There are literally hundreds of truck driving schools across the country, each with different programs. As with any business, there are good ones and
there are bad ones. But you have to know what to look for in a trucking
school. There are essentially three different types of truck driver training programs. The first is a private school, the second is a public institution and the third is a training program run by a motor carrier. |
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CDL Information |
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Student Guide to CDL Training, Truck Driving Schools, Trucking Companies and Trucking
Jobs |
Tractor Trailer DOT PTI - Pre Trip Inspection C 1. CHECK YOU HAVE KEYS WITH YOU, ((( CHOCK WHEELS ))) 2. Check overall vehicle and area around, above and below. (Obstructions/ puddles) (( IF NO AIR PRESSURE, RUN ENGINE LONG ENOUGH TO BUILD PRESSURE )) Open Hood Shut engine OFF 3. RIGHT FRONT Check Air filter service and cleaned of any loose dirt. No cracked or worn insulation and bare wires, Hoses not damaged, or leaking, Windshield washer is full A/C is securely mounted, not damaged, not missing nuts or bolts. – Belt not cracked, frayed, worn and 1/2 to 3/4 inch play Alternator is securely mounted, not damaged, not missing nuts or bolts. - Belt not cracked, frayed, worn and 1/2 to 3/4 inch play Water Pump belt not cracked, frayed, worn and 1/2 to 3/4 inch play Fan belt not cracked, frayed, worn and 1/2 to 3/4 inch play I would wait til the engine is cool, remove the cap and check the coolant level or if site glass is provide I would check the coolant level. Check oil with dip stick, it should be above the add line. 4. ((Suspension)) Leaf Springs - Mount is securely mounted to frame and axle with no sign of damage, leaf springs not missing, shifted, cracked or broken. Spring hangers not cracked, broken or missing, no missing bolts or U-bolts Shocks are securely mounted, not damaged or leaking 5. ((Brakes)) Slack Adjuster - not broke, loose, missing parts and with brakes released, the angle between push rod and adjuster arm a little over 90 degrees. When pulled by hand, has less than 1 inch pull at the push rod Brake chamber mounted securely, not cracked, dented or leaking, brake hose/lines/couplings not cracked, worn or leaking. Brake Drum not warped, cracked, dent, No loose or missing bolts, brake Drum free of grease, oil and other contaminates. Brake lining free of grease, oil and other contaminates and not worn dangerously thin. 6. Tire- steer tire has at least 4/32 tread, tread is evenly worn, no cuts, bulge or other damage to tread or sidewalls. Tire stem and cap are not damaged or leaking. Check for proper inflation (( 100 psi )) Rims - not bent or damaged and no weld repairs. Lug Nuts - not missing, no cracks or distortions, no sign of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads Bolt holes not cracked or distorted 7. Wheel seals have adequate oil and not leaking 8. LEFT FRONT Check AIR Filter Check Fuel filter fuel level No cracked or worn insulation and bare wires Hoses not damaged, or leaking Oil dipstick shows above re-fill Power Steering Fluid shows above re-fill, not damaged or leaking Belt not cracked, frayed, worn and 1/2 to 3/4 inch play Steering column not damaged or loose connecting links, arms, and rods not worn or cracked Joints, and sockets not worn or loose - no missing nuts, bolts or cotter keys Steering box securely mounted, no missing nuts, bolts or cotter keys 9. Air Compressor is securely mounted, not damaged, missing nuts or bolts. – (If Belt driven)Belt not cracked, frayed, worn and 1/2 to 3/4 inch play 10.Leaf Springs - Mount is securely mounted to frame and axle with no sign of damage, Leaf springs not missing, shifted, cracked or broken, No missing bolts or U-bolts 11. Shocks are securely mounted, not damaged or leaking 12. ((Brakes)) Slack Adjuster - not broke, loose, missing parts and with brakes released, The angle between push rod and adjuster arm a little over 90 degrees When pulled by hand, has less than 1 inch pull at the push rod Brake chamber mounted securely, not cracked, dented or leaking Brake hose/lines/couplings not cracked, worn or leaking Brake Drum not warped, cracked, dent, No loose or missing bolts Brake Drum free of grease, oil and other contaminates. Brake lining free of grease, oil and other contaminates and not worn dangerously thin 13. Tire - Steer tire has at least 4/32 tread, tread is evenly worn, no cuts, bulge or other damage to tread or sidewalls, Tire stem and cap are not damaged or leaking. Check for inflation (( 100 psi )) Rims - not bent or damaged and no weld repairs Lug Nuts - not missing, no cracks or distortions, no sign of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads, Bolt holes not cracked or distorted 14.Wheel seals have adequate oil and not leaking 15. Close and latch hood 16. FRONT Clearance lights are amber, clean not damaged Mirrors securely mounted, not damaged or missing bolts Windshield clean, not cracked or damaged, no illegal stickers or obstructions. Windshield Wiper not damaged, pressed to windshield Headlights clean, clear not damaged Turn signals/ flashers clean amber. Not damaged Side marker lights are amber clean and not damaged 17. Drivers Door - Turn signal clean, amber, not damaged - Window clean, not damaged - Door seal intact, door opens and close properly, hinge not damaged Steps securely mounted, not damaged Fire extinguisher properly rated and fully charged 18. Fuel Tank securely mounted, not damaged or leaking, fuel cap is secure Fuel lines not leaking or rubbing Exhaust securely mounted, not damaged and no signs of leaks Handle mounted and secure Side door check for 3 red reflective triangles, and fuses, (Proper rated, fully charged fire extinguisher) if not inside driver doors windshield washer filled. Battery cover is secured, batteries are not damaged, And connectors are not damaged, loose or corroded Air Supply Tanks properly mounted and in proper working order Drive Shaft not bent or cracked, couplings are secure and free of foreign objects Tractor has no cracks, broken welds, or other damage to frame, cross member, box or floor 19. Hand Rail mounted securely Tractor has no cracks, broken welds, or other damage to frame, cross member, box or floor Exhaust securely mounted, not damaged and no signs of leaks Headache rack securely mounted, not damaged Securement equipment is properly secured Tractor air/electric lines are not cut, chafed, spliced, worn, tangled, pinched, or dragging, Listen for air leaks Stairs securely mounted to frame /free from obstructions Catwalk is solid, clear of objects, and securely mounted to frame Tire Fender/mud flap Bracket securely mounted to frame, No damage or dragging, missing nuts/bolts 20. Bud wheels are evenly spaced and not rubbing, free of foreign objects Tire- Non steer tire has at least 2/32 tread, tread is evenly worn, no cuts, bulge or other damage to tread or sidewalls Tire stem and cap are not damaged or leaking Check for proper inflation (( 100 psi )) Rims - not bent or damaged and no weld repairs Lug Nuts - not missing, no cracks or distortions, no sing of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads Bolt holes not cracked or distorted Wheel seals have adequate oil and not leaking 21. Leaf Springs - Mount is securely mounted to frame and axle Leaf springs not missing, shifted, cracked or broken Spring hangers not cracked, broken or missing, No missing bolts or U-bolts 22. Shocks are securely mounted, not damaged or leaking 23. Air bag not damaged or leaking and set of Bud wheels & Air bags are not damaged or leaking 24. Sliding Fifth Wheel Bracket securely mounted not damaged no missing nuts bolts or pins Release arm is engaged Fifth wheel and slide mounting are mounted securely Sliding fifth wheel properly positioned for landing gear to clear tractor, Locking pins are not loose, missing and fully engaged 25. ((Brakes)) Slack Adjuster - not broke, loose, missing parts and with brakes released, The angle between push rod and adjuster arm a little over 90 degrees When pulled by hand, has less than 1 inch pull at the push rod Brake chamber mounted securely, not cracked, dented or leaking Brake hose/lines/couplings not cracked, worn or leaking Brake Drum not warped, cracked, dent, No loose or missing bolts Brake Drum free of grease, oil and other contaminates Brake lining free of grease, oil and other contaminates and not worn dangerously thin 26. Lights - tail, brake and flashers are red, clean, not damaged Reverse and license plate light are clear, clean, not damaged 27. TRAILER FRONT Trailer front not damaged, air/electric lines are not cut, chafed, spliced, worn, tangled, pinched, or dragging - Listen for air leaks Glad hands and seals are not damaged, hooked up properly, not leaking 28. TRAILER LEFT Landing gear is fully raised, no missing parts, crank handle is secured, support frame not damaged Marker lights and turn signals are amber, clean, not damaged Left side of trailer not damages Load is properly secured Tandem Release Arm is secure and pins are locked in place 29. Leaf Springs - Mount is securely mounted to frame and axle Leaf springs not missing, shifted, cracked or broken Spring hangers not cracked, broken or missing, No missing bolts or U-bolts 30. Shocks are securely mounted, not damaged or leaking Air bag not damaged or leaking 32. Bud wheels are evenly spaced and not rubbing, free of foreign objects Tire- Non steer tire has at least 2/32 tread, tread is evenly worn, no cuts, bulge or other damage to tread or sidewalls tire stem and cap are not damaged or leaking Check for proper inflation (( 100 psi )) Rims - not bent or damaged and no weld repairs Lug Nuts - not missing, no cracks or distortions, no sing of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads Bolt holes not cracked or distorted Wheel seals have adequate oil and not leaking Mud Flap Bracket is securely mounted to trailer Mud flap is securely mounted to bracket not damaged, missing nuts or bolts, rubbing or dragging ((Brakes)) Slack Adjuster - not broke, loose, missing parts and with brakes released, The angle between push rod and adjuster arm a little over 90 degrees When pulled by hand, has less than 1 inch pull at the push rod Brake chamber mounted securely, not cracked, dented or leaking Brake hose/lines/couplings not cracked, worn or leaking Brake Drum not warped, cracked, dent, No loose or missing bolts Brake Drum free of grease, oil and other contaminates Brake lining free of grease, oil and other contaminates and not worn dangerously thin TRAILER REAR No damage to rear of trailer or DOT bumper License plate is present; lite is clear, clean, not damaged Stop, tail, flasher and marker lights are red, clean, not damaged TRAILER RIGHT Tire mount bracket securely mount to frame no damaged to weld Marker lights, turn signals are amber, clean, not damaged No damage to side of trailer Leaf Springs - Mount is securely mounted to frame and axle Leaf springs not missing, shifted, cracked or broken Spring hangers not cracked, broken or missing, No missing bolts or U-bolts Shocks are securely mounted, not damaged or leaking Air bag not damaged or leaking Bud wheels are evenly spaced and not rubbing, free of foreign objects Tire- Non steer tire has at least 2/32 tread, tread is evenly worn, no cuts, bulge or other damage to tread or sidewalls Tire stem and cap are not damaged or leaking Check for proper inflation (( 100 psi )) Rims - not bent or damaged and no weld repairs Lug Nuts - not missing, no cracks or distortions, no sing of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads. Bolt holes not cracked or distorted Wheel seals have adequate oil and not leaking Mud flap is not damaged, missing, rubbing or dragging Spare tire rack mounted securely and damaged or cracked or broke ((Brakes)) Slack Adjuster - not broke, loose, missing parts and with brakes released, The angle between push rod and adjuster arm a little over 90 degrees When pulled by hand, has less than 1 inch pull at the push rod Brake chamber mounted securely, not cracked, dented or leaking Brake hose/lines/couplings not cracked, worn or leaking Brake Drum not warped, cracked, dent, No loose or missing bolts Brake Drum free of grease, oil and other contaminates Brake lining free of grease, oil and other contaminates and not worn dangerously thin TRACTOR RIGHT FINAL **************** Check right side Fifth wheel, damaged or missing pins or bolts Leaf Springs - Mount is securely mounted to frame and axle Leaf springs not missing, shifted, cracked or broken Spring hangers not cracked, broken or missing, No missing bolts or U-bolts Shocks are securely mounted, not damaged or leaking Air bag not damaged or leaking Bud wheels are evenly spaced and not rubbing, free of foreign objects Tire- Non steer tire has at least 2/32 tread, tread is evenly worn, no cuts, bulge or other damage to tread or sidewalls Tire stem and cap are not damaged or leaking Check for proper inflation (( 100 psi )) Rims - not bent or damaged and no weld repairs Lug Nuts - not missing, no cracks or distortions, no sing of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads. Bolt holes not cracked or distorted Wheel seals have adequate oil and not leaking ((Brakes)) Slack Adjuster - not broke, loose, missing parts and with brakes released, The angle between push rod and adjuster arm a little over 90 degrees When pulled by hand, has less than 1 inch pull at the push rod Brake chamber mounted securely, not cracked, dented or leaking Brake hose/lines/couplings not cracked, worn or leaking Brake Drum not warped, cracked, dent, No loose or missing bolts Brake Drum free of grease, oil and other contaminates Brake lining free of grease, oil and other contaminates and not worn dangerously thin Tractor has no cracks, broken welds, or other damage to frame, cross member, box or floor Exhaust securely mounted, not damaged and no signs of leaks Passenger Door – Turn signal clean, amber, not damaged Window clean, not damaged Door seal intact, door opens and close properly, hinge not damaged Fuel Tank securely mounted, not damaged or leaking, fuel cap is secure Fuel lines not leaking or rubbing Steps securely mounted, not damaged * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * GET IN CAB Gear is in Neutral, Brakes are engaged Check headlight high beam Check low beam, clearance, marker and tail lights TURN LIGHTS OFF Check left turn signal Check right turn signal Check brake lights Check flashers Windshield is clean, no illegal stickers or obstructions, not damaged Mirrors are clean, properly adjusted, not damaged Interior Lights are working Check seat belt is securely mounted, adjusts and latches properly Push in clutch and make sure truck is in neutral Start truck and slowly let out clutch Water temp is rising to normal Oil pressure is normal Ammeter/voltmeter is between 12 to 14 Engine temp is rising to normal Air supply is building up to 125 psi Fuel is adequate Check dash lights, left and right turn signal, flashers, high beam Steering has les than 2 inches play Wiper arms and blades are pressed firmly against windshield, not damaged and operate smoothly Washer operates properly Air and electric horn work Heater/defroster/ac work on high and low *** Air Brake *** Check you have 125psi, turn engine off, and release all brakes Should lose less than 3psi Fully apply foot brake for one minute ( pressure should drop less than 4 psi after initial drop ) Turn key one turn, pump brakes, before 60 psi low air warning should sound And at 20 to 40 psi the tractor protection (red) and the parking brake (yellow) should pop out start engine, pressure should build from 85 to 100 psi in 45 seconds At fast idle, the air governor should cut out ((stop))) at 125 psi, Pump the brakes to 100 psi and it should cut in ((( start ))) SET PARKING BRAKE REMOVE CHOKES Apply parking brake only and pull forward in low gear SERVICE BRAKE - pull forward in low gear, apply foot brake, should stop smoothly TRAILER BRAKES - pull forward in low gear, apply trailer hand valve |