What Is the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection?
Drivers have specific responsibilities that begin before they get behind the wheel. Per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, a driver must complete a vehicle inspection and correctly document any deficiencies they find so that the problems can be corrected before the vehicle is sent out again. As a result, demonstrating the ability to complete a pre-trip inspection is part of CDL licensing requirements. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website offers an overview of the process. However, expectations can vary slightly from state to state, so it’s important to visit the website for your state to learn exactly what is expected. Then, you can prepare accordingly.
Are There Strategies for Remembering the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection?
People learn best in different ways, so exploring a variety of strategies may help you memorize the ins and outs of the CDL pre-trip inspection. Ultimately, a combination of methods may yield the best results.
Try Repetition
Repetition and muscle memory can turn a skill that was once difficult into something performed almost without thought. It’s how beginners develop the foundational skills they need to advance and become more proficient. That’s why many trucking schools hand students a checklist, point them to a truck, and have them start practicing the CDL pre-trip inspection on day one. Then, they encourage them to continue it every day throughout their course. The goal is to build their skills through hands-on experience and continued repetition until it becomes second nature, and they no longer need the checklist.
Make It a Routine
After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for years at school, many Americans would say they have it memorized. If you ask them for the first line, they can probably answer without hesitation. However, if you request that they start in the middle, you’ll likely notice a bit of hesitation. People do better when things occur in an expected order. To capitalize on this, create a routine for your pre-trip inspection. Always start it in the same place and conduct the steps in the same sequence. This will make remembering easier and reduce the risk of overlooking something.
Write It Down
The act of writing things down builds memory. Therefore, when you’re trying to figure out how to remember the CDL pre-trip inspection, writing it down can help. A clever way to do this is to ask a friend to film you completing a pre-trip inspection. Then, use the video to write down the steps. Check your notes against the handbook to make sure you didn’t miss anything. If desired, create flashcards for studying. With this approach, you’ll have gone over the material several times and end up with multiple study tools that you can use.
Use Memory Devices
Mnemonics, acronyms, acrostics, and other memory devices are a fantastic way to help you keep information handy. If you need an example, Smart Drive Test Incorporated suggests the five Fs of safety equipment:
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid
- Flares
- Flashlight
- Fluids
Would you like more examples? For coupling, remember PDA — pins, dollies, and airlines. For uncoupling, it’s LAP — landing gear, airlines, and pin.
Teach Someone Else
Sharing information with someone else by teaching is an excellent way to discover where your own weaknesses are. This allows you to fix any gaps in your knowledge base before they cause problems. Find a friend or loved one who is willing to be a student for a day. Or, join a study group and take turns leading the class.