CDL Pre-Trip Inspection and Air Brake Test Review

Vocabulary-style flashcards based on the CDL pre-trip vehicle inspection and air brake test requirements, covering technical components, safety thresholds, and testing procedures.

PMS

Properly Mounted and Secured

ABC

Abrasions, Bulges, and Cuts

CD

Cracked, Damaged

Tractor Front Clearance Light

Clean and functional, amber in color.

Engine Belts (Play)

No more than $3/4$ inch of play at the longest point; not worn, cracked, or frayed.

Oil Level Check

The dipstick must be above the refill mark.

Steering Shaft

No excessive play, U-joints in place, and not damaged.

Frame

No cracks, broken welds, or holes.

Shock Absorber

Securely mounted and no leaks.

Lug Nuts

PMS, not CD or missing, and free of rust trails which would indicate looseness.

DOT Reflective Tape

PMS, not CD or missing, red and white in color, and must cover at least $50\%$ of the side of the trailer.

Landing Gear

In the fully raised position, not CD or missing bolts, free of debris, and the crank handle is secure.

Trailer Air Lines

Must be at least $18$ inches off the ground, PMS, not CD or leaking, and no ABCs.

Fire Extinguisher

PMS, filled to the proper level and is at least a $10\,\text{BC}$ for HAZMAT.

Fifth Wheel Skid Plate

PMS, not CD, and there should be no gap between the apron and the skid plate.

Brake Pads

Must be at least $1/4$-inch thick.

Tire Tread Depth

Must be no less than $2/32$ of an inch.

Tire Pressure

No less than $100\,\text{PSI}$ checked with a gauge.

Steering Wheel Play

No more than $10$ degrees (or $2$ inches) of play on a $20$-inch wheel.

Coolant Gauge

Standard operating range rises to $180-200$.

Oil Pressure Gauge

Standard operating range rises to $40-60\,\text{PSI}$.

Voltmeter

Standard operating range is $12-14\,\text{volts}$.

Air Pressure Gauge

Rises to $100-125\,\text{PSI}$; note that governor cut off occurs at $125\,\text{PSI}$.

Service Brake Test

Pull forward between $3-5\,\text{MPH}$ with a loose grip; the truck should not pull left or right, which would indicate a brake or suspension issue.

Applied Brake Test

Apply pressure to the service brake for $60$ seconds; you should not lose more than $4\,\text{PSI}$.

Low Air Warning Light and Buzzer

Must activate when the air pressure drops to between $60-65\,\text{PSI}$.

Emergency Braking System (Pop-out)

When pumping brakes down to $20-40\,\text{PSI}$, the trailer and tractor valves must pop out.

Slack Adjuster and Push Rods

PMS, not CD or bent, and there is no more than $1$ inch of play by hand.