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11.2.5 – Side of Vehicle
Door(s)/Mirror(s)
Check that door(s) are not damaged and that they
open and close properly from the outside.
Hinges should be secure with seals intact.
Check that mirror(s) and mirror brackets are not
damaged and are mounted securely with no loose
fittings.
Fuel Tank
Check that tank(s) are secure, cap(s) are tight, and
that there are no leaks from tank(s) or lines.
Drive Shaft
See that drive shaft is not bent or cracked.
Couplings should be secure and free of foreign
objects.
Exhaust System
Check system for damage and signs of leaks such
as rust or carbon soot. Exhaust system should not
have cracks, holes or severe dents
System should be connected tightly and mounted
securely.
If equipped with emissions after-treatment
equipment:
Checks DEF tank to ensure the level of diesel
exhaust fluid in the tank is adequate (more than
1/8th tank)
Checks that DEF indicator on the dash is working
properly
Frame
Look for cracks, broken welds, holes or other
damage to the longitudinal frame members, cross
members, box, and floor.
11.2.6 – Rear of Vehicle
Splash Guards
If equipped, check that splash guards or mud flaps
are not damaged and are mounted securely.
Doors/Ties/Lifts
Check that doors and hinges are not damaged and
that they open, close, and latch properly from the
outside, if equipped.
Ties, straps, chains, and binders must also be
secure.
If equipped with a cargo lift, look for leaking,
damaged or missing parts and explain how it
should be checked for correct operation.
Lift must be fully retracted and latched securely.
Section 11 - Vehicle Inspection Page 11-5
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
11.2.7 – Tractor/Coupling
Air/Electric Lines
Listen for air leaks. Check that air hoses and
electrical lines are not cut, chafed, spliced, or worn
(steel braid should not show through).
Make sure air and electrical lines are not tangled,
pinched, or dragging against tractor parts.
Catwalk/Steps
Check that the catwalk is solid, clear of objects,
and securely bolted to tractor frame.
Check that steps leading to the cab entry and
catwalk (if equipped) are solid, clear of objects,
and securely bolted to tractor frame.
Mounting Bolts
Look for loose or missing mounting brackets,
clamps, bolts, or nuts. Both the fifth wheel and the
slide mounting must be solidly attached.
Check for loose or missing mounting bolts and for
broken welds for pintle hook or other type of hitch
mount, and tongue/draw-bar assembly to ensure
that they are solidly attached in place.
On other types of coupling systems (i.e., ball hitch,
pintle hook, etc.), inspect all coupling components
and mounting brackets for missing or broken parts.
Hitch Release Lever
Check to see that the hitch release lever is in place
and is secure.
Locking Jaws
Look into fifth wheel gap and check that locking
jaws are fully closed around the kingpin.
On other types of coupling systems (i.e., ball hitch,
pintle hook, etc.), inspect the locking mechanism
for missing or broken parts and make sure it is
locked securely. If present, safety cables or chains
must be secure and free of kinks and excessive
slack.
5ᵗʰ Wheel Skid Plate
Check for proper lubrication and that 5th wheel skid
plate is securely mounted to the platform and that
all bolts and pins are secure and not missing.
Platform (Fifth Wheel)
Check for cracks or breaks in the platform structure
which supports the fifth wheel skid plate.
Release Arm (Fifth Wheel)
If equipped, make sure the release arm is in the
engaged position and the safety latch is in place.
Kingpin/Apron/Gap
Explain that locking jaws holds kingpin in place
and that the kingpin is not bent or damaged
Make sure the visible part of the apron is not bent,
cracked, or broken.
Check that the trailer is lying flat on the fifth wheel
skid plate (no gap).
Check for kingpin lock.
Locking Pins (Fifth Wheel)
If equipped, look for loose or missing pins in the
slide mechanism of the sliding fifth wheel. If air
powered, check for leaks.
Make sure locking pins are fully engaged.
Check that the fifth wheel is positioned properly so
that the tractor frame will clear the landing gear
during turns.
Sliding Pintle
Check the sliding pintle hook for excessive wear
and to ensure it is secure with no loose or missing
nuts or bolts and cotter pin is in place.
Tongue or Draw-bar
Check that the tongue/draw-bar is not bent or
twisted and checks for broken welds and stress
cracks.
Check that the tongue/draw-bar eye is not worn
excessively.
Tongue Storage Area
Check that the storage area is solid and secured to
the tongue.
Check that cargo in the storage area i.e. chains,
binders, etc. are secure.
11.3 – School Bus Only
Emergency Equipment
In addition to checking for spare electrical fuses (if
equipped), three red reflective triangles, 6 fusees
or 3 liquid burning flares and a properly charged
and rated fire extinguisher, school bus drivers must
also inspect the following emergency equipment:
Emergency Kit
Body Fluid Cleanup Kit
Section 11 - Vehicle Inspection Page 11-6
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Lighting Indicators
In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed
in Section 10.2 of this manual, school bus drivers
must also check the following lighting indicators
(internal panel lights):
Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if
equipped.
Alternately flashing red lights indicator.
Strobe light indicator, if equipped.
Lights/Reflectors
In addition to checking the lights and reflective
devices listed in Section 10.2 of this manual,
school bus drivers must also check the following
(external) lights and reflectors:
Strobe light, if equipped is operational and is not
broken.
Stop arm light, if equipped.
Alternately flashing amber lights, if equipped are
operational and not broken.
Alternately flashing red lights, on both the front and
back of the vehicle are operational and not
broken..
Student Mirrors
In addition to checking the external mirrors, school
bus drivers must also check the internal and
external mirrors used for observing students:
Check for proper adjustment.
Checks that all internal and external mirrors and
mirror brackets are not damaged and are mounted
securely with no loose fittings.
Checks that visibility is not impaired due to dirty
mirrors.
Stop Arm/Safety Arm
If equipped, check the stop arm to see that it is
mounted securely to the frame of the vehicle. Also,
check for loose fittings and damage. Checks that
stop arm extends fully when operated
Passenger Entry/Lift
Check that the entry door is not damaged,
operates smoothly, and closes securely from the
inside.
Hand rails are secure and the step light is working,
if equipped.
The entry steps must be clear with the treads not
loose or worn excessively.
If equipped with a handicap lift, look for leaking,
damaged, or missing parts and explain how lift
should be checked for correct operation. Lift must
be fully retracted and latched securely.
Emergency Exit
Demonstrate that at least one emergency exit is
not damaged, operates smoothly, and closes
securely from the inside.
Check that release handle can be operated
properly from both inside and outside the vehicle.
Point out and describe how all other emergency
exits operate
Check that any emergency exit warning devices
are working properly.
Seating
Look for broken seat frames and check that seat
frames are firmly attached to the floor.
Check that seat cushions are attached securely to
the seat frames.
11.4 – Trailer
11.4.1 – Trailer Front
Air/Electrical Connections
Check that trailer air connectors are sealed and in
good condition.
Make sure glad hands are locked in place, free of
damage or air leaks.
Make sure the trailer electrical plug is firmly seated
and locked in place.
Header Board
If equipped, check the header board to see that it
is secure, free of damage, and strong enough to
contain cargo.
If equipped, the canvas or tarp carrier must be
mounted and fastened securely.
On enclosed trailers, check the front area for signs
of damage such as cracks, bulges, or holes.
11.4.2 – Side of Trailer
Landing Gear
Check that the landing gear is fully raised, has no
missing parts, crank handle is secure, and the
support frame and landing pads are not damaged.
If power operated, check for air or hydraulic leaks.
Section 11 - Vehicle Inspection Page 11-7
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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Doors/Ties/Lifts
If equipped, check that doors are not damaged.
Check that doors open, close, and latch properly
from the outside.
Check that ties, straps, chains, and binders are
secure.
If equipped with a cargo lift, look for leaking,
damaged or missing parts and explain how it
should be checked for correct operation.
Lift should be fully retracted and latched securely.
Frame
Look for cracks, broken welds, holes or other
damage to the frame, cross members, box, and
floor.
Tandem Release Arm/Locking Pins
If equipped, make sure the locking pins are locked
in place and release arm is secured.
11.4.3 – Remainder of Trailer
Remainder of Trailer
Please refer to Section 11.2 of this manual for
detailed inspection procedures regarding the
following components:
Wheels.
Suspension system.
Brakes.
Doors/ties/lift.
Splash guards.
11.5 – Coach/Transit Bus
11.5.1 – Passenger Items
Passenger Entry/Lift
Check that entry doors operate smoothly and close
securely from the inside.
Check that hand rails are secure and, if equipped,
that the step light(s) are working.
Check that the entry steps are clear, with the
treads not loose or worn excessively.
If equipped with a handicap lift, look for any
leaking, damaged or missing part, and explain how
it should be checked for correct operation.
Lift should be fully retracted and latched securely.
Emergency Exits
Make sure that all emergency exits are not
damaged, operate smoothly, and close securely
from the inside.
Check that any emergency exit warning devices
are working.
Passenger Seating
Look for broken seat frames and check that seat
frames are firmly attached to the floor.
Check that seat cushions are attached securely to
the seat frames.
11.5.2 – Entry/ Exit
Doors/Mirrors
Check that entry/exit doors are not damaged and
operate smoothly from the outside. Hinges should
be secure with seals intact.
Make sure that the passenger exit mirrors and all
external mirrors and mirror brackets are not
damaged and are mounted securely with no loose
fittings.
11.5.3 – External Inspection of Coach/ Transit
Bus
Level/Air Leaks
See that the vehicle is sitting level (front and rear),
and if air-equipped, check for audible air leaks from
the suspension system.
Fuel Tank(s)
See that fuel tank(s) are secure with no leaks from
tank(s) or lines.
Baggage Compartments
Check that baggage and all other exterior
compartment doors are not damaged, operate
properly, and latch securely.
Battery/Box
Wherever located, see that battery(s) are secure,
connections are tight, and cell caps are present.
Battery connections should not show signs of
excessive corrosion.
Check that battery box and cover or door is not
damaged and is secure.
Section 11 - Vehicle Inspection Page 11-8
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
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