Study Guide

  California CDL Pre-Trip Study Guide

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Homework and Yard-work

This study has all the info about the DOT inspection that your DMV Evaluator has to hear from you. You'll recite most of it from memory while you do the air brake tests and pre-trip inspection, hands-on. For the California Airbrakes System Check (ABSC), use this format:

1. State the name of the test, e.g., “The Governor Cut Out Test.”

2. Give the purpose of the test, e.g., “The governor must cut out no higher than 130 psi.”

3. Conduct the six tests in the right order: 

     1) Governor cut-out, 

     2) Governor Cut-in, 

     3) Applied Pressure Test, 

     4) Low Pressure Warning test, 

     5) Parking/ Emergency Brake Auto-activation test, 

     6) Parking Brake test

4. State why the test was a good test (why it passed) as you complete each of the six tests.

This will assure that you will complete the air brakes test right without errors. Learn the ABSC and the —Pre-trip Walk-around Inspection—during week one of your training at Premier Truck Driving School. Once taught, it is your job to practice these skills so that you will be ready for your CDL road test. Tonight, after your first day of school, memorize the names and purposes of the six ABSC tests. In addition, you must know the downhill procedure. Practice the ABSC and the DOT Inspection at 06:25 AM in the yard every day. Learning most of this info by heart will keep you on track in your training.

— In Cab Check —

     Safe Start

Safety Belts

 • Mounted and secured properly • Latch and unlatch easily

Start Engine

• Turn ignition to the start position. • Allow the gauges to cycle • Press in clutch • Shift into neutral (into park for automatic transmissions) • Start engine and release clutch slowly 

Voltage Gauge 

• Must read at 12 to 14 volts

Water Temperature Gauge

 • Rises in normal driving to 180 – 200 degrees, or else the temperature light comes on.

Oil Pressure Gauge 

• Check that this gauge builds up to the normal range: 40 to 60 psi.• The oil gauge shows the normal as an increasing oil pressure—or else the oil pressure warning light comes on.
• Oil pressure depends on the oil type and driving, e.g., idling oil pressure is about 20 psi

Emergency Equipment 

• Fuses and breakers • Fire extinguisher: fully charged, with the current service inspection tag and pin in place •Three reflective emergency triangles on board.

Steering Wheel 

• Check for no more than 2” of freeplay in the 20” wheel 

Air Gauge 

• Make sure all (two or more) air gauges work properly. Two of the gauges must show that air pressure builds to the governor cut-off at 120 to 140 psi. 

Lighting Indicators (L-R-4-H) 

• Check the dash panel indicators for the turn signals • 4-way flashers, and • Headlight high-beams when you turn on each of the corresponding lights. 

Air Horn and City Horn 

• Test both horns

Heater and Defroster 

• Test both 

Windshield and Mirrors 

• Windshield should be clear, not cracked or pitted, with no illegal stickers, no obstructions or damage to the glass • Mirrors must be clean and adjusted properly from the cab for the driver's best view

Wipers and Washer 

• Check that the wiper arms and blades are secure, undamaged & operating smoothly. The windshield washer work properly.

Parking Brake

1. Engage the parking (emergency) brake and release the trailer brakes. 

2. Check that the parking brake will hold the vehicle—by gently pulling forward. • Release the parking brake & engage the trailer brakes • Check that the trailer parking brake will hold the vehicle—by pulling forward.

Service Brakes and ABS

Check the function of the service brakes. Determine whether the air brakes are working properly and that the vehicle does not pull to one side. 

1. Pull forward at 5 mph and apply the service brakes. 

2. Check that the vehicle does not pull to either side as it slows down and then stops when you apply the service brakes. 

3. Verify that the dashboard indicator for the ABS—displays properly.

Air Brake Check: C-O-L-A:

C: Air compressor cuts in no lower than 85 psi /minute 

O: Air compressor cuts out at normal cut out range: 110 to 130 psi per minute.

L: Low pressure warning device activates between 55 and 75 psi.

A: Air Leakage test—with engine off, the service brake applied and all other brakes released—the pressure loss is no greater than 3 psi per minute for a single vehicle or 4 psi for a combination.

Governor Cut Out Test 

1. If the air system is above 90 psi, pump the service brake 

2. If below 90 psi, then begin the test.

3. Start engine and build the air pressure to capacity.

4. Announce the air pressure at its highest point.

5. Purpose: The governor must cut out no higher than 130 psi.

Governor Cut In Test 

1. Pump the service brake once. 

2. Rev engine up to 1000 RPM, for 10 seconds.

3. If the air pressure rises, announce the maximum rise point.

4. If the air pressure does not rise, repeat test.

5. Purpose: the governor must cut in no lower than 85 psi.

Applied Pressure Test

1. Air pressure must be at CAPACITY.

2. Shift truck transmission into LOW GEAR.

3. Shut off engine and then release the clutch.

4. Release both of the brake valves.

5. Press foot brake • Hold until the needles stop • Announce the 
pressure • Hold the brake pedal for 60 seconds.

6. Announce the primary air gauge reading—before releasing the service brake (foot brake).

7. Purpose: The brakes must not lose more than 4 psi/per minute

Low Air Pressure Warning Test

1. Turn ignition to on position: Do not start the engine. 

2. Pump the foot brake until the low air warning light shines and the buzzer sounds.

3. Announce the exact air pressure on both gauges and then, turn off the engine ignition.

4. Purpose: Air warning: siren and light must kick-in twixt 75 - 55 psi. 

Emergency/ Parking Brake Automatic Activation Test

1. Pump the foot brake until both the brake activation buttons on the dash engage (pop out).

2. Both the dash buttons should engage between 20 - 45 psi.


3. Purpose: When the air brake pressure falls between 20 - 45 psi, the system—auto-activates the parking/ emergency brake.

Parking Brake Test

1. Build the air pressure to capacity.

2. Shift the transmission into low gear.

3. Release (push in) both brake valves.

4. Idle the truck about 10 to 15 feet forward.

5. Push in the clutch and pull out the Parking Brake Valve (yellow)

6. Purpose: The truck should stop without hesitation when the driver engages the parking/ emergency brake.

Brake Check: Measurement 

1. Park on level ground and chock (wedge block) all truck and trailer wheels. 

2. Shift into 1st gear. Release all brakes by pushing in both dash valves.

3. Mark all push rods with chalk at the point where they go into the brake canister. Apply breaks—pull out both dash valves. Measure from chalk mark to brake canister. The distance must be less than two inches.

Parking Uphill

1. Park uphill: Park within 18” of curb. Turn wheels left, into traffic; set brakes and shift into neutral gear;

2. Park downhill: Turn wheels hard right toward the curb, within 18” of curb.

Parking Downhill

1. Stop at a brake check, or other safe area, and check your brakes.

2. Proceed downhill in the right gear for the posted speed with no shifting or use of clutch 
• Use controlled braking while scanning for hazards.

Pre-Trip Inspection 

Point to and identify each item you are checking, as listed below. Tell the examiner what conditions you are checking each item for, as listed. Help: Learn section 1 by heart; then, add the next section and recite both by heart; proceed in this way through section 7.The State DMV wants you to pass this test to satisfy the Federal DOT required safety protocol for you, for other motorists and the truck-trailer you drive.  

Section 1

— Tractor — 

               Front of the Truck 

• No fluid leaks under truck

All Lights 

• Working not broken, cracked or missing • Red lenses at the rear of truck, amber lenses everywhere else • Headlights working on high and low beams.

               —Raise Hood—

Passenger Side of Engine: 

Alternator: (belt-driven) 

• Belt not broken, cracked or frayed and has < 3/4” play • Wires not cracked, frayed or dragging. • Secure mounting.

Exhaust System (entire) 

• Not broken, cracked or leaking • Secure mounting • No soot, which would point to a leak

Psgr. Side Hose & Wire 

• Hoses have no abrasions, bubbles or cuts • Wire not cut, frayed, or dragging

Section 2

Drivers Side of Engine:  

Coolant Reservoir 

• Not broken, cracked, leaking and is securely mounted • Check coolant level.

Water Pump (belt driven) 

• Pump not broken, cracked or leaking
• Secure mounting

Wires/ Hoses 

• All hoses and airlines have no abrasions, bubbles, cuts or leaks • Wires are not cut, frayed or dragging • No leakage on the engine walls

Engine Oil 

(Verbalize) Pull dipstick • Wipe off • Reinsert dipstick • Pull again and read • Add one gallon at a time • Pull, wipe off, reinsert and re-read the oil dipstick

Air Compressor (gear driven) 

• Not broken, cracked or leaking • Securely mounted hoses without abrasions, bubbles or cuts

Frame  

• Not cracked or broken • No drill holes or welds

Steering Components (all) 

• Not broken, cracked or bent • Castle nut and cotter pin at each connection • All components are securely mounted 

Spring Mounts

• Not broken or cracked and are securely mounted 

Leaf Suspension Springs 

• Not broken, cracked or missing and are securely mounted 

Shock Absorbers 

• Not broken, cracked or leaking • Securely mounted 

Section 3

Front Brakes:

Airbrake Chamber 

• Not broken, cracked or leaking

Airline 

• No abrasions, bubbles, cuts or leaks 

Slack Adjuster/Push Rod 

• Not broken or cracked • Securely mounted • Has the proper push rod adjustment within one (1) inch travel

Brake Drum 

• Not broken or cracked • Oil seal in place & not leaking

Brake Shoes 

• Not broken, cracked or separated • Lining no less than ¼ inch at the thinnest point

Section 4

 Front Wheels:

Rim (both sides)

• Not broken or cracked •  No welds or hammer marks

Steering Tires (both sides & tread)

•  No abrasions, bubbles or cuts • 4/32“ minimum tread at the most worn sections • Evenly worn tread •  No recaps • Inflated to proper level • Valve stem in good condition, not leaking

Lug Nuts

• Not broken, cracked or missing • No rust or ovaling, which reveals looseness

Oil Seal

•  Not broken, cracked or leaking •  Proper fluid level •  Bubble cap in good condition—not leaking

Door

•  Open and close it •  Hinges and door seal in good condition •  Mirror brackets not broken or cracked and are securely mounted

Fuel Tank

• Straps not broken or cracked and are securely mounted • Fuel cap tight with a t-bar,
• a chain and • a rubber seal. • Crossover Line is in good condition at both ends with no visible leaks.

Headerboard

• No damage, dirt or defacement 
• All lights and reflectors in place; not broken, cracked or missing

Trailer Air and Electrical Lines

• No abrasions, bubbles or cuts 
• Lines not cut, frayed or dragging 
• Securely attached to the trailer
• Glad hands have good rubber seals and no leaks

Catwalk and Steps

• Not broken or cracked 
• Free of debris and is securely mounted

Section 5

Driveshaft

• Not cracked or broken 
• Securely mounted
• U-joints are not cracked or broken

Fifth Wheel: Apron and Kingpin

• Not broken or cracked
• No gap between apron and platform
• Platform not broken or cracked and has ample grease
• Release arm in locked position and not broken or cracked
• All mounting bolts securely mounted
• Locking pins in locked position 
• Air line has no abrasion, bubbles, cuts or leaks 
• Locking jaws in locked position, not broken or cracked.
• Securely mounted 

Section 6

Rear Suspension:

Torque Arm 

• Not cracked, broken or bent and is securely mounted

Spring Mount 

• No cracks or breaks • Secure mounting

Spring (control arm) 

• Not cracked, broken, bent or missing • Securely mounted

Airbags 

• No abrasions, bubbles, cuts, leaks and is securely mounted 

Shock Absorbers 

• Securely mounted and not cracked, broken or leaking 

Rear Brakes:

Airline 

• No abrasions, bubbles, cuts and is not leaking 

Airbrake chamber 

• No breaks, leaks and is securely mounted

Slack Adjuster 

• Not broken or cracked and is securely mounted 

Brake Drum 

• Not broken or cracked 
• Oil seal is in place, not leaking and is securely mounted

Brake Shoes 

• Not broken, cracked or separated 
• Lining is no less than 1/4 " thick, at thinnest point

Rear Wheels:

Rims (on both wheels and sides) 

• Not broken or cracked • No welds or hammer marks 
• No welds or hammer marks 
• Rims bolted flat against each other with no debris between the dual wheels

Tires (both sides and treads) 

• No abrasions, bubbles or cuts 
• 2/32 of an inch minimum tread at most parts 
• Evenly worn tread pattern 
• Inflated to proper level 
• Can be recaps 
• Valve stem in good condition, not leaking

* * * * Note * * * *

After inspecting axle #2—completely, tell the examiner that you would check axle #3 the same as you checked axle #2. Ask, “May I continue”?

Rear of Tractor: 

Lights and Reflectors 

• Working not broken, cracked or missing • Red lenses to the rear

Splash Guards 

• Securely mounted • Not ripped, torn or missing 

Side of Trailer: 

Sides 

• No damage • all lights & reflectors working, not broken or missing • Amber lenses at the front • Red lenses at the rear 

Landing Gear 

• Fully raised • Entire frame not broken, cracked or damaged • Handle (crank) in the stowed position • All trailer cross-members are securely mounted, as the trailer’s foundation; none are missing

Trailer & Sliding Tandem Axles: 

* * * * Note * * * *
Tell the examiner that you would check tandem axles the same as you would check the drive axles—but with three differences: 
1. Spring Mounts, which are welded to the frame and not bolted, an
2. Equalizer: not broken and is securely mounted, and an 
3. Oil Seal: not leaking and filled to right level.

Sliding Tandems 

• Release arm in locked position • Locking pins in locked position 
• Frame (for the sliding tandem mechanism) not broken, cracked and is securely mounted 

Splash Guards (mud flaps)

• Not torn or missing and are securely mounted 

Door Tie 

• Not broken or cracked and is securely mounted

Rear of Trailer: 

Lights and Reflectors 

• Working • Not cracked, broken or missing • Red to the rear, amber everywhere else • Reflectors are clean, securely attached and ice-free

Doors  

• Check doors and door hinges • Doors are not damaged • Doors open and close properly

Passenger Side 

Tell your examiner that you would inspect the passenger side of the trailer and tractor the —same as you just inspected the driver side.

    

Photos of the Truck and Trailer Parts

Passenger Side of Engine

                                     

Driver's Side Engine

Brake Components

Tires and Wheels

Side of the Truck 

Side of Trailer

Premier Driving School Ramps &Curves Policy

Shifting in Seven Simple Steps

             Up-Shifting

1. Shift up: ........................................ Move into a higher gear.

2. Speeding up: ................................ Up-shift to increase road speed.

3. When RPM rises: ......................... Above the ideal engine RPM operating range

4. Clutch to neutral: .......................... Disengage the clutch: 

                                                        push down on the pedal 3” to 4” inches. 

                                                        Move the shift lever to neutral. 

                                                        Engage the clutch and let up on the pedal

5. Right foot up: ................................ Let up on the accelerator so RPM will drop.

6. Shifter at gate: .............................. Hold the shift stick gently 

                                                           against the new gear position …

7. Clutch to seat: .............................. When the gear lever starts

                                                           to slip into the new gear, 

                                                        disengage the clutch,
                                                           move the stick into the new gear position

                                                        and engage the clutch to complete the shift.

          Downshifting 

1. Shift down: .................................. Move into a lower gear…

2. Decrease speed: ......................... Brake to slow down and decrease RPM.

3. When RPM fall: ........................... Below the engine ideal operating range 
                                                          (< 1k RPM)

4. Clutch to neutral: .......................   Disengage the clutch (pedal down 3-4”). 
                                                          Move the shift stick to neutral then, 
                                                          engage the clutch (let up on the pedal)

5. Right foot down: .......................... Speed up so RPM rise to 1.5 K

6. Shifter at gate: ............................. Hold shift stick gently against the 
                                                           new gear position

7. Clutch to seat: .............................. When the gear lever starts to slip 

                                                           into the new gear, disengage clutch, 

                                                        move stick into new gear position and

                                                        engage clutch to complete the shift

Rules of the Range at Premier Driving School

Most of these correspond to State DMV and Federal DOT guidelines for student drivers.

1. The yard speed limit is 5 mph, which means you idle in 2nd gear

2. No shifting practice in the yard.

3. Two permitted students—minimum—are required to move a truck.

4. A spotter—visible and in communication with the driver—must work with the student drivers when you back or pull your truck forward

5. Yield the right-of-way to all other vehicles and students.

6. Give equal time to all students desiring to practice. This means you have 10 minutes to complete your maneuver in progress.

7. Make three points of contact when entering and exiting the truck

8. Do not run over the cones. Cones are markers not targets.

9. If you have an accident—no matter how minor—write down the numbers of the trucks involved and what happened. Give that information to your instructor immediately. 

10. If you have questions about what to do in any given situation, ask an instructor. Other student drivers should not offer and give instructions.

11. Practice, practice and practice!!! Practice is the only way you will learn all of the backing skills and the pre-trip inspection in the required time.

12. No smoking in the trucks! Those who do smoke, be considerate of those who do not—please!

13. Remember, you are a prospective employee and should act and dress accordingly. No open-toed shoes, thongs or bikinis.

Preparation for Backing

1. Ensure that the area is clear during set-up.
2. Position your spotter (if available) in the correct position.
3. Establish eye contact with your spotter.
4. Back immediately after your setup.

Things to Remember Before Backing

1. Always sound your horn twice (if the horn if needed).
2. Use your 4-way flashers.
3. Never back until you know what is behind you.
4. Get out and Look: G.O.A.L. if you doubt your clearance, distance, or position

More Basics to Keep in Mind While Backing

1. Don’t slip the clutch or drag the brakes.
2. Anticipate the path that the trailer will follow into the backing space, 
and steer the trailer into that path.
3. A delay always occurs from the time you turn the steering wheel 
until the time the trailer reacts and starts moving in the direction you want.
4. The more you turn your steering wheel, the faster the angle between 
your tractor and trailer will diminish or increase.
5. The more severe the angle the more space you will need to correct it.
6. Always anticipate before you act.
7. If you do not understand something, ask your instructor.
8. All backing procedures change due to weather, ground surface, 
loads and the tandem position.

Coupling Quick Reference

• Please remove this page from your workbook; keep it with you for your in-truck training
• Back until your rear drive tires are just under the nose of your trailer.
• Center the kingpin in the crotch of your fifth wheel (FW)
• Check where the nose of the trailer will contact the FW.
• The nose should contact FW no closer than 11” from FW pivot point.
• Inspect the driver side of the FW.
• The FW mounting is secure • Slider is locked • Release handle is all the out and not bent • Rear of the FW is tilted all the down • Skid plate of the Platform is well greased
• Inspect the alignment of the kingpin, the kingpin itself and the trailer apron.
• There can be—no more than 2” left, right or center of the FW crotch.
• Check that the pins keeping the trailer tandems from sliding—are in lock position, • the Brake Shoes are tight against the Brake Drums and • the Trailer is clear for coupling 
• Inspect the passenger side of the FW:
• Mounting is secure • Slider is locked
• Back until the FW picks up the nose of the trailer, then STOP.
• Back until the Release Handle snaps in, with a chinking sound, or you can’t back up any further.
• Immediately shift into 2nd gear and then perform two (2) tug tests.
• With a flashlight, visually inspect the FW to ensure the coupling • Set the locking handle all the way I, which • sets the Locking jaw (aka locking bar) all the way across the kingpin and the lip (flange) of the kingpin visible under the locking bar.
• Connect the glad hands of the two air hoses and the electrical cord.
• Crank up the sandshoes of the landing gear and then, place the handle crank in stowed position. 
• Caution: Always use a flashlight when inspecting the coupling. Do not attempt to move the trailer if the FW is not properly locked.

Uncoupling Quick Reference

• Check the surface of the pavement for uneven and soft areas.
• Drop onto a concrete pad—if available.
• Lower the landing gear (LG) until the sandshoes make contact with the pavement.
• Air ride tractor — no additional cranking.
• Spring suspension on your tractor: • Heavy trailer: > 35,000 lbs • Empty or lightly loaded: < 35k
• Let the LG handle crank hang straight down.
• Disconnect the air hoses and the electrical cord.
• Secure in the holders on the outside back of the cab.
• Pull the unlocking Release Arm.
• Using 1st gear, idle out from under the trailer until the nose of the trailer has cleared the FW and the rear drive tires are still under the nose of the trailer; then, STOP.
• Check your mirrors. If your trailer is sitting OK and not sinking—you have uncoupled correctly.

Instrument Panel Gauges and Message Screens

(1) Battery Voltage Gauge (2) Lightbar (LCD screen) (3) Engine Oil Pressure Gauge 
(4) Coolant Temperature Gauge  (5) Engine Oil Temperature Gauge 
(6) Turbo Boost Air Pressure Gauge (7) Dash Message Center (8)Tachometer 
(9) Speedometer (10) Primary Air Pressure (11) Fuel/DEF Level Gauge

(12) Secondary Air Pressure  (13) Pyrometer (14) Rear Axle Temperature Gauge 

(1) Battery Voltage Gauge (2) Lightbar (LCD screen) (3) Engine Oil Pressure Gauge 
(4) Coolant Temperature Gauge  (5) Engine Oil Temperature Gauge 
(6) Turbo Boost Air Pressure Gauge (7) Dash Message Center (8)Tachometer 
(9) Speedometer (10) Primary Air Pressure (11) Fuel/DEF Level Gauge

(12) Secondary Air Pressure  (13) Pyrometer (14) Rear Axle Temperature Gauge 

(1) Master Module (2) Hazard Warning Light Switch (3) Trailer Air Supply Valve

(4) Parking Brake Valve (5) Slave Module (6) Power Outlet (7) Trailer Brake Valve 

(8) Auxiliary Switches (9) Guarded Air Switches (10) HVAC Control Unit

(11) Fan Control (12) Temperature Control (13) Mode Control

Cascadia Service Manual  (Right click to download)