Front Brakes

• Brake hoses must be undamaged and free of leaks; chambers should be securely mounted without sign of issues.
• Inspect brake rotors and pads for wear and contaminants; slack adjuster movement must be less than 1".

Rear Axle - Rear Wheels

• Tread depth must be a minimum of 2/32" with no abrasions on tires.
• Confirm rim integrity with no signs of illegal repairs; check lug nuts for security.
• Axle seal should not leak and oil level must be sufficient; ensure no foreign objects are stuck between wheels.

Rear Suspension

• Verify absence of springs; check for secure mounting of air ride suspension without leaks.
• Shocks and air bag mounts should be intact; inspect torsion bars and U-bolts for security.

Rear Brakes

• Check hoses and brake chambers for damage or leaks; rotors and pads should be free from wear.
• Ensure slack adjuster and pushrod are securely mounted with limited movement upon brake release.

Right Side of Bus

• Ensure clearance lights and reflectors are intact; fuel tank must be secure and leak-free.
• Fuel cap should be tightly fastened and undamaged.

Under the Bus

• Check drive shaft integrity between rear wheels and engine; ensure U-joints are secure.
• Longitudinal and cross members must be intact; exhaust system should be free of damage or leaks.

Rear of Bus

• Look for any leaks underneath; ensure security of lights and reflectors, with red clearance lights.

Engine Compartment

• Verify oil, coolant, and power steering fluid levels are appropriate using sight glasses or dipsticks.
• Check engine components for secure mounting, signs of leaks, and functional operation.

Passenger Entry

• Inspect entry doors, seals, and steps for security and cleanliness; all handrails and step lights must be functional.

Interior

• Ensure no broken or improperly mounted seat frames; check for rail security.

Emergency Exits

• Confirm that emergency exits, including roof and window exits, are in working condition and operate smoothly.

Wheelchair Ramp

• Ensure ramp is securely mounted and operational; follow specific procedures for deploying and stowing the ramp.

Driver's Compartment

• Fire extinguisher must be charged and correctly mounted; confirm presence of three red reflective triangles and spare fuses if applicable.

Driver's Seat

• Driver's seat must adjust properly; ensure seatbelt is secure and free from damage.

Safe Start

• Gear shifter must be securely mounted; transmission should be in neutral before starting the engine.

Gauges

• Monitor temperature, amp, oil pressure, and air pressure gauges for normal readings during operation.

Dashboard

• Check functionality of turn signal and high beam indicators, as well as the horn and wipers; ensure windshield visibility is clear.

Exterior Light Check

• Conduct thorough check of all exterior lights including hazards, turn signals, clearance, and tail lights before the examiner walks outside.

Brake Tests

• Perform comprehensive tests for parking brake, psi loss, air warning check, and service brake accuracy under controlled conditions.

End of Inspection

• Inform examiner upon completion of a thorough pre-trip inspection; address any missed items as necessary.