Commercial Driver Handbook ( PDF ) - California Department of ...

Coolant Temperature Gauge
• Start vehicle.
• Make sure the temperature gauge is working.
• Temperature should begin to climb to the
normal operating range or temperature light
should be off.
Ammeter/Voltmeter
• Start vehicle.
• Check that gauges show alternator and/or
generator is charging or that warning light is off.
Oil Temperature Gauge
• Check that gauge begins gradual rise to normal
operating range.
Air Gauge
• Check that the air gauge is working properly and
that the air compressor builds the air pressure to
the governor cut-out at no higher than 130 psi.
Mirrors and Windshield
• Mirrors should be clean and adjusted properly
from the inside.
• Windshield should be clean with no illegal
stickers, no obstructions, or damage to the glass.
• If equipped, check that the windshield washer
operates correctly.
Emergency Equipment
• Check for spare electrical fuses.
• Check for three red reflective triangles.
• Check for a properly charged and rated fire
extinguisher.
Check Optional Emergency Equipment
• Tire chains (where winter conditions require
them)
• Tire changing equipment
• List of emergency phone numbers
• Collision reporting kit (packet)
Steering Wheel
• Check for looseness, sticking, or damage.
Steering Play
• Non-power steering: Check for excessive
play by turning steering wheel back and forth.
Play should not exceed 10 percent (about two
inches on a 20-inch wheel).
• Power steering: With the engine running,
check for excessive play by turning the steering
wheel back and forth. Play should not exceed
10 percent (about two inches on a 20-inch
wheel) before front left wheel barely moves.
Wipers/Washers
• Check that wiper arms and blades are secure,
not damaged, and operate smoothly.
Lighting Indicators
• Test that dash indicators work when corresponding
lights are turned on:
— left and right turn signals
— 4-way emergency flashers
— high beam headlight
Horn
• Check that air horn and/or electric horn work.
Heater/Defroster
• Test that the heater and defroster work.
Parking Brake Check
• Fasten your seat belt.
• Check the parking brake holds the vehicle
in place by trying to drive forward with the
parking brake engaged. (Trailer brakes released
on combination vehicles.)
• Check the trailer parking brake holds the
vehicle by trying to drive forward with the
trailer parking brake engaged. (Parking brake
released and the trailer parking brake engaged
on combination vehicles.)
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