PRE-TRIP INSPECTION SKILL TEST

OUTSIDE CHECKS

The Examiner will ask you to make certain checks on the outside of your vehicle. You will need to check wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension.

Examiner Says

• To begin with, please inspect the right (or left) rear wheel for possible safety hazards. You are to inspect the rim, tires, brakes, and suspension. As you inspect each part, tell me what you are inspecting, and what specific hazards you are looking for. If you have no questions, you may begin your inspection by checking the rim.

You Will

• Check the rims for - Dents in flange; - Loose or missing lug nuts - Rust trails; and - Cracks in rim assembly.

Examiner Says

• Now check the tires.

You Will

• Check the tires for: - Worn tread (you must tell the Examiner the minimum tread required for the tire you are inspecting); - Cuts/exposed cords; - Proper inflation (you must tell the Examiner or demonstrate the correct way to check for proper inflation); - Duals touching; and - Debris lodged between duals.

Examiner Says

• Now check the brakes.

You Will

• Check the brakes for: - Worn linings, shoes, or pads; - Cracked linings, shoes, or pads; - Correct adjustment (pull slack adjusters and note free travel for air brakes only) (you must tell the Examiner you are inspecting for 1 inch or less of travel); and - Loose components.

Examiner Says

• Now inspect the suspension.

You Will • Check the suspension for: - Cracked or broken spring hangers; - Cracked, broken, or missing spring leaves; - Leaking shock absorbers (you must tell the Examiner if your vehicle does not have shock absorbers); and - Deflated or leaking air bags, other components not rubbing or touching the bag (you must tell the Examiner if your vehicle does not have air bags).

Note: For a combined suspension configuration the driver must check and describe the condition of the bag, shock absorber, and leaf spring portion of the suspension system to receive credit.

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