CDL Pretrip Inspection Flashcards

Study Notes

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.

Description

Test your knowledge on the pretrip inspection for Class B buses with these flashcards. Review essential safety checks, from the condition of the bus and mirrors to the functionality of the lights and wipers. Perfect for aspiring CDL drivers preparing for their exams.

CDL Pretrip Inspection Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What should be checked at the front of the bus?

What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?

Rear suspensions on buses are equipped with springs.

What should you check for in the engine compartment?

What indicates that the parking brake is functioning correctly?

What should the temperature gauge indicate?

The ______ is securely mounted and charged in the driver's compartment.

Match the following components with what you should check:

What should be done to the wheelchair ramp before deploying?

Brake pads should be too thin to function properly.

How should you check the front suspension?

How should the driver's seat be adjusted?

What indicates a proper exterior light check?

What should be done regarding the rear brakes?