Commercial Driver's License (General Knowledge)

Specialized & Licensing - Commercial Driver's License (General Knowledge) (part of DMV & Licensing)

CDL Classes and EndorsementsBasic Vehicle ControlTraffic Laws and Safe Driving Practices
Vehicle Inspection and MaintenanceCargo Securement and Weight LimitsHazardous Materials Regulations
Real-World Driving SituationsApplying for and Maintaining a CDLRecord-Keeping and Logbooks
Mastering the Written TestPreparing for the Road Test
CDL Classes and Endo...Basic Vehicle Contro...Traffic Laws and Saf...Vehicle Inspection a...Cargo Securement and...Hazardous Materials ...Real-World Driving S...Applying for and Mai...Record-Keeping and L...Mastering the Writte...Preparing for the Ro...
Advanced Topics

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

Pre-Trip Inspections

Before every trip, commercial drivers must inspect their vehicles. This includes checking:

  • Brakes, lights, and reflectors
  • Tires (for wear and proper inflation)
  • Fluid levels (oil, coolant, fuel)
  • Steering and suspension
  • Emergency equipment (flares, fire extinguisher)

Reporting and Documentation

Drivers are required to document any defects found and report them to their employer. Legal responsibility means unsafe vehicles must not be driven!

Why It Matters

Finding problems before you hit the road can prevent breakdowns, accidents, and hefty fines.

Inspection Routine

  1. Walk around the vehicle, looking and listening for problems.
  2. Check under the hood.
  3. Test lights, brakes, and horn.
  4. Sign off on an inspection report.

Staying safe starts before the engine even turns on!

Examples

  • A driver discovers a low tire during inspection and gets it repaired before departure.

  • A missing fire extinguisher is reported and replaced before the trip.

In a Nutshell

Daily inspections are required to keep commercial vehicles safe and legal.

Key Terms

Pre-Trip Inspection
A thorough check of a vehicle's systems and equipment before driving.
Defect Report
A record of problems found during inspection that must be addressed before operating the vehicle.
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Cargo Securement and Weight Limits