The pretrip exam is an oral exam that you will need to pass after you have taken all of your CDL written tests, and are at the exam station for your pretrip, skills, and road test exams. During the pretip exam you will need to verbally check components to make sure that the vehicle is safe for operation. In some states there can be over 100 items to check on a tractor trailer.
The exam doesn’t stop at just listing the components, you will have to name the item by its proper name and say at least 3-5 things you would check that item for. Don’t’ forget to mention what you are going to check the 3-5 things for as well. This is a very detailed exam on the vehicle and its parts be ready.
As an example, the air compressor would need checked, we are going to check belts (if not gear driven), air lines, and securement of the air compressor. Because we mentioned belts (if not gear driven) we have to check for play in the belt, check it for wear, and crack. Moving on the air lines, need to be secure, no breaks or cracks, and no leaks. Finally check all bolts, nuts, and securement pieces to make sure none are loose or missing.