Lesson 1Tyre and wheel inspection: tread, pressure ranges, lug nuts, and sidewall damage indicatorsLearn how to inspect tyres and wheels for safe operation, including tread depth, inflation ranges, matching, sidewall and bead damage, valve stems, rims, and lug nuts, so you can detect defects before they cause roadside failures.
Measuring tread depth and wear patternsCorrect tire pressure ranges and checksSidewall, bead, and valve stem damage signsRim, wheel, and hub inspection proceduresLug nut torque, looseness, and rust trailsLesson 2Cab checks: instruments, gauges, seat belts, steering, horn, HVAC, mirrors, and visibility devicesUnderstand how to check all in-cab systems before driving, including gauges, warning lights, steering play, pedals, seat belts, mirrors, HVAC, and visibility aids, ensuring the cab is safe, legal, and comfortable for operation.
Instrument panel and warning light checksAir, oil pressure, and temperature gaugesSteering free play and pedal operationSeat belt condition and proper adjustmentMirror, camera, and visibility device setupHVAC, wipers, washers, and horn testsLesson 3Lights and electrical: headlights, taillights, turn signals, marker lights and wiring checksExplore how to inspect lighting and electrical systems, including headlights, turn signals, brake and marker lights, reflectors, wiring, and connectors, to ensure visibility, communication with other road users, and legal compliance.
Headlight, high beam, and fog light checksBrake, turn signal, and hazard lightsMarker, clearance, and identification lightsReflectors, conspicuity tape, and platesWiring harness routing and chafing pointsConnectors, corrosion, and ground issuesLesson 4Air brake system fundamentals: reservoirs, compressor, governor, lines, glad hands, and warning signsGain a working understanding of tractor-trailer air brake systems, including compressor, reservoirs, governor, lines, valves, and chambers, and learn how to perform applied, leakage, and low-air warning tests during pre-trip.
Air compressor, drive, and mounting checksReservoirs, drains, and moisture controlGovernor cut‑in and cut‑out verificationService, parking, and emergency brake testsAir lines, hoses, and glad hand inspectionLow‑air warning and spring brake activationLesson 5Document verification: licence, medical certificate, permits, logbook/ELD, insurance, and shipping papersLearn how to verify all required driver and vehicle documents before departure, including CDL, medical card, permits, registration, insurance, and logbook or ELD records, preventing citations, delays, and out-of-service orders.
CDL class, endorsements, and restrictionsMedical certificate validity and copiesVehicle registration and license platesPermits, oversize, and fuel tax documentsInsurance cards and proof of coverageLogbook or ELD status and supporting docsLesson 6Systematic exterior walkaround: chassis, suspension, frame, landing gear, and coupling componentsMaster a systematic exterior walkaround that covers frame, suspension, axles, landing gear, coupling components, fuel system, and body panels, ensuring no critical defect is missed before taking the vehicle onto public roads.
Front of tractor: bumper, grille, and hoodSide checks: doors, steps, and fuel tanksFrame, crossmembers, and exhaust systemSuspension, springs, airbags, and shocksAxles, hubs, and visible leak detectionTrailer body, doors, and roof conditionLesson 7Coupling system checks: kingpin, fifth wheel locking, safety catches, and trailer landing gearUnderstand how to inspect the coupling system between tractor and trailer, including kingpin, fifth wheel, locking jaws, release handle, safety devices, and landing gear, to prevent trailer separation and unsafe operation.
Kingpin wear, damage, and alignmentFifth wheel mounting, tilt, and conditionLocking jaws, pins, and safety latchRelease handle position and securityAir and electrical line support and slackLanding gear structure and crank operation
