Page 85 - Draft 2023 2024 CDL Manual w Modernization Info

SECTJON 11: PRE-TRIP INSPECTJON TEST

» T u rn signals. • If equipped with a hydraulic brake reserve the foot brake and hold it for one minute.
» Four-way flashers. (back-up) system, with the key off, depress Check the air gauge to see if the air pres­
» Brake lights. the brake pedal and listen for the sound of sure drops more than three pounds in one
» Red reflectors (on rear) and amber reflec­ the reserve system electric motor. minute (single vehicle) or four pounds in
tors (elsewhere). • Check that the warning buzzer or light is off. one minute (combination vehicle). Special
» Reflector tape condition note: if the air gauge does not work unless
H draulic Brake Master C linder- electrical power is supplied to it, then you
NOTE: Checks of brake, turn signal and four­ y y will need to turn the electrical power switch
way flasher functions must be done separately. • Check master cylinder is securely attached to the on positions on this step.
Horn and not leaking. » Without restarting the engine, turn electri­
• Check that air horn and/or electric horn • Checks brake fluid level in reservoir to ensure cal power to the on or "battery charge" posi­
it is between the add and full marks.
tion and begin fanning off the air pressure
work. by rapidly applying and releasing the foot
Heater/Defroster Air Brake Check (Air Brake Equipped Ve­ brake. Low air warning devices (buzzer,
hicles Onl )
y
• Test that the heater and defroster work. • Failure to perform all three components of light, flag) should activate before air pres­
sure drops below 55 psi or level specified
Parking Brake Check the air brake check in the correct order will by the manufacturer.
• With the parking brake engaged (trailer result in an automatic failure of the pre-trip » Continue to fan off the air pressure. At
inspection test and you will not be allowed
approximately 40 psi on a tractor-trailer
brakes released on combination vehicles), to proceed to Basic Skills and/or the Road combination vehicle (or level specified by
check that the parking brake will hold ve­ test. the manufacturer), the tractor protection
hicle by gently trying to pull forward with valve and parking brake valve should close
parking brake on. • Air brake safety devices vary. However, this (pop out). On other combination vehicle
• With the parking brake released and the procedure is designed to that any types and single vehicle types, the parking
trailer parking brake engaged (combination safety device operates correctly as air pres­ brake valve should close (pop out).
vehicles only), check that the trailer parking sure drops from normal to a low air condi­
brake will hold vehicle by gently trying to pull tion. For safet purposes, ou will use Service Brake Check

y
forward with the trailer parking brake on. wheel chocks during the air brake check. You will be required to check the application of
H draulic Brake Check The proper procedures for inspecting the air air or hydraulic service brakes. This procedure
y
brake system are as follows:
is designed to determine that the brakes are
Failure to complete the hydraulic brake check » With the air pressure built up to governor working correctly and that the vehicle does not
correctly will result in an automatic failure of cutoff (120 - 140 psi), shut off the engine, pull to one side or the other.
the pre-trip inspection test and you will not chock your wheels, release the parking
be allow to proceed to Basic Skills and/or the brake (all vehicles) and the tractor protec­
Road test. tion valve (combination vehicle), fully apply
• Pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it
down for five seconds. The brake pedal should
not move (depress) during the five seconds.
NOTICE:

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Required Before Testing

Since February 7, 2022, an entry-level driver is eligible to take the relevant CDL skills or knowledge test only
after completing the training required by the ELDT regulations, from a provider listed on the Training
Provider Registry.

This includes an individual seeking to take the CDL skills test required to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for
the first time; to upgrade an existing Class B to a Class A CDL; or to obtain a passenger (P) or school bus (S)
endorsement for the first time. It also includes an individual seeking to take the knowledge test required to
obtain a hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

The Training Provider Registry will help commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants connect with training
providers who are self-certified to provide required entry-level driver training. Please visit https://
tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ or tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.

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