Know What To Say During Your CDL Pre-Trip Inspection
A part-by-part script for the Class A pre-trip inspection. Read it, say it out loud a few times, and walk into the skills test knowing what to say about each part.
11-page PDF, written for Class A
Pre-Trip Inspection
Pre-Trip Inspection Script (Class A)
The 3 Golden Rules
If it's METAL: "Properly mounted and secure. Not cracked, bent, or broken."
If it's RUBBER: "Properly mounted and secure. No abrasions, bulges, or cuts....
The Pre-Trip Is a Speaking Test as Much as a Checking Test
You are expected to point to each part and say what you are checking. Knowing the truck is not always enough if the words do not come. That is the part this sheet covers.
A Long List
The inspection covers the engine compartment, the cab, the brakes and the coupling. That is a lot to say out loud in order.
Tongue-Tied
You may know exactly what you are looking at, and still go blank when the examiner is watching.
Retests Cost Time
A failed skills test means coming back another day. Retest fees and wait times vary by state and testing site.
Stop Improvising. Start Scripting.
The sheet gives you the wording to use for each part of the truck, grouped in the order you walk around it.
The 3 Golden Rules
If it's METAL: "Properly mounted and secure. Not cracked, bent, or broken."
If it's RUBBER: "Properly mounted and secure. No abrasions, bulges, or cuts. Not leaking (if it holds fluid or air)."
If it's a FLUID: "Proper level. Not leaking."
Learn these three patterns and you have wording ready for most parts of the truck.
What's Inside the Cheat Sheet
Four sections, in the order of the inspection.
- The 3 Golden Rules for metal, rubber and fluid parts
- Which parts fall under each rule (frame, tires, hoses, belts, oil, coolant)
- A reminder to point to each part as you name it
- Wording for coolant, oil and power steering fluid
- Driven parts, belt or gear: alternator, water pump, air compressor, power steering pump
- Steering, suspension and front axle brake wording
Many states treat a missed air brake test as an automatic fail, so this part is worth practicing the most.
- The "Safe Start" routine, step by step
- The gauges check, with the numbers to say
- The air brake check from the CDL manual: build-up rate, applied and static leak tests, low air warning (55 psi) and the 20 to 45 psi pop-out
- 5th wheel connection: no gap, kingpin and jaws, locking lever and safety latch
- Landing gear
- Lights and reflectors
About This Sheet
It is a study aid written by the CDL Schools USA team, built around the pre-trip inspection steps in the CDL manual. It cannot promise a pass. Test rules and what your examiner wants to hear can differ by state, so read your state CDL manual too and practice on a real truck when you can.
Pre-Trip Inspection Cheat Sheet
Class A CDL, 11-page PDF
- 11-page PDF script
- Opens on any phone, tablet or computer
- Printable for test day
- Air brake test wording and numbers
Instant download after purchase
Instant Download After Purchase
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Frequently Asked Questions
What format is the cheat sheet?
Is this for Class A or Class B CDL?
Does it cover the air brake test?
How do I get the PDF after I buy?
What if I fail my test anyway?
Ready to Practice the Script?
Get the sheet, read it through once, then say it out loud before test day.
Get the Cheat Sheet, $10