Vehicle Inspection Study Sheet-Ga Generic

March 19, 2015 GHE SAIA, page 1
CDL Vehicle Inspection Study Sheet
In order to get credit for each item, you must point to or touch the item or items you are inspecting and
fully explain what you are inspecting for each item. If you do not do so, you will not get credit for that
item.
General Condition:Frontof vehicle - hood down.
Damage – “I am checking down both sides and the front of the vehicle for any damage or obstructions.”
Clearance and ID lights – All are present, not damaged, and amber in color.
Windshield - Not damaged.
Hood mirrors – Securely mounted, not damaged.
Lights and lenses across the front of the vehicle – Securely mounted, not damaged, turn signals and
reflectors are amber in color.
Bumper - Securely mounted, not damaged with a current tag.
Vehicle is not leaning to one side.
Leaks - No visible fluid leaks. (Bend over and visually check.)
EngineCompartment - Open the hood and check the following.
Passenger Side
Windshield washer fluid reservoir – Securely mounted, not damaged, no leaks, adequate level.
Coolant reservoir – Securely mounted, not damaged, no leaks, level is between the maximum and minimum.
Water pump – Securely mounted, not damaged, no leaks (Tell if it is gear or belt driven).
Belts – Belts have no more than 3/4 inch play; no cuts, frays, or missing belts (push on the belts in the
center).
Hoses – Hoses have no cuts, cracks, or leaks.
Driver Side
Oil level – Tell the examiner, “I would pull the dip stick out, wipe it off, replace it and check to make sure
the oil level is above the refill mark. I would add oil if needed.”
Power steering reservoir and hoses –Securely mounted, not damaged, no leaks. The level is above the refill
mark. No leaks in the hoses. If you cannot see through the side of the reservoir, point to the dip stick.
Power steering pump – Securely mounted, not damaged, no leaks, gear driven.
Air compressor – Securely mounted, not damaged, no leaks (Tell if the air compressor is belt or gear
driven).
Alternator – Securely mounted, not damaged, no frayed wires.
Belts – Belts have no more than 3/4 inch play; no cuts, frays, or missing belts (push on the belts in the
center).
Hoses – Hoses have no cuts, cracks, or leaks.
Steering System
Steering linkage - Securely mounted to the steering wheel, not bent or damaged.
Steering knuckle - Properly greased.
Steering gear box – Securely mounted to the frame, lines not leaking (point to the lines).
Pitman arm – Securely mounted, not damaged, secured with a castle nut and cotter key.
Drag link – Securely mounted, not damaged or bent.
Joints and sockets are not worn or loose, secured with a castle nut and cotter key.
Tie rod – Not bent or damaged.
Front Suspension
Leaf springs - None missing, shifted, or broken.
Leaf spring hanger – Securely mounted, not damaged.

Spring u-bolts – Two u-bolts, securely mounted, not damaged with four nuts.
Shackle – Securely mounted, not damaged.
Shock - Securely mounted, not damaged, no leaks.
Frame - Looking left to right no cracks or welds.
Brake System Front Axle
Airline – Secured to the brake chamber. No cuts, leaks, or rubbed places that could cause a leak.
Brake chamber – Securely mounted, not bent or damaged, no leaks. Clamp is securely mounted.
Push rod – Not bent or damaged. If I were to pull on it with the brakes released, it should not move more
than one inch.
Slack adjuster – Securely mounted, not damaged. Clevis pin and cotter key are present and secure.
Brake drum – Not damaged. No grease, oil, cracks or holes.
Brake pads – Not damaged. Minimum of ¼ inch brake pad.
Tires and Wheels Front Axle
Inside rim - No cracks or welds.
Inside of tire – Tire is seated to the rim. No abrasions, bulges, or cuts.
Tread depth – Minimum of 4/32 inch tread depth; tread is evenly worn.
Outside of tire – No abrasions bulges or cuts. Tire is seated to the rim.
Outside rim – Rim no cracks or welds.
Lug nuts – All are present and secure with no rust streaks that would indicate looseness.
Hub oil seal – Securely mounted, not damaged, no leaks.
Valve stem – Metal valve stem and cap, securely mounted no leaks.
Tire Inflation – I would check the tire inflation with a tire pressure gauge for proper inflation.
Shut and secure the hood.
Driver’s Sideof Tractor
Driver's door – Door opens, window moves up and down. Hinges are secure; gasket seal around door is
present, not damaged. The door closes and locks.
Door mirror – Securely mounted, not damaged.
Lights and reflectors on the side of the tractor – Securely mounted, not damaged amber in color.
Steps – Securely mounted, not damaged.
Fuel tank – Fuel tank is securely mounted to the frame with straps. There is a seal in the fuel cap and the
cap does not leak. “I have adequate fuel.” Fuel tank has no leaks or damage (Bend down and check for
leaks.)
Battery box– Securely mounted not damaged. I would check all batteries for good connections and no
corrosion.
Back of tractor - No damage.
Airlines – Both airlines are secured to the back of the tractor with no cuts or leaks in the lines.
Electrical cord - Firmly attached to the plug and not damaged.
Airlines - Both airlines are secured to the front of the trailer with no cuts or leaks. Seals are present in both
glad hands.
Electrical cord - Firmly attached to plug, not damaged..
Air lines and electric cord are not touching the cat walk.
Catwalk and steps - Securely mounted to the frame.
Frame - Looking left to right, no cracks or welds.
Cross members on frame – Securely mounted, not damaged.
Drive Shaft- Securely mounted to the u-joints at both ends, not bent or damaged, free of debris.
Exhaust system- Securely mounted, not damaged. No signs of exhaust leaks.
Drive Axle Suspension

Leaf spring hanger - Securely mounted, not damaged.
Spring u-bolts – Two u-bolts securely, not damaged with four nuts.
Air bags and shocks – Securely mounted, not damaged, no leaks.
Frame - Looking left to right, no cracks, or welds.
Drive Axle Brake System
Airline – Secured to the brake chamber. No cuts, leaks, or rubbed places that could cause a leak.
Brake chamber – Securely mounted, not bent or damaged, no leaks. Clamp is securely mounted.
than one inch.
Brake pads - Not damaged. Minimum of ¼ inch brake pad.
Drive Axle Tires and Wheels
State, “I am checking the inside wheel.”
Inside of tire – Tire is seated to the rim. No abrasions, bulges or cuts.
Tread depth - At least 2/32 inch tread depth; tread is evenly worn.
Outside of tire – No abrasions, bulges, or cuts. Tire is seated to the rim.
Outside rim – Rim has no cracks or welds.
Valve stem – Metal valve stem and cap, securely mounted, not leaking.
Tire inflation – I would check the tire inflation with a tire pressure gauge for proper inflation.
Budd spacing – These are Budd wheels, tires are not touching, no debris.
State, “I am checking the outside wheel.”
Tread depth - At least 2/32 inch tread depth, tread is evenly worn.
Outside rim – Rim has no cracks or welds.
Axle seal – Securely mounted no missing bolts, no leaks.
**If you have another axle, point to the second axle and state that I would check that axle (suspension,
brakes, and wheels) the same way that I checked the first axel.
Fifth Wheel
Trailer apron – Not damaged, no holes in the trailer apron.
Gap - No gap between the 5th wheel and the trailer apron.
Fifth wheel skid plate – Securely mounted to the platform, not damaged, and properly greased.
Mounting platform – Securely mounted to the frame, no cracks or damage.
Mounting bolts – All are present and secure.
Release arm/safety latch - Release arm is in the locked position. If a safety latch is present, it should be
over the top of the release arm.
Fifth wheel slide – (if present) is in the locked position with the pin out.
King pin/locking jaws – Kingpin is not bent or damaged. The locking jaws are around the shank of the
kingpin.
Torque arm – (located behind the fifth wheel) securely mounted, not damaged.

Lights and lenses on the back of the tractor are present and not damaged red in color.
Splash guards – Securely mounted, not damaged. Reflective tape is present.
Clearance - Clearance between the back of the tractor and landing gear; back of the cab and nose of trailer is
sufficient for safe operation.
TrailerInspection StudySheet
Front of Trailer
Clearance lights – All are present, not damaged, amber in color.
Front of trailer - No damage.
Annual inspection – Present and up-to-date. Inspection is good one year from the date of the inspection.
Side of Trailer
Reflective tape - Covers 50% of the length of the trailer.
Reflector – (if one is present on the side bottom corner). Present, not damaged, amber in color.
No damage on the side of the trailer – (tell the examiner if there is damage or not).
Landing gear – Securely mounted, not damaged, fully-raised. Handle is in the holder. Support frame is
securely mounted, not damaged.
Lights and reflectors (turn signal on the side) – Present, not damaged, amber in color.
Trailer frame and cross members – (Look underneath the trailer). No missing cross members and no holes
in the floor.
Air lines rear of trailer – Air lines are at least 12 inches off of the ground, no cuts or leaks.
Trailer slide – Release arm is in the locked position. All pins are out.
Torque arm –Securely mounted, not damaged.
Trailer Axle Suspension
Spring hanger – Securely mounted, not damaged.
Spring u-bolts – Two u-bolts, securely mounted with four nuts, not damaged.
Spring hanger – Securely mounted, not damaged.
Frame - Looking left to right, no cracks or welds.
Trailer Axle Brake System
Airline – Secure to the brake chamber. No cuts, leaks, or rubbed places that could cause a leak.
Brake Chamber – Securely mounted, not bent or damaged no leaks. Clamp is securely mounted.
than one inch.
Brake pads - Not damaged. Minimum of ¼ inch brake pad.
Trailer Axle Tires and Wheels
State, “I am checking the inside wheel.”
Inside of tire – Tire is seated to the rim. No abrasions, bulges or cuts.
Tread depth - At least 2/32 inch tread depth. Tread is evenly worn.
Outside rim – Rim no cracks or welds.
Budd spacing – These are Budd wheels, tires are not touching, no debris.

State, “I am checking the outside wheel.”
Tread depth - At least 2/32 inch tread depth. Tread is evenly worn.
Outside rim – No cracks or welds.
Hub seal – Securely mounted, not damaged, no leaks.
**If you have another axle, point to the second axle and state that you would check that axle (suspension,
brakes, and wheels) the same way you checked the first axle.
Splash guard - Securely mounted, not damaged.
ABS Indicator – located on side of trailer. If an ABS light is present, tell the examiner that the trailer is
equipped with ABS. If the ABS light is not present, tell the examiner that this trailer is not equipped with
ABS.
Marker light bottom corner – Present no damage, red in color.
Rear of Trailer
Clearance and ID lights – All present, not damaged red in color.
Damage – No damage on the door.
Door cables– Securely mounted, not damaged.
Rear door - Tell the examiner that you would open and shut the door to make sure it worked properly and
that the latch worked properly and latched.
Lights and lenses – Lights and lenses across the back of the trailer are present not damaged, red in color.
Current Tag and Tag light – Securely mounted, not damaged.
DOT bumper – Securely mounted, not damaged. Reflective tape is present on the DOT bumper.
Other Side of Vehicle – State: “I would check the right side of the vehicle just as I did the left side.”
***Ask for assistance in checking lights on the tractor and trailer before entering the cab. You must
specify which lights you are checking (Where ever the examiner stands, call out the lights where they are
standing. The examiner may ask you where you want them to begin).
Front of Tractor
Lights/Reflectors (Left, Right, 4 ways, Low Beam, High Beam, Clearance and Marker)
Rear of Tractor
Lights/Reflectors (Left, Right, 4 ways, Brake Lights, Reverse)
Side of Trailer
Lights/Reflectors (Left turn signal)
Rear of Trailer
Lights/Reflectors (Left, Right, 4 ways, Brake Lights, , Clearance, Marker, Tag)

Insideof Cab Inspection
 My vehicle is secure – Both valves are out.
 Check documents – Tell the examiner where the document box is located and that you would check
for the following documents: Insurance, inspection, registration, accident report, and Vnomics. Also
check for a current Emergency Response Guide Book.
 Seat belt – Is securely mounted, fastens properly, and is not ripped or frayed.
 Perform a safe start – Clutch depressed transmission in neutral. (Tell the examiner, “I am going to
start my vehicle using a safe start, transmission in neutral, clutch depressed”). Start the vehicle.
Release the clutch slowly.
Check the Dash
 Point to the ABS indicator light and state that this truck is equipped with ABS. If there is no ABS
light, state that this truck is not equipped with ABS.
 Oil pressure is between 20 and 50 psi.
 Voltmeter is charging between 12 - 15 volts.
 Water temperature is rising gradually to normal operating range between 180 and 210.
 Air pressure is rising to 125 psi.
 Dash lights work. (Turn on headlights to turn on your dash lights and leave them on for indicator
light check.)
 Indicator lights – (left, right, and 4-ways, bright/dim) – point to and name each light you are
checking.
 Heater/Defroster – turn on heater and defroster. Place your hands in locations to feel air blowing -
dash and floor.
Windshield, Wipers, Mirrors, and Steering Wheel
 Wiper blades are not cracked or worn. Wipers work properly and are securely mounted to the
windshield. (Turn them on and off).
 Windshield washer is working properly (activate washer).
 Windshield and windows are clean and not damaged. No illegal stickers or obstructions.
 Mirrors are clean and adjusted properly.
 Steering wheel has no more than 2 inches of play on a 20- inch wheel.
 Horns - city and air horn work properly.
Foot Controls and Safety Equipment
 Foot controls work properly and have no obstructions beneath them.
 Safety Equipment – (5 B:C or 10 B:C), fully charged, secured fire extinguisher, 3 reflective
triangles, circuits or fuses are all present in the dash.

Air BrakeCheck – Tell the examiner that you are now going to complete your “Air Brake Check.”
Tractor Parking Brake Test (say, “Tractor Parking Brakes”)
 Put transmission in second gear.
 Push in the red valve in to release trailer parking brake, leave the tractor yellow valve pulled out.
 Gradually release clutch just enough tofeel a slight tug indicating that thetractor brakes are holding.
Trailer Parking Brake Test (say, “Trailer Parking Brakes”)
 Leave the transmission in second gear.
 Push in the yellow valve to release tractor parking brake, pull out the trailer red valve.
 Gradually release clutch just enough to feel a slight tug indicating that the trailer brakes are holding.
Service Brake Test (Some DMV’s may want you to simulate the Service Brake Test). Ask the examiner if
they want you to simulate or perform the Service Brake Test. Do the following if you perform the Service
Brake Test. If you simulate, pull both valves out, place the transmission in neutral and explain to the
examiner how you would perform the Service Brake Test.
 State, “I am now going to test my service brakes.” Release both red and yellow valves. With both
hands on the steering wheel, pull forward slowly (around 5 MPH) and stop. Tell the examiner that,
“My truck stops smoothly and does not pull to the left or right.”
Failure to perform the following three components of the air brake check correctly will result in an
automatic failure of the vehicle inspection test and you will not be allowed to proceed to Basic Skills
and/or the Road test.
Before you begin the Air Leakage Rate Test, place the transmission in 2nd gear, both valves must be pushed
in. Turn the ignition switch off, and then back on so that the low pressure warning devices will come on
during the low pressure warning device test.
Air Leakage Rate Test
 Tell the examiner, “I am now going to complete my Air Leakage Rate Test. “Air pressure is at 125
psi. Transmission in 2nd gear, both valves are pushed in, key is in the on position.”
 State, “With brakes applied, I am watching for a loss of no more than 4 psi of air in one minute.”
Depress the brake pedal and look at the air pressure gauge until the instructor tells you to proceed.
 State, “This is a good test. I did not lose more than 4 psi.”
Low Pressure Warning Devices
 State, “I am now going to check my low pressure warning devices.” I am going to fan my brakes.
The low pressure warning devices should activate before 60 psi. Fan the brakes. When the low
pressure warning light and signal come on, tell the examiner that the low pressure warning devices
activated before 60 psi.
Spring Brake Test

 State, “I am now going to check that my spring brakes work automatically. I will continue to fan my
brakes. Between 20 and 45 psi, both of the valves should pop out engaging my spring brakes.” Fan
the brakes. When the valves pop out, tell the examiner that both of the valves came out between 20
and 45 psi engaging my spring brakes.
Tell the examiner that you have completed your pretrip and wait for further instructions.

Vehicle Inspection Study Sheet-Ga Generic

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