How to remember the CDL pre-trip inspection

Trick 1

Walk it in 7 stops, always in the same order

Say this line until it's automatic:

Pop the hood, hit the hub, check the cab side, check the hookup, walk the trailer, climb in, air it out.

1. 1. Pop the hoodLook under → Fill it → Pump it → Steer it → Connect it12 parts
2. 2. Hit the hub11 parts
3. 3. Check the cab side3 parts
4. 4. Check the hookup8 parts
5. 5. Walk the trailer7 parts
6. 6. Climb in8 parts
7. 7. Air it out7 parts

Each stop has its own short memory chain in the guide, like the one shown for stop 1.

Trick 2

Most parts use one of 3 lines

Don't memorize a new sentence for every part. Pick the line by what the part is made of:

• Wet call · holds liquid or air"Securely mounted, not cracked, broken, or leaking."
• Steel call · solid metal"Securely mounted, not cracked, bent, or broken."
• Rubber call · hoses and lines"Securely mounted, not ripped, torn, frayed, or leaking."

Trick 3

Say the part's name first, then the line

Examiners want to hear what you're pointing at. Here's how the first stop starts:

• #1 Coolant reservoir, securely mounted, not cracked, broken, or leaking. Filled to the proper level.
• #2 Power steering reservoir, securely mounted, not cracked, broken, or leaking. Filled to the proper level.
• #3 Oil level is between the add and full marks on the dipstick.