The 11-Point CDL Pre-Trip Inspection (Memorise This in Order)

The pre-trip skills test is where most CDL applicants stumble — even ones who breezed through the knowledge tests. It’s verbal, it’s hands-on, and the examiner expects a specific 11-step order.

This is the order, the components, and what to say at each step.

The 11-point pre-trip in order

What to say at every component (the universal formula)

For every single component you check, follow this 4-part pattern:

1. Name the component (“This is the upper kingpin…”)
2. Describe what you’re looking for (“…and I’m checking for cracks, bends, and that it’s firmly attached to the fifth wheel jaws.”)
3. State what would make it defective (“If I see any cracks, bends, or excess movement, the vehicle is out of service.”)
4. Confirm it’s OK (“Today, this kingpin is secure with no visible defects.”)

Tip: The examiner is grading your vocabulary and process, not just the visual inspection. A driver who silently points at parts will fail; a driver who narrates with the 4-part formula will pass even if they miss a minor visual cue.

Engine compartment — the longest section

The engine compartment alone covers around 40 items. Group them:

Fluids

• Engine oil (level, condition)
• Coolant (level — check only when cold)
• Power steering fluid
• Windshield washer fluid

Belts and hoses

• Water pump belt (no more than ¾” play, no cracks)
• Alternator belt (same)
• Air-conditioning belt
• All hoses: secure, no leaks, no abrasions

Steering linkage

• Steering box (mounted firmly, no leaks)
• Pitman arm (no cracks, secure)
• Drag link
• Tie rod ends (secure, cotter pins in place)

Suspension (front)

• Springs (no shifting, no broken leaves)
• Shock absorbers (no leaks)
• U-bolts (tight)

Brakes (front)

• Brake chamber (mounted, no leaks)
• Slack adjuster (≤1” play with brakes released)
• Brake drum (no cracks)
• Brake hose/line (no cuts, no leaks)
• Brake linings (visible through inspection hole, >¼” remaining)

Did you know? Cracked frame rails are an automatic out-of-service violation — and the examiner will look at the front spring hanger area to see if you check the frame. Don’t skip it.

In-cab and air brake check

After the engine compartment, climb in. Check:

• All warning lights illuminate then extinguish
• Air pressure gauge climbs to 125 PSI
• Oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter all in normal range
• Steering wheel free play (max 2 inches of play)
• Horn (city + air)
• Emergency equipment: fire extinguisher (charged, secured), 3 reflective triangles, spare fuses (or all-circuit breakers)
• Mirrors clean and adjusted
• Seat belt undamaged, latches firmly

Then go through the 7-step air brake check from our Air Brakes guide.

Walk-around — what wins points

Driver-side walk-around order:

1. Driver door — opens, closes, latches; check tank straps if fuel tank under driver
2. Driver fuel tank — secure straps, cap, no leaks
3. Drive axle tires — tread depth (≥2/32”), pressure, no cuts/bulges
4. Drive axle wheels — lug nuts present, no shiny rust around studs (sign of looseness)
5. Suspension (drive) — springs, U-bolts, shocks
6. Brakes (drive) — chamber, slack adjuster, drum, hose
7. Frame — no cracks, no missing rivets

Mirror this exactly on the passenger side.

Common failures

Practice it the right way

Reading this list once is not enough. You need to walk through the 11 points out loud at least 5 times before the test. Recruit a friend (or your phone’s video recorder) and grade yourself.

Our CDL Test app covers the pre-trip knowledge questions in detail — but for the in-person skills test, time on the truck is irreplaceable. Use the app to lock in the names and failure criteria; use the yard to lock in the order.

Practice pre-trip questions free →