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

Service Brake/ABS Brake Test
• Demonstrate the service brakes are working
properly by driving forward at 5 mph and
applying the service brake to see if the vehicle
pulls to one side or the other.
• Check the ABS lighting indicator illuminates
and then promptly turns off.
• Check the ABS light on the rear driver’s side
on the trailer. (Combination vehicles only.)
Hydraulic Brake Check
• Pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it
down for five seconds. The brake pedal should
not move during the five seconds.
• If equipped with a hydraulic brake reserve
system, with the key off, depress the brake
pedal and listen for the sound of the reserve
system electric motor.
• If equipped with a “Hydro—Boost” brake
system, release the parking brake and with the
engine off, depress and release the brake pedal
several times to deplete all hydraulic pressure.
Depress and hold the brake pedal with light
pressure (15–25 lbs) then start the engine and
run it at idle speed. If the Hydro—Boost is
operating, the pedal will yield slightly to foot
pressure and then hold. Less pressure is required
to hold the pedal at this position.
• Check that the warning buzzer or light is off.
Air Brake Check (for air brake equipped
vehicles only)
Refer to Section 5, “In-Cab Air Brake Check”
for DMV pre-trip testing. All items marked with
an asterisk (*) are required during the pre-trip
test. These items must be demonstrated and the
parameters verbalized to receive credit. Failure to
perform these air brakes tests correctly will result in
an automatic disqualification for the entire pre-trip
portion of the test.
Seat Belts
• Check that the seat belt is securely mounted,
and adjusts and latches properly.
• Check that belt is not ripped or frayed.
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exteRnAl InSPectIOn (BuSeS,
tRuckS, tRActORS)
lights/refleCtors
• Check that all external lights and reflective
equipment are clean and functional. Light and
reflector checks include:
— clearance lights (red on rear, amber
elsewhere)
— headlights (high and low beams)
— sidemarker lights
— taillights
— turn signals (left and right)
— 4-way flashers
— brake lights
— red reflectors (on rear) and amber reflectors
(elsewhere)
— license plate light(s)
Note: Checks of brake, turn signal, and 4-way
flasher functions must be done separately.
steering
Steering Box/Hoses
• Check that the steering box is securely mounted
and not leaking. Look for any missing nuts,
bolts, and cotter keys.
• Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage
to power steering hoses.
Steering Linkage
• See that connecting links, arms, and rods from
the steering box to the wheel are not worn or
cracked.
• Check that joints and sockets are not worn or
loose and that there are no missing nuts, bolts,
or cotter keys.