CALIFORNIA DMV

The California CDL pre-trip inspection

California uses the modernized CDL skills test at most of its test sites. The biggest change: you start inside the cab, with the air brake test, before you walk around the truck. Here is the order, the rules, and what to say.

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The order on the modernized test

In-cab and engine start: the air brake check, then the parking brake and service brake checks.
In-cab inspection: gauges and lights, emergency equipment, mirrors, windshield, wipers, heater and defroster, horns.
Lights check around the vehicle.
External inspection: front of the truck, engine compartment, steering, wheels, suspension and brakes, side of the vehicle, then coupling and trailer for Class A, or the rear of the truck for Class B.

The rules that catch people

The checklist: California's handbook supplement (DL 650 X) allows the official checklist during the inspection, with no additional markings on it.
The air brake check comes first. Failing to explain and demonstrate all four parts of it is treated as an automatic failure.
Low air warning: California's modernized handbook says the warning should come on before 55 PSI (or the manufacturer's level). Saying it came on before 60 is also correct, since 60 is higher.
Check your site. A few California sites may still use the older test format. Ask when you book.

Practice the California order with animated videos

Built in California checklist order: the air brake test first, then every part of the truck with the exact words to say.

See the Pre-Trip Video Pack Class A course + videos, $29

$15 for ELDT365 students · $19 for everyone else · one time

What to say, in every area

For every part: point to it, name it, and say what you check it for. For example:

Air brake check“My needle has stopped rising. The governor has cut out. My primary is 125 and my secondary is 125. This is a good test, because it cut out between 120 and 140 PSI.”

Steering box“The steering box is properly mounted and secure, not leaking, and no bolts are missing or loose.”

Rear lights“The tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals are clean, working, and red in color.”

Questions

Can I use a checklist on the California CDL test?

California's modernized handbook supplement allows the official checklist, with no additional markings. Do not bring your own notes on it.

Do I start inside the truck?

Yes. On the modernized test, California starts with the in-cab inspection and the air brake check, then moves to the lights check and the walk-around.

Do your videos follow the California order?

Yes. The ELDT365 Pre-Trip Video Pack follows the California checklist order, for both Class A and Class B.

Ready for test day?

Animated videos for the whole pre-trip with the exact words to say, Class A and Class B, plus a printable checklist.

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More pre-trip help:
What to say on the pre-trip The air brake test, step by step Free printable checklist Free checklist PDF

Study aid for the CDL skills test. It is not FMCSA-filed ELDT training and does not guarantee a passing score. The order follows the California checklist; check your state CDL manual for the order your examiner uses.