STATE OF MINNESOTA

Department of Public Safety

Driver & Vehicle Services Division
AIR BRAKE PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
You are required to check those items that relate to the operaon of your vehicles air break
system. A checklist of typical components is provided below. If your vehicle has dierent
components than those listen, point them out ot the examiner and explain how to check them.
For the test, check one side of the vehicle, including each axle.
You need to point out the item to be checked and explain how you check that item. Once you
have properly explained the procedure for checking an item, you need only point out the item on
each axle and say that you would check it the same way as previously explained. If there are any
dierences to properly check the item, you must explain what the dierences are to the examiner.
On cab-over vehicles, do not li the car but turn the front wheels. Explain what you would
check
The following checklist can be used for your road test.
MECHANICAL AND EXTERNAL CHECKS:
Air compressor
Trailer air/electrical lines & connectors (Class-A vehicles only)

On each axle:
Slack adjusters
Air brake chambers
Air hoses or brake lines
Brake drums (and linings, if visible)
IN-CAB AIR BRAKES SYSTEM CHECK:
Be prepared to provide an explanaon as you inspect each item below:

Parking brake:
Service brake:
One-minute air loss:
Low air warning:
Emergency system engaged:
Note: For all Class-A, apply the trailer brakes and aampt to pull forward to test the trailer
connecon before leaving the curb.
PS30304-04
THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. DO NOT hit a curb with the trailer during a right
hand turn
2. DO NOT roll at stop signs. Make a complete stop
3. Look both direcons at all intersecons, both
controller and uncontrolled intersecons.
4. When parking on a hill next to a curb:
UPHILL - TURN steering wheel le
DOWNHILL- TURN steering wheel right
Signal when moving towards curb and when
leaving curb.
5. All roads on the exam staon course are considered
4 lanes wide, whether they are marked with
lines or not.
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CDL PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
Just Point to each item
& Explain what to look for.
(Front Truck Axle)

-Air Compressor
-Slack adjuster
- Brake chamber
- Air hoses to chamber
- Brake drums
- Brake pads
(Rear Truck Axle)
- Slack adjuster
- Brake chamber
- Air hoses to chamber
- Brake drums
- Brake pads
(Trailer Axle)
- Brake drums
- Brake pads
- Electric cord
- Hitch locked
(Lights)
- Check turn signal lights
- Check head lights
- Check brake lights
Parking Brake
Engine is running, put into drive, aempt to pull forward
with parking brake applies (yellow valve pulled out).
Truck should not move.
Service Brake
Engine is running, Push in parking brake, put into
drive, let truck roll forward slowly, then press service
brake (brake pedal) to show service brake works
One Minute Air Loss
Put the truck in neutral, turn o engine, leave parking
valve pushed in (released), Turn key ON posion while
engine is OFF. Press and hold brake pedal for one
minutes and watch air pressure gauge for less that
3 lbs/minutes air loss
Low Air Warning
With key in ON posion and engine OFF, pump brake
pedal unl air gauge reaches 60 lbs. Low air alarm will
sounds. Key MUST be in ON posion
Emergency System Engaged
Pump brake pedal unl yellow parking valve pops out
(at approximately 30 lbs.) Once parking valve pops the
Emergency System is now fully engaged. Now start the
truck and put it in drive and aempt to pull forward.
The truck should Not move.
Pull ahead and apply trailer brake before leaving curb
CLASS A LEASING
Truck/Trailer Rental
Class A or Class B CDL Road Test
(612) 723-4398
Commercial Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection Test

The Commercial Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection Test is designed to test your ability to check a variety of commercial vehicle
safety equipment and vehicle components. You are required to check the items listed below that relate to the operation of
your vehicle. You will need to point out the item to be checked and explain how you check that item. You may use this
checklist during your pre-trip inspection.

COMBINATION VEHICLE TYPE
Truck

air & electric connectors

Coupling System
mounting bolts
pintle hook
hitch release lever
safety devices
Trailer

air & electric connectors &
lines
tongue storage area

Coupling System
tongue or drawbar
mounting bolts
safety devices
sliding pintle
Tractor

air & electric connectors &
lines

Coupling System
mounting bolts
platform
locking jaws or lever
release arm & safety latch
5
th
wheel skid plate
slide 5
th
wheel pins
Semi-Trailer

air & electric connectors

Coupling System
kingpin
apron
gap

ALL VEHICLES

Front of Vehicle
lights & reflectors
mirrors

Engine Compartment
oil level
coolant level
power steering fluid
water pump
alternator
leaks & hoses
*air compressor/master cyl inder
automatic transmission fluid

Steering
steering box & hoses
steering linkage

Front Wheel
tires
rims
lug nuts
hub oil seal

Front Suspension
springs & shocks
u-bolts
spring mounts

Front Brake
brake hoses or lines
*brake chamber
*slack adjustor & push-rod
drum & linings or rotor & disk

Driver/Fuel Area
door & mirror
fuel tank & cap & leaks
catwalk & steps
lights & reflectors

Under Vehicle
drive shaft
exhaust system
frame

Rear Axles
tires
rims
lug nuts
hub oil seal
spacers or budd spacing

Rear Suspension
springs & shocks & airbags
u-bolts
spring/air mounts

Rear Brakes
brake hoses or lines
*brake chamber
*slack adjustor & push-rod
drum & linings or rotor & disk

Rear of Vehicle
doors & lift
splash guards
lights & reflectors
Combination Vehicles

Trailer Front
header board or bulkhead
lights & reflectors

Side of Trailer
landing gear
frame & tandem release
doors & ties & lifts
lights & reflectors

Trailer Wheels
tires
rims
lug nuts
hub oil seal
spacers or budd spacing

Trailer Suspension
springs & shocks & airbags
u-bolts
spring/air mounts

Trailer Brakes
brake hoses or lines
*brake chamber
*slack adjustor & push-rod
drum & linings or rotor & disk

Rear of Trailer
doors & lift
splash guards
lights & reflectors

PASSENGER BUS VEHICLES
passenger entry & lift emergency exits seating baggage doors secure

SCHOOL BUSES
8-Lamp system First aid kit Body fluid kit Emergency exit types

INSIDE VEHICLE
safety belt
emergency equipment
safe start
temperature gauge
oil pressure gauge
ammeter or voltmeter gauge
*air gauge
lighting indicators
horn(s)
heater & defroster
windshield & mirrors
wipers & washers
parking brake
service brake/electric assist
*air brake check
hydraulic brake check
* Air brake system onl y.

All commercial vehicles must display a current inspection sticker to receive a road test.

PS30307-01 (Rev 09/10)
COMBINATION VEHICLE TYPE
Truck
air & electric connectors: Latched securely to truck, No cuts, tears, exposed wires,
not tangles or dragging on ground
Coupling System
Mounng bolts: not cracked, broken, or loose, no missing nuts of bolts
Pintle hoot: pintle hook is secure, not cracked, broken, or loose, no missing bolts.
Hitch release level not bent, cracked, or broken, pins in place
Safety devices safety chains are securely fastened to truck; not dragging on ground;
es are secure, no cracked or broken welds
emergency break away cable is securely fastened to truck not tangled
or dragging on ground
Trailer
air & electrical connectors & lines: electric cord is securely fastened to trailer; no cracks, tear, or
exposed wires
Tongue storage are: no loose objects; no cracked or broken welds; no rust holes in oor
Coupling System
Tongue or drawbar tongue is not bent or twisted; no broken or cracked welds
Mounng bolts not cracked, broken, or loose; no missing nuts or bolts
Safety devices: emergency break away box is securely fastened to trailer;
not cracked or broken; no exposed wires; baery is fully charged
Front of Vehicle
Lights & reectors Lights are not cracked, broken or loose; not missing, and clean and proper color.
Reectors are not cracker, broken, or loose not missing; are clean, not covered
Mirrors Not cracked, broken or loose; mounted securely
Engine Compartment (you do not have to actually check any uid levels)
Oil level Yellow dipsck should be above the add mark
Coolant level Should be above the add mark
Power steering level Should be above the minimum/add mark
Water pump: (Located behind the center pulley with 4 nuts on it) Not cracked, leaking; proper belt
tension (3/4 inches). (You do not have to actually check the belt tension, just say you would)
Alternator No loose or missing bolts; no cracked or exposed wires; proper belt tension (3/4 inch)
Leaks & hoses Look for leaks or puddles under the engine compartment
Hoses should not be cracked, broken, or loose, not leaking
Air compressor Not cracked, broken, or loose, no missing bolts; not leaking; proper belt tension
Automac transmission Red dipsck, should be above the add mark (which the engine is running)

Steering

Steering box & hoses (at boom of the steering column) Steering box is not cracked, broken or loose,
no missing bolts; Not leaking. Hoses are not cracked, broken, or loose not leaking
Steering linkage Not cracked, broken, or loose, no missing bolts. Same for all linkage points
Front Wheel
Tires 4/32 Tread Depth; Not uneven / unevenly worn; No cracks or cuts in sidewall;
Check proper inaon with a re gauge
Rims Not bent, cracked, or welded
Lug nuts Not cracked, missing, or loose (no gaps, shiny threads, or rust trails)
Hub oil seel Not cracked, or leaking; no loose or missing nuts; proper level about the mark
Front Suspension
Springs & Shocks No cracked, broken, or loose springs; No cracked, bent or loose, no leaking shocks
U-bolts Not cracked, bent, or broken, no loose u-bolts, no missing nuts
Spring mounts Not bent, cracked or broken, no loose mounts, or missing bolts
Front Brake
Brake hoses or lines Not cracked, worn, or leaking air hoses. Fi ngs are ght.
Lines are not cracked, loose, or rubbing anything.
Brake chamber Not cracked, dented, or loose, no missing bolts
Slack adjuster & Not bent or cracked, no missing pins or coer keys
Push-rod No more than 1 inch or play, when you pull by hand
Drum & linings No warped, cracked, or welded drums
Leak thrue inspecon hole, linings are not cracked, not grease or oil on them;
Linings (shoes) are at least 1/4 inch thick
Driver/Fuel Area
Door & mirror Door has no missing seals, no bent or loose hinges; latches securely
Mirror is not cracked, broken or loose; mounted securely
Fuel tank & camp & leaks Not cracked or leaking; no broken or loose straps; no missing cap
Steps Not cracked, broken, or loose; no missing bolts; mounted securely
Lights & reectors Not cracked, broken or lose; no missing lights; not covered; proper color
Not torn, loose or covered; no missing reectors
Under Vehicle
Drive sha Not bent, no cracked, loose or missing bolts; couplings are secure
Exhaust system Not cracked, broker or rusted through; no signs of soot lines (cracks);
no loose mounts
Frame Frame is straight; not bent, twisted, or cracked, not rusted through; not sagging
Rear Axels
Tires 2/32 Tread; no cracks or cuts in side; Not mismatched or unevenly worn;
Proper inaon with a gauge or mallet
Rims Not bent, cracked or welded
Lug nuts Not cracked, loose, or missing; no gaps, shiny threads, or rust trails
Hub oil seal Not cracked or leaking, no loose bolts
Spacers or budd spacing Check for even spacing between wheels; not rubbing; no foreign objects
Rear Suspension
Springs & Shocks Springs: Not cracked, broken, or loose; no missing springs
& air bags Shocks: Not cracked, bent, or loose; no leaking shocks
Air bags: Not cracked, or leaking air bags
U-bolts Not cracked, bent, or broken, no loose u-bolts, no missing nuts
Springs/air mounts Not bent, cracker, or broken; no loose air mounts: no missing bolts
Not bent, cracked, or broken; no loose spring mounts; no missing bolts
Rear Brakes
Brake hoses or lines Not cracked, worn, or leaking air hoses. Fi ngs are ght.
Lines are not cracked, loose, or rubbing anything.
Brake chamber Not cracker, dented, or loose, no missing bolts
Slack adjuster & Explain: I would rst chock the res, and release the parking brake,
Push-rod and then check for not more than 1 inch of play, when you pull my hand.
Not bent or cracked; no missing pins or coer keys.
Drum & linings No warped, cracked, or welded drums
Leak thru inspecon hole, linings are not cracked, not grease or oil on them;
Linings (shoes) are at least 1/4 inch thick
Rear Vehicle
Splash guards Not cracked, broken, or loose; no missing bolts; mounted securely
Lights & reectors Lights are not cracked, broken or loose; not missing, and clean and proper color.
Reectors are not cracker, broken, or loose not missing; are clean, not covered
Combinaon Vehicles
Trailer Front
Header board Not bent, twisted, or loose; no cracked or broken welds
(strong enough to contain cargo)
Lights & reectors Not cracked, broken, or loose; no missing lights; not covered; proper color
Not torn, loose, or covered, no missing reectors
Side Trailer
landing gear Fully raised up o ground; no missing or loose bolts; no cracked welds
handle is secure
Frame Frame and cross members are straight; not bent, twisted, or cracked, not rusted
through; not sagging; no broken welds
Lights & reectors Not cracked, broken, or loose; no missing lights; not covered; proper color
Not torn, loose, or covered, no missing reectors
Trailer Wheels
Tires 2/32 Tread; no cracks or cuts in side; Not mismatched or unevenly worn;
Proper inaon with a gauge or mallet
Rims Not bent, cracked or welded
Lug nuts Not cracked, loose, or missing; no gaps, shiny threads, or rust trails
Hub oil seal Not cracked or leaking, no loose bolts
Trailer Suspension
Torsion Mounts Not cracked, broken, or loose, or missing bolts; no broken welds; mounted secure
Trailer Brakes
Electric line No cracked, loose, or exposed wiring
Drum & lining No warped, cracked or welded drums
Look thru inspecon hole; linings are not cracked, no grease or oil on them;
linings are at least 1/4 inch thick
Rear of Trailer
Loading ramps Not cracked, broken, or loose, no missing bolts; mounted secure;
no broken welds, no missing pins
Splash guards Not cracked, broken, or loose; no missing bolts; mounted securely
Lights & reectors Lights are not cracked, broken or loose; not missing, and clean and proper color.
Reectors are not cracker, broken, or loose not missing; are clean, not covered
(now close the hood, turn the key on, and start checking all your lights)
Right turn signal Get out and check front & back
Le turn signal Check front & back
Flashers Check front & back
Brake Lights Ask the examiner to help you check the brake lights
Inside Vehicle
Safety belt Belt is securely mounted, not torn or frayed, and latches securely
Emergency equip. Spare fuses: 3 reecve triangles; properly charged re exnguisher
Safe start Say; Before I start the truck, I will make sure the parking brake is on, and the
transmission is in neutral. Then start the truck
Temperature gauge Point to it and say, The temp. gauge is working, and slowly rising.
Oil pressure gauge Point to it and say, The oil pressure gauge is working, and shows oil pressure.
Voltmeter gauge Point to it and say, The voltmeter gauge is working, reading about 14 and is charging.
Air gauge Point to it and say, The air gauge is working, and reading _______.
Lighng indicators Turn on and check both insider turn signal indicators; also ashers
Turn on head lights and check the high beam indicator
Horn Toot the horn
Heater & defroster Turn on the fan and test (twist) the heater/defroster controls, to see if it works
Windshield & mirrors Windshield is clean, clear an not cracked
The mirrors are clean, clear and adjusted properly
Wipers & washers The wiper blades are not cracked or missing and operate smoothly.
Test the washer uid
Parking brake Put the truck in drive and gently pull against the parking brake;
truck should not move, parking brake works.
Service brake Release parking brake, put the truck in drive, roll forward and stop with service
brake (brake pedal); service brake works.
Electric assist Roll forward and apply the electric assist trailer brake unl the truck stops
trailer brake works.
Air brake check
Air loss Put the truck in neutral, turn o the truck, and turn the key on
(clock should be on). Check air loss for 1 min. (3 psi/min. max air loss)
Low air alarm Fan/pump the brake pedal unl the low air alarm sounds at about 60 psi.
alarm works.
Emergency brake test Connue to fan/pump pedal unl the yellow valve pops out (between 20-40 psi)
The restart the engine and try to gently pull forward
the truck should not move. emergency brake works.
Make sure you point out and give a detailed descripon/explanaon about each & every item listed!
In short, try to give a 3-4 point descripon about nearly every item listed.

Examples: -not cracked, broken, or loose
-no missing bolts, mounted securely
-not bent, twisted, or warped; not rusted through.
-not leaking etc....
Follow the list, and Be mindful of what youre saying
Arrive at the Drivers Exam Staon at least 30-45 min. before your scheduled road test.
Check in at the Outside Dispatcher Window
Wait in or by your CDL Test Truck
Review your pre-trip
Mentally Prepare for your road test:
Proper Turns: Right Le Double Le
Proper Stops
Proper Observaon
Proper Hill Park
Backing Straight Alley O Set
Proper Highway Driving
Direcons from our Pracce Lot:
- Take a right at the stop sign
- Take a right at the next stop sign (Airport Rd.)
- Go East on Hwy 10 (about 1.5 miles)
- Follow 35W South, (about 1/4 mi.)
- Take the rst exit County Rd. I, and go right at the boom of ramp
- Take a right on rst service road (look for Big Green Sign saying Drivers Exam Staon)
Erics Cell 612-618-1812
Dawns Cell 612-723-4398