Pre Trip Inspection

The inspection checklist, which the CA DMV will make you follow during your road test for a commercial license, is extensive. Additionally, you will be tested on these items in a written form for the CDL test.

Read the complete list in the Commercial Driver’s Manual; it’s a few pages long and has diagrams. This is the general overview for all commercial vehicles.

General Condition Checklists

Look at the vehicle for:

• Leaks.
• Leaning.
• Hazards (such as people, objects).
• Set parking brakes.
• Working external lights and blinkers.

You also must open the engine compartment with it off and look for:

• Interior leaks in hoses or other places.
• Appropriate oil, auto transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant levels.
• Frays or cracks in all the belts.

Next, get in, start the vehicle, and:

• Listen for unusual noises.
• Check all the gauges.
• Check the mirrors.
• Check to see your emergency equipment supply is ready.
• Turn the steering wheel to check for any damage.
• Check heater and defroster.
• Conduct a brake check.

Additionally, there are specific checklists for each type of vehicle. Study the one that applies to your CDL class and endorsement.

Practice for Your CDL Test

Once you have studied everything you’re supposed to do for an inspection, and you’ve studied all the traffic rules, take a CDL practice test. This CDL practice will test you on all this knowledge and let you know when you’re ready to take the real exam. The California DMV website has practice CDL tests. Buy additional ones from drivers education websites; these are culled from the same handbook as the real deal.

Road Test

Once you’re reasonably sure you’ll pass the written test and skills test to become a fully-fledged CDL driver, make an appointment for a driving test. Take a road test on the same day or a different day than the written test, but keep in mind a road test must be done at a CA CDL office, not a regular office.