Is the pre-trip inspection on the written CDL test?

Yes. Vehicle inspection is part of Section 2 of the manual, and the manual says you must pass a test on that section to get a CDL. The manual's own practice questions on inspection say they may be on your test. The skills test then has a separate vehicle inspection.

Do I have to crawl under the truck during the skills test inspection?

No. Both manual editions say you will not have to crawl under the vehicle. The newer edition says you must name, point to and/or touch, and fully explain each safety critical item.

What happens if I forget a step in the inspection?

The newer manual says you get no credit for an item you do not name, point to and/or touch, and fully explain. It also says an unsafe act, such as forgetting to set the parking brake, may be an automatic fail. Use the same order every time so you do not skip steps.

CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist: The 7 Steps

A CDL pre-trip inspection is a set order of checks that shows you whether your vehicle is safe to drive. The manual gives a seven-step method, and you can learn it as one list. Do it the same way every time.

Where inspection shows up on the tests

Two places. Section 2 of the manual includes vehicle inspection, and the manual says you must pass a test on that section to get a CDL. Section 2 also has practice questions on inspection that "may be on your test."

The skills test has three parts: vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. The newer edition says you take them in order and must pass each one before the next.

The seven steps

The manual says to approach the vehicle first. Notice its general condition. Look for damage or a lean to one side. Look under it for fresh oil, coolant, grease or fuel leaks. Check around it for people, vehicles, objects and low wires.

Vehicle overview. Review the last vehicle inspection report.
Engine compartment. Parking brake on and/or wheels chocked. Check oil, coolant, power steering fluid, washer fluid, battery, belts, hoses, leaks and wiring. Lower and secure the hood or cab.
Start the engine and check the cab. Parking brake on, gearshift in neutral or park. Listen for odd noises. Check the gauges, the controls, mirrors and windshield, emergency equipment and the safety belt.
Turn off the engine and check lights. Set the parking brake, take the key. Turn on low beams and four-way flashers. Get out.
Walk-around. Work around the vehicle: left front, front, right side, right rear, rear, left side. Clean lights, reflectors and glass as you go.
Check signal lights. Turn off all lights, turn on the stop lights and left turn signal, get out and check them. Then get back in, check your papers and start the engine.
Start the engine and check the brakes. Test for hydraulic leaks, test the parking brake, then test the stopping action.

What to check in the cab (step 3)

Oil pressure should come up to normal within seconds.
Ammeter or voltmeter should be in normal range.
Coolant and engine oil temperature should begin a gradual rise.
Oil, coolant, charging and ABS warning lights should go out right away.
Air gauge: build pressure to governor cut-out, usually around 120 to 140 psi.
Controls: no looseness, sticking, damage or wrong setting.
Emergency equipment: spare fuses (unless circuit breakers), three red reflective triangles, 6 fusees or 3 liquid burning flares, and a properly charged fire extinguisher.

For the full air brake check, see our CDL air brakes test guide.

Numbers the written test can ask

Item	The manual says
Front tire tread	At least 4/32 inch in every major groove
Other tires	At least 2/32 inch
Steering wheel play	More than 10 degrees (about 2 inches at the rim of a 20-inch wheel) can make it hard to steer
Missing leaf spring leaves	One-fourth or more missing puts the vehicle out of service
Hydraulic brake test	Pump the pedal three times, hold firm pressure for five seconds, pedal should not move
Service brake test	Go about five miles per hour and push the pedal firmly
Cargo check on a trip	Within the first 50 miles, then every 150 miles or three hours, whichever comes first

Step 7, the brake tests

Hydraulic brakes: pump three times, then press firmly and hold for five seconds. If the pedal moves, there may be a leak. Get it fixed before driving.

Parking brake: fasten your belt, set the parking brake, and put the vehicle in a low gear. Gently pull forward against the brake. If it does not hold, it is faulty.

Service brake: at about five miles per hour, push the pedal firmly. Pulling to one side, an odd pedal feel or a delayed stop can mean trouble. If you find anything unsafe, get it fixed. Federal and state laws forbid operating an unsafe vehicle.

How the skills test inspection works

The 2014 manual says you walk around the vehicle, point to or touch each item, and tell the examiner what you check and why. It says you will not crawl under the hood or the vehicle.

The newer edition adds detail. You must name, point to and/or touch, and fully explain each safety critical item, or you get no credit. You inspect one axle, but should be ready to do all of them. You are only required to inspect the items on the CDL Vehicle Inspection checklist. The manual says you should use wheel chocks, and that an unsafe act, such as forgetting the parking brake, may fail you. Ask your state which checklist it uses.

Try 10 exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual.

How to practice

Say each step out loud while you walk around a truck, or around your kitchen if you have no truck yet. Then read the CDL general knowledge test guide for the rest of Section 2, and see CDL permit to license steps for where the skills test fits.