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CDL pre-trip inspection checklist: sources and guidance

A before-driving inspection record for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Federal rules say a commercial motor vehicle must not be driven unless the driver is satisfied that listed parts such as the brakes, steering, lights, tires, coupling devices and emergency equipment are in good working order [20], and the driver reviews and signs the last inspection report before driving [79] [80].

How often: Before driving: each time the driver takes a commercial motor vehicle out, with cargo rechecked within the first 50 miles and then at each change of duty status, 3 hours or 150 miles of driving, whichever comes first.[20][82][34][36][37]

Purpose

Use this CDL pre-trip inspection checklist to inspect a commercial motor vehicle before you drive it and to keep a record of what you found. Federal rules say no commercial motor vehicle may be driven unless the driver is satisfied that the listed parts and accessories are in good working order [20]: service brakes including trailer brake connections, parking brake, steering, lighting devices and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers [21], rear-vision mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment [22]. Before driving, the driver must also be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition [78] and review the last driver vehicle inspection report [79].

This checklist is for everyday driving. It is not the CDL skills test script. States develop, administer and score the skills test from their CDL driver and examiner manuals [13], so learn the test procedure from your own state's manual.

Whether these federal rules apply depends on the vehicle and the operation. They apply to employers, employees and commercial motor vehicles that transport property or passengers in interstate commerce [15]. A commercial motor vehicle is a self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property [17] when, for example, it has a weight rating or weight of 10,001 pounds or more [18]. Interstate commerce also covers trips between two places in one state that are part of transportation starting or ending outside the state [19]. Some operations are excepted, such as school bus operations [16]. Check the definitions for your own work.

Who should use it

Drivers of trucks, tractor-trailers and buses before each trip, and trainee drivers practicing with a trainer. Carriers and trainers can use the signed records to see that inspections are being done and to follow up on the problems found.

How often

Before driving, every time [82]. If you haul cargo, recheck the cargo and its tiedowns within the first 50 miles of the trip [34], and again when you change duty status [35], after 3 hours of driving [36] or after 150 miles, whichever comes first [37].

How to use this checklist

  1. Start by reading the last driver vehicle inspection report for the vehicle and checking that any defect on it has a repair certification. Sign the report [80].
  2. Check the engine compartment with the engine off, then start the engine and do the in-cab checks. Compare fluid levels, gauges, air pressures and build-up times with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
  3. Walk around the vehicle: lights, steering, suspension, brakes, tires and wheels, then the coupling if you are pulling a trailer.
  4. On an air-braked vehicle, do the air brake checks. CDL applicants on air-braked vehicles must be able to check the low pressure warning, air supply, build-up time and brake operation [8] [9] [10] [12].
  5. Check the emergency equipment and the cargo, then decide. If anything fails, do not drive, and report it to your carrier.

Most critical checks are parts a commercial motor vehicle is not driven without, because the driver is satisfied they are in good working order before driving [20]. The cargo checks are critical because cargo is properly distributed and adequately secured before the vehicle is driven [30].

Critical checks are the parts that federal rules say must be in good working order before driving [20], the emergency equipment that must be in place and ready for use [29], and the cargo conditions a driver may not operate without [30]. The engine compartment and gauge checks follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and are marked that way in the sources.

What the rules say

  • Drivers must not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless they are satisfied the listed parts and accessories are in good working order, and must use them when needed [20] [23].
  • Emergency equipment must be in place and ready for use before driving [29]. A fire extinguisher must show whether it is fully charged [56] and be securely mounted [58]. Warning devices can be three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles [59].
  • Front tires on a bus, truck or truck tractor need at least 4/32 inch of tread [45], and other tires at least 2/32 inch [46]. No vehicle may be operated on a tire that is flat or has an audible leak [43].
  • Cargo must be properly distributed and adequately secured [30], and doors, tarps, the spare tire and tiedowns must be secured [31].
  • Drivers preparing to transport intermodal equipment must inspect its listed components [24], and driving it over the road counts as confirming they were in good working order [26].

What this checklist does not cover

  • The CDL skills test pre-trip inspection procedure, script and scoring. States build the test from their CDL driver and examiner manuals, and this page does not reproduce any state manual.
  • Whether the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations apply to your vehicle and operation. That depends on the definitions in 49 CFR 390.5T and the exceptions in 49 CFR 390.3T.
  • Detailed cargo securement rules for specific loads in 49 CFR 393.100 to 393.136.
  • Hazardous materials checks, placards and shipping papers.
  • The end-of-day driver vehicle inspection report and the DOT annual inspection, which have separate checklists.
  • Specific air pressure values, build-up times and fluid levels, which come from the vehicle manufacturer and your state CDL manual.
  • Bus-specific equipment such as emergency exits and passenger seating.

Questions

Is the CDL skills test pre-trip inspection in the federal regulations?

Only in outline. The federal rule says CDL applicants must be able to identify each safety-related part and explain what to inspect [1], in areas such as the engine compartment [2], cab and engine start [3], the side of the vehicle [5] and the rear [6]. The detailed test procedure and scoring come from your state: states develop, administer and score the skills test from their CDL driver and examiner manuals [13]. The pre-trip inspection is the first part of the skills test, before basic vehicle control and the road test [14].

What does a driver have to check before driving a commercial vehicle?

That the service brakes and trailer brake connections, parking brake, steering, lights and reflectors, tires, horn and wipers [21], and the mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims and emergency equipment [22] are in good working order [20]. The driver also reviews and signs the last driver vehicle inspection report [79] [80].

What emergency equipment must be on the truck?

A fire extinguisher with a UL rating of 5 B:C or more [54], or two rated 4 B:C or more [55]. A power unit carrying hazardous materials that need placards needs 10 B:C or more [53]. For warning devices, carry three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles [59] or one of the other allowed options, such as at least 6 fusees [60].

How soon do I have to recheck my load after starting a trip?

Within the first 50 miles [34]. After that, recheck whenever you change duty status, after 3 hours of driving or after 150 miles, whichever comes first [35] [36] [37]. This does not apply to a sealed load you were told not to open [38].

Can I drive a truck that has a defect to the repair shop?

A motor vehicle must not be operated in a condition likely to cause an accident or breakdown [83]. A vehicle found to be unsafe while on the highway may continue only to the nearest place where repairs can safely be made [84], and only if that is less hazardous to the public than leaving it on the highway [85].

Sources

Each cited excerpt was found word for word in the official text on the date shown.

  1. [1]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  2. [2]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(1)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  3. [3]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(1)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  4. [4]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(1)(iv) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  5. [5]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(1)(vii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  6. [6]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(1)(viii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  7. [7]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(2)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  8. [8]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(2)(iii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  9. [9]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(2)(iv) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  10. [10]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(2)(v) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  11. [11]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(2)(v) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  12. [12]49 CFR 383.113 Required skills (a)(2)(vi) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  13. [13]49 CFR 383.133 Test methods (c)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  14. [14]49 CFR 383.133 Test methods (c)(6) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  15. [15]49 CFR 390.3T General applicability (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  16. [16]49 CFR 390.3T General applicability (f)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  17. [17]49 CFR 390.5T Definitions (Commercial%20motor%20vehicle) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  18. [18]49 CFR 390.5T Definitions (Commercial%20motor%20vehicle)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  19. [19]49 CFR 390.5T Definitions (Interstate%20commerce)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  20. [20]49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  21. [21]49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  22. [22]49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  23. [23]49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  24. [24]49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  25. [25]49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  26. [26]49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  27. [27]49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  28. [28]49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  29. [29]49 CFR 392.8 Emergency equipment, inspection and use — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  30. [30]49 CFR 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  31. [31]49 CFR 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems (a)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  32. [32]49 CFR 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems (a)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  33. [33]49 CFR 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems (a)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  34. [34]49 CFR 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems (b)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  35. [35]49 CFR 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems (b)(3)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  36. [36]49 CFR 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems (b)(3)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  37. [37]49 CFR 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems (b)(3)(iii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  38. [38]49 CFR 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems (b)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  39. [39]49 CFR 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems (b)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  40. [40]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  41. [41]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  42. [42]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (a)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  43. [43]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (a)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  44. [44]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (a)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  45. [45]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  46. [46]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  47. [47]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (i)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  48. [48]49 CFR 393.78 Windshield wiping and washing systems (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  49. [49]49 CFR 393.80 Rear-vision mirrors (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  50. [50]49 CFR 393.80 Rear-vision mirrors (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  51. [51]49 CFR 393.80 Rear-vision mirrors (b)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  52. [52]49 CFR 393.81 Horn — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  53. [53]49 CFR 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units (a)(1)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  54. [54]49 CFR 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units (a)(1)(ii)(A) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  55. [55]49 CFR 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units (a)(1)(ii)(B) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  56. [56]49 CFR 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units (a)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  57. [57]49 CFR 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units (a)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  58. [58]49 CFR 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units (a)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  59. [59]49 CFR 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units (f)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  60. [60]49 CFR 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units (f)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  61. [61]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (11.)(b.) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  62. [62]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (11.)(c.) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  63. [63]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (1.)(a.)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  64. [64]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (1.)(d.)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  65. [65]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (2.)(a.)(4)(b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  66. [66]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (2.)(a.)(4)(c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  67. [67]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (2.)(a.)(4)(d) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  68. [68]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (2.)(a.)(4)(f) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  69. [69]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (2.)(b.)(2)(d) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  70. [70]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (2.)(e.)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  71. [71]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (7.)(a.) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  72. [72]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (7.)(i.) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  73. [73]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (7.)(j.) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  74. [74]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (8.)(b.)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  75. [75]49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A to Part 396, Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards (8.)(b.)(7) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  76. [76]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(2)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  77. [77]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(3)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  78. [78]49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  79. [79]49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  80. [80]49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection (c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  81. [81]49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection (c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  82. [82]49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  83. [83]49 CFR 396.7 Unsafe operations forbidden (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  84. [84]49 CFR 396.7 Unsafe operations forbidden (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  85. [85]49 CFR 396.7 Unsafe operations forbidden (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.

Guidance, not legal advice. It does not replace the law, the manufacturer's instructions or your organization's competent people.