Florida CDL Handbook 2009

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11. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

• 11.1. All Vehicles
• 11.2. External Inspection (School Bus/Truck/Tractor)
• 11.3. School Bus Only
• 11.4. Trailer
• 11.5. Coach/Transit Bus
• 11.6. Taking the CDL Pre-trip Inspection Test

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11.4.1 – Trailer Front

Air/Electrical Connections

• Check that trailer air connectors are sealed and in good condition.
• Make sure glad hands are locked in place, free of damage or air leaks.
• Make sure the trailer electrical plug is firmly seated and locked in place.

Header Board

• If equipped, check the header board to see that it is secure, free of damage, and strong enough to contain cargo.
• If equipped, the canvas or tarp carrier must be mounted and fastened securely.
• On enclosed trailers, check the front area for signs of damage such as cracks, bulges, or holes.

11.4.2 – Side of Trailer

Landing Gear

• Check that the landing gear is fully raised, has no missing parts, crank handle is secure, and the support frame is not damaged.
• If power operated, check for air or hydraulic leaks.

Doors/Ties/Lifts

• If equipped, check that doors are not damaged. Check that doors open, close, and latch properly from the outside.
• Check that ties, straps, chains, and binders are secure.
• If equipped with a cargo lift, look for leaking, damaged or missing parts and explain how it should be checked for correct operation.
• Lift should be fully retracted and latched securely.

Frame

• Look for cracks, broken welds, holes or other damage to the frame, cross members, box, and floor.

Tandem Release Arm/Locking Pins

• If equipped, make sure the locking pins are locked in place and release arm is secured.

11.4.3 – Remainder of Trailer

Remainder of Trailer

• Please refer to Section 11.2 of this manual for detailed inspection procedures regarding the following components:
  • Wheels.
  • Suspension system.
  • Brakes.
  • Doors/ties/lift.
  • Splash guards

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