Pre-trip Inspections

I'd like to know if any of you came up with any sort of special system that you used to help you pass the pre-trip inspection etc. It's a lot of material to cover and I spoke with a driver who is finishing his third week and he said that while our driver trainers will help you out the first few times you get out there, they pretty much leave it up to you and I am not wanting to waste my life away failing pre-trips. I can deal with having to learn how to back etc, but knowing the pre-trip, in-cap, and 4 point brake inspection and passing it all on the first shot is really going to be a bit tough. It's my goal though, so c'mon guys - talk to me!

Well, Jerry

There are lots of helpful tools here on the website. But the biggest help you will receive is from yourself. And I see that you have the attitude to do what needs to be done. So, I know you will.

As far as what will help you. I have said this before. Doing your pre-trip is like having a script for a play. You have the main part in this play and it will take work. But, the good thing is this...each day you get better and better. You have to practice your lines. Everyone thinks it crazy and you may even feel funny doing it, but walking around that truck as though you were rehearsing for that play and knowing your lines are the knowledge of that walk-around, the more you do it, the better you will become.

Each day take it upon yourself to get there early and begin your pre-trip. No one has to be there. The trucks are just sitting there. Part of what the instructors are doing is looking to see how determined you are about getting that CDL. It's part of their training. They look to see who is paying attention and who takes that initiative to embark on their own to learn this. That's part of being a real truck driver too. You will be embarking on your own at some point to drive and deliver your goods.

Take your study sheet with you each time. Your not memorizing this. You are learning it. Read through that script, touching each item that you are speaking about. Most schools make you touch the parts of the truck anyway during your exam. Get a feel of what it is going to be when you take that exam.

If you have connected with anyone in your class, team up to do the pre-trip. Helping each other as you go through the class will help as well. Be positive about it, knowing that this is part of your new life. It's important.

Hope this helps. That's what we are here for.

You can print the flash cards that are here on the website too. I am sure the study sheet is several pages and somewhat intimidating, but it is more repetition than you think. it should be broken down in sections. Their are mainly only four. Tractor, Coupling, Trailer and Inside Cab.

Good Luck. Let us know how things go.

I wish they'd leave one of their training trucks at the hotel this weekend for us to practice most of the "non-running" pre-trip inspection. I'm not totally worried about the 4 point brake inspection, nor the in-cab, but it's all the components on the outside of the truck that I want to ace. There's an older trainee here that said she passed her whole pre-trip with a 70/70, passed her 4 point and her in cab and didn't lose any points. I'm not being condescending, but she definitely isn't a 'brainiac' or anything but she definitely gave me some motivation to make it happen for me too. So... I guess I will go thru everything today through this weekend and get the earliest shuttle out here to Celadon to try to practice.

We aren't allowed to use any of the cheat sheets during the actual test, are we? Stupid question... but I had to ask it anyways.

I live in Ohio & we get 30 min to do a pre trip of the entire rig tractor & trailer with a

state examiner. However Kentucky has NO time limit & 4 possible tests. EX. Break check with

(any of the following) Engine compartment, In cab, Trailer or entire rig. Testing varies by

state. So I said all that to say this. Your school most likely will have a pattern or flow they

will teach you. EX. as you approach the front of the tractor what you are looking for. Then

passenger side exhaust, alternator & water pump (oil if on passenger) then everything else is on

driver side. Do the in-cab before you start the trailer. So, that was my flow. Ask your

instructor or school admin if they have a video to purchase to study at home. My school offered

one for $5. WORTH IT. School is long enough that you will get enough practice & be WELL prepared

come test day.

Hope I helped at least a little. Just don't panic in the heat of the moment. State inspectors

grad to a state minimum. They are not there to pass or fail you. But, rather to keep score for

you. I knew an examiner. She said your attitude often plays a part as to the level of leniency

of the law. You do not need to bake them a pie. But, be kind it goes a long way.

Be safe not sorry,

BUG

My home state is Ohio but I am over here in Indianapolis for Celadon's company sponsored CDL training program. I really thought pre-trips were pretty much the same standard stuff in all states because my impression of all of this is that it's more federal law than it is individual states. But, my instructor is going over pre trip stuff right now and I am recording the whole thing in a voice file that I could upload later ocne I edit the general convo out of it.

He's going everything in exact specifics of what the tester wants to hear you say when you are doing you pre trip, so it really would be a great track to listen to for anyone like me who really needs to hammer down on this

I just took a picture of everything and rehearsed it at home, while concentrating on the driving as much as possible at school.

Remember also that there are some points emphasized as an automatic fail if you miss a step. These are outlined in the DOL manual (so it is a pass/fail in some respects).

By the way, are you reading your state CDL manual, or whichever one you are testing in? Ohio refers to this as a "cdl testing model", and that would be the most specific information (especially for pre-trip wording): http://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/hsy7605.pdf

Mine seems to be the only one called DOL (based on the department name here). Somehow people don't seem to be aware of this guide (or mention it here). Perhaps the site owner could include a link to each state's official cdl guide, if not posted already (just a suggestion, as that's what they test on, it should be no secret). The information here is great too, although tests are specific to each state manual I suppose (mine were).

Oh yeah, here it is: State CDL Manuals

I know it's an obvious thing to bring up, it just sounded odd that you were going out of your way to record an oral talk through, when it's all outlined in the book.

Well, people have different learning styles (so do what you like). I was given a multi-page handout in paragraph form, but decided to transcribe the manual's outline and eliminate all superfluous words. Understanding the concepts is one thing, but the specific "nuts and bolts" verbiage they wanted was so tedious that I put it into an index form for myself to point and spit out. Personally I don't have to say it to myself to do a complete inspection (but that's what they want to hear).