Lesson 1Tire and wheel inspection: tread, pressure ranges, lug nuts, and sidewall damage indicatorsInstructions on checking tires and wheels for secure driving, covering tread depth, pressure levels, matching, sidewall and bead harm, valve stems, rims, and lug nuts to identify flaws before road incidents.
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 devicesLearn to verify all cab systems prior to driving, including gauges, alert lights, steering looseness, pedals, seat belts, mirrors, HVAC, and sight aids, ensuring the cab is secure, lawful, and user-friendly.
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 checksInvestigates inspecting lights and electrical setups, covering headlights, indicators, brake and marker lights, reflectors, wiring, and plugs, to guarantee visibility, road communication, and regulatory adherence.
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 signsAcquire knowledge of tractor-trailer air brake systems, including compressor, tanks, regulator, pipes, valves, and cylinders, and conduct applied, leak, and low-air alert tests in pre-trip routines.
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: license, medical certificate, permits, logbook/ELD, insurance, and shipping papersInstructions on confirming all necessary driver and vehicle papers before leaving, such as CDL, health card, permits, registration, coverage, and log or ELD entries, to avoid tickets, hold-ups, and service bans.
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 componentsExpertise in methodical exterior inspection including frame, suspension, axles, supports, coupling parts, fuel setup, and panels, making sure no major fault is overlooked before road use.
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 gearComprehend inspecting the tractor-trailer connection, covering kingpin, fifth wheel, jaws, release, safety tools, and supports, to stop trailer detachment and hazardous driving.
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
