CDL Pre-Trip Inspection:
What to Check & What to Say

What the Pre-Trip Inspection Test Covers

The CDL pre-trip inspection is one of three parts of the Texas CDL skills test, along with basic vehicle controls and the road test. During the pre-trip, you walk around the vehicle and verbally explain what you’re checking and why — as if you were inspecting a truck before departing on a real route.

The examiner does not tell you what to check. You lead the inspection. You point to or touch components, state what you’re looking for, and indicate whether the item passes. Think of it as narrating your own walkthrough.

How the Pre-Trip Is Scored in Texas

Texas uses the FMCSA scoring system. The pre-trip is worth up to 100 points. You need a score of 80 or above to pass. Each item you miss or fail to verbalize correctly deducts points.

You can miss some items and still pass — but you need to be consistently thorough across all zones, not perfect in one and absent in another.

Zone 1: Engine Compartment

You’ll open the hood and inspect the engine area. Here’s what to check and say:

Zone 2: Cab Interior

Before or after the engine compartment (order can vary), you’ll enter the cab and verbally check the interior safety equipment and controls.

• Check that all required safety equipment is present: fire extinguisher, warning triangles (3), first aid kit
• Verify the fire extinguisher is fully charged and accessible
• Check mirrors are properly positioned and undamaged
• Check windshield for cracks or obstructions
• Test the horn — briefly tap
• Test the wipers and washer fluid
• Check that the steering wheel has no excessive play (generally <10 degrees)
• Check the parking brake holds

Zone 3: Front of Vehicle

Walk to the front and check these items:

• Headlights (low and high beam) — on and functioning
• Clearance lights — amber, functioning
• Turn signals — left and right
• Front bumper — no damage or missing pieces
• Tires — check tread depth (4/32" minimum on front), sidewall condition, inflation
• Lug nuts — all present, no rust streaks indicating looseness
• Steering components — tie rods, drag link (no visible damage or excessive play)

Zone 4: Sides & Rear of Vehicle

Walk the sides of the vehicle, checking:

• Fuel tank — secured, cap present, no leaks
• Frame rails — no cracks, bends, or holes
• Rear tires — tread depth (2/32" minimum on drive/trailer tires), duals properly inflated, no contact between dual tires
• Mud flaps — present and in proper position
• Landing gear (trailer) — fully raised and pin secured
• Glad hands — proper connection, no air leaks
• Brake chambers — no damage, push rod not overextended
• Brake hoses — no chafing or damage
• Rear lights — brake lights, tail lights, clearance lights, reflectors
• ICC bumper (rear impact guard) — secure, no damage

Zone 5: Under the Vehicle

You don’t need to crawl under — kneel and look under from the side:

• Driveshaft — no bends, missing u-joints, or hangers
• Exhaust system — no damage, leaks, or contact with wires/fuel lines
• Frame — no cracks or damage visible
• Visible brake components — no obvious damage

Test Day Tips

• Narrate constantly. If you’re not talking, you’re not earning points. Every check requires verbal confirmation of what you’re looking for and what you found.
• Touch what you say. Point to or physically touch each component you mention. Don’t wave vaguely — make it obvious to the examiner you know exactly what you’re checking.
• Work a consistent pattern. Start at the engine, move cab interior, then do a clockwise walk around the vehicle. Examiners know if you’re skipping zones.
• Take your time. The pre-trip is not timed in a way that penalizes thoroughness. A confident, methodical 20-minute inspection is better than a rushed 10-minute one.
• Practice out loud. Read this guide, then physically walk around a vehicle and narrate. Saying it out loud in practice is the only way to get comfortable saying it under pressure.
• Choose a school that drills the pre-trip. Quality CDL schools run mock pre-trip inspections repeatedly before your test date. When you compare schools near you, ask specifically how many pre-trip practice sessions are included — it’s one of the clearest signals of a program that prepares you to pass, not just to attend.

Frequently Asked Questions