Profile For D J.

Bruce,

I just wanted to let you know that you didn't have to defend yourself on this topic, but what you said was directly in line with what I was thinking. If I did indeed go to a truck stop, I would make sure to conduct myself in a manner that wouldn't pose a threat to the driver. After making my request for a pre-trip, I would let the driver know that I wouldn't expect to get in the cab (I NEVER would do that, even if it were offered), and I'd surely make sure I would be there in broad daylight. I would definitely consider the safety of both of us considering we're strangers to each other.

The opinions both you and Susan provided are both valid and true, and I am grateful for your replies.

Having said all that, I found a solution. Why not just perform the inspection on my own vehicle? I have a SUV, but with a few exceptions, every vehicle has the same components to check for as a semi (leaks, engine parts, lights, etc.).

I can do a pre-trip by using my own vehicle as the model, and just improvise on the sections that are exclusive to a commercial vehicle. I believe by doing this, I'll be well prepared and, along with the CLP that I already obtained, I'll have one less thing to possibly struggle with once I get in the fast-paced environment of trucking school.

Thank you all so much for the suggestions. I'm going out right now to get started!

Be safe out there, everyone.

Me personally, I'd be very leary of some strange person wanting to poke around my truck at a truck stop so I personally wouldn't recommend that suggestion.

Maybe you have a friend who drives who'll let you check theirs out.. or call a local trucking company, tell them what you would love to do, and maybe by they'd say yes.

Susan,

I agree with you totally and would feel awkward being around a stranger's rig, feeling that person's eyes all over me, not ever blaming them for their suspicion of my intentions.

You do, however make a great suggestion. I'm going to at least contact trucking companies, or even dealerships in my area to see if they would provide me access to one of their trucks.

I'm also going to study Daniel B's Pre-Trip Guide and the Apex Pre-Trip Video, as mentioned by Old School and Grumpy Old man.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I have a lot more to go on than when I did before I posted this question.

Thanks again and be safe!

Hello Trucking Truth,

I will be going to CDL Training in about four months, and have been studying for the Pre-Trip inspection.

Can anyone provide suggestions on where I can go to actually practice the inspection on a real Rig? I was thinking about going to a truck stop or rest area and asking a driver for help, but I'm not really comfortable doing that.

Are there establishments with a truck that's on display and open to the public (the way some parks have old locomotives)?

What would be the best way to get familiar with all of the components of a real truck where I could visit frequently without causing any problems?

Thanks for your help!