Pre-Trip Drill
How Texas tests it. Being verified We are confirming with the state manual whether Texas uses the updated skills test (examiner assigns a section) or the full walk-around. Until then, rehearse every section. Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook, Section 11, Vehicle Inspection Test (skills test modules in Sections 11 to 13).
Texas allows third-party skills testing at many schools; ask your school who administers your test.
Say two things about every item
What it is, and its condition. For most parts that means: securely mounted, not cracked, bent or broken, not leaking. Point to or touch the part while you say it. The air brake test is the one place where order matters as much as words.
Engine compartment
- Oil level
- Coolant level
- Power steering fluid
- Water pump
- Alternator
- Air compressor
- Belts and hoses
- Steering box and linkage
- Front suspension (springs, shocks, mounts)
- Front brakes (chamber, slack adjuster, pushrod, drum, lining)
- Front wheel, rim, tire, lug nuts, hub seal
Front of cab and lights
- Lights and reflectors
- Windshield and wipers
- Mirrors
- Doors and steps
- Fuel tank, cap and lines
- Battery box
- Drive shaft
- Exhaust system
- Frame and cross members
- Cat walk and steps
Side and rear of tractor
- Rear suspension and air bags
- Rear brakes
- Dual wheels, tires, spacing, lug nuts, axle seals
- Mud flaps
- Rear lights and reflectors
- Fifth wheel area
Coupling system
- Air and electrical lines
- Glad hands and seals
- Apron and platform
- Fifth wheel skid plate and gap
- Release arm and locking jaws
- Kingpin
- Mounting bolts
- Sliding fifth wheel locking pins
Trailer
- Header board
- Trailer lights and reflectors
- Landing gear
- Frame and cross members
- Tandem release and locking pins
- Trailer suspension and brakes
- Trailer wheels and tires
- Doors, ties and lift
- Splash guards
In-cab inspection
- Seat belt
- Gauges (oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter, air pressure)
- Warning lights and buzzers
- Mirrors and windshield
- Wipers and washers
- Heater and defroster
- Horns (city and air)
- Lighting indicators
- Safety and emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, triangles, fuses)
- Parking brake check
- Service brake check
Air brake test
- Applied leak test (pressure loss within limits over one minute)
- Low air warning device activates
- Tractor protection valve and emergency brakes pop out (spring brake activation)
- Air pressure build-up and governor cut-in/cut-out
Source and status. Structure follows the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook, Section 11, Vehicle Inspection Test (skills test modules in Sections 11 to 13): https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/cdl-handbook.
Manual check pending; see the notice above. Page generated 2026-09-26.
This is not an official form and not a substitute for the manual or your examiner's instructions.
Reading it is not the test. Saying it is.
CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Drill shows each card, listens while you say it, and tells you what you skipped. Examiner mode picks a section at random. Launching on iPhone in November 2026, one-time price, no subscription.
Launch price $12.99 one-time. Reservation is refundable any time.
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Not affiliated with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), any DMV or FMCSA. Study aid only.