CDL PRE-TRIP INSPECTION

The CDL pre-trip script: exactly what to say

Most drivers who fail the pre-trip know the truck. They fail because they freeze on the words, or leave out what they are checking for. The examiner can only grade what you say out loud. Here is the formula, sample lines you can use today, and how to practice it.

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The formula: name it, point to it, say what you check

For every part, do three things: point to it (or touch it), name it, and say what you are checking it for. A part with no "checking for" usually loses the point.

Most parts are checked for the same few things, so learn these phrases once and reuse them everywhere:

Mounted: "properly mounted and secure"
Metal parts: "not bent, cracked, or broken"
Hoses and lines: "no cuts, cracks, bulges, or abrasions"
Anything with fluid: "not leaking", and for levels, "between the min and max marks"
Bolts and nuts: "none missing or loose"
Lights and reflectors: "clean, working, not cracked or broken", plus the color

Sample lines, word for word

These are the kind of lines drivers practice. Say them the same way every time.

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

Brake hoses“The brake hoses are properly connected and not leaking, with no cuts, cracks, bulges, or abrasions.”

Tires“Tread depth is at least 4/32 of an inch on the steer tires and 2/32 on the drive tires. No cuts, bulges, or exposed cords, and properly inflated.”

Lug nuts“All lug nuts are present and tight, with no rust trails or shiny threads that would show they are loose.”

Mirrors“The mirrors are properly mounted, clean, and adjusted, and not cracked or broken.”

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

Learn every line with the animated videos

Every part of the truck with a "Say this" card, the full air brake test, Class A and Class B, plus a printable checklist.

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

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How to practice so it sticks

Say it out loud, every time. Reading it in your head is not the same as saying it under pressure.
Walk around a real vehicle. Your own car or pickup works. Point at each part as you say the line.
Use the same words in the same order. Repeating the same phrases is what keeps you from blanking.
Drill the air brake test separately. It is the section with exact numbers, and the one people most often fail.

Questions

Do I have to say everything out loud?

Yes. The examiner grades what you say. If you check a part but do not say what you are checking it for, you can lose that point.

Can I bring a checklist?

It depends on your state and test site. Many states using the newer test allow the official checklist with no extra notes written on it. Check your state CDL manual.

Is the script the same in every state?

The parts and the phrases are nearly the same everywhere, because they come from the national CDL standards. The order can be different, so check your state manual.

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:
The air brake test, step by step California pre-trip inspection 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.