Lesson 1Tire and Wheel Check: Tread, Pressure Ranges, Lug Nuts, and Sidewall Damage SignsLearn how to check tires and wheels for safe driving, including tread depth, air pressure ranges, matching, sidewall and bead damage, valve stems, rims, and lug nuts, so you spot problems before they cause road trouble.
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, AC, Mirrors, and Visibility ToolsUnderstand how to check all cab systems before driving, including gauges, warning lights, steering play, pedals, seat belts, mirrors, AC, and visibility aids, to make sure cab safe, legal, and comfy for work.
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 ChecksLook at how to check lights and electrical systems, including headlights, turn signals, brake and marker lights, reflectors, wiring, and connectors, to ensure good visibility, road signals, and law following.
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 Basics: Reservoirs, Compressor, Governor, Lines, Glad Hands, and Warning SignsGet good knowledge of tractor-trailer air brake systems, including compressor, reservoirs, governor, lines, valves, and chambers, and learn how to do applied, leak, and low-air warning tests in 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 Check: License, Medical Card, Permits, Logbook/ELD, Insurance, and Shipping PapersLearn how to check all needed driver and vehicle papers before leaving, including CDL, medical card, permits, registration, insurance, and logbook or ELD records, to avoid tickets, 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 6Step-by-Step Outside Walkaround: Chassis, Suspension, Frame, Landing Gear, and Coupling PartsMaster step-by-step outside walkaround covering frame, suspension, axles, landing gear, coupling parts, fuel system, and body panels, to make sure no big problem missed 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 Lock, Safety Catches, and Trailer Landing GearUnderstand how to check coupling between tractor and trailer, including kingpin, fifth wheel, locking jaws, release handle, safety tools, and landing gear, to stop trailer from coming loose and unsafe 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
