Home › Blog › Full List of CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist California

Full List of CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist California

Sarah Nguyen

Created at September 8, 2025

The CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist California can feel overwhelming for many truck drivers because of how extensive it is. However, memorizing the entire checklist is one of the best ways to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of others on the road. Don’t worry, this Easy Prep guide will walk you through the complete CDL Pre-Trip inspection checklist in California and share simple, practical tips to help you memorize it. Let’s dive in!

CDL pre-trip inspection checklist California

Below is the CDL pre-trip inspection checklist in California that you must know:

Sections		Requirements
Lights & Mirrors	Clearance lights (top lights)	Bed-tight, not cracked, and proper amber.
	Mirrors	Bed-tight, not cracked, and not missing
	Headlights	Secure, not cracked High beam & low beam working No oxidation
	Turn signals & 4-Ways	Amber in color, working properly
	Fog lights	Secure, not cracked, not missing No oxidation
General truck condition		Check under the truck: No air leaks No coolant or oil leaks No exposed wires Truck should not lean left or right Listen for any abnormal sounds
Passenger side inspection	Compartments	Securely closed, no damage
Passenger side inspection	Hoses (both driver & passenger side)	Bolted tight No leaks or cracks Clamps are secure and not missing
Driver side inspection	Coolant reservoir	Bolted tight, no cracks or leaks Fluid at max level Cap present, not missing
Driver side inspection	Driver side inspection (coolant hoses & clamps)	Bolted tight No cracks or leaks Secure clamps
Engine compartment	Engine oil	Pull out dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert, and check level Add oil here if needed Cap secure, not missing
	Power steering column	Not cracked No illegal welds Bolted tight
	Power steering reservoir	Bolted tight, no cracks or leaks Fluid at max level Cap present, not missing
	Power steering hoses & Clamps:	No cracks or leaks Clamps tight and not missing
	Power gearbox	Gear-driven Bolted tight, no cracks or leaks Hoses secure, clamps in place
Steering components	Drag link	Bolted tight No cracks or illegal welds
Steering components	Castle nuts & cotter pins:	Not cracked or missing Properly secured in place
Suspension system	Shock absorber	Bolted tight No leaks No illegal welds
	Leaf spring mount	Bolted tight No cracks or illegal welds
	Leaf spring	Bolted tight Not cracked No illegal welds Not loose
Brake system	Brake hose	Bolted tight No cracks, no leaks, no missing parts
	Brake shoes	At least ¼ inch lining remaining
	Brake drums	Inside free of oil, grease, or discoloration
Tires & Wheels	Front tires	Cannot be recapped Minimum tread depth: 4/32 inch (checked with professional depth gauge) No cuts, nails, or bulges Air pressure: 90–105 psi or manufacturer’s spec (check with air gauge using valve stem)
	Valve stem & cap	Cap not missing Not touching rim No leaks
	Rims	No cracks or weld leaks
	Lug nuts	None missing All tight No rust (rust may indicate looseness)
	Hub seal	Bolted tight, full, no leaks Cap/seal not missing Add fluid here if needed
B2 inspection	Marker lights	Amber in color Bolted tight Turn on/off properly
	Mirrors	Boted tight Not cracked or missing
	Signs	Present and compliant
Fuel & DEF tanks	DEF tank	Not bent, leaking, cracked, or loose Cap not missing Seal inside intact
Fuel & DEF tanks	Diesel fuel tank	Not bent, bolted tight, secure Straps tight Cap not missing Seal intact T-chain in place
Tractor – rear & Frame	Rear marker lights	Not missing, working properly
	Battery box	Secure, bolted tight Battery inside secure, no corrosion, no exposed wires
	Frame	No cracks, no illegal welds
	Air lines (surface lines)	Red for emergencies, blue for service Bolted tight, no leaks
	Electrical latch & Line:	Opens and closes properly Green electrical line, no exposed wires
	Glad hands (Connectors)	Red = emergency, blue = service Seals not torn or missing No leaks
Coupling system	Mounting bracket & bolts	No cracks, no illegal welds Bolted tight and secure
	Apron & skid plate	No cracks, no illegal welds Well-greased No gap between apron and skid plate
	Release arm	Opens, closes, locks properly No cracks, bends, or missing parts
	Locking pins & cotter pin	Secure, not cracked or missing
	Platform	Welded, no cracks
	Kingpin & locking jaw	Kingpin (shank): not bent, not cracked, well-greased Locking jaw: opens/closes properly, locks around kingpin, no cracks/illegal welds, well-greased
Suspension – tractor/trailer	Airbags	Bolted tight No cracks or leaks
Tractor-Trailer front	Lights (front & side)	Amber in color Bolted tight Turn on/off properly
	Trailer top lights & side lights	Amber in color Bolted tight Turn on/off properly
	Frame & Reflectors	Frame has no cracks or illegal welds Reflectors present, not missing
Landing gear	Crank arm	Gear-driven, two-speed (low & high) Bolted tight, not cracked or missing
	Clearance	Enough space between tractor & landing gear for safe turns
	Landing gear arms & support	Bolted tight, not cracked or missing
	Landing gear legs & Feet	No cracks, no illegal welds, no damage Feet clean, free of debris, bolted tight
Tractor-trailer rear	Top lights	Proper red color Turn on/off properly
	Reflectors	Present, not missing
	Brake lights / running lights / Four-Ways / night Lights	Working properly Red in color Seals not missing
	Pintle hook	Bolted tight, secure, not cracked or missing Opens, closes, and locks properly
	Trailer door	Four hinges, not damaged, no dents Bolted tight Opens and closes properly
	Chain guard	Welded, not missing, no cracks
	Service lines	Red = emergency, blue = service Secure, no cracks, no leaks Seals inside not missing
	Electrical latch	Opens and closes properly
	Trailer door	Four hinges, not damaged, no dents Bolted tight Opens and closes properly

Importance of the CDL pre-trip checklist inspection in California

In California, as in many other states, the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) pre-trip inspection checklist is crucial for ensuring the safety of the vehicle, driver, and other road users. The pre-trip inspection is not only a requirement but also an essential step in identifying potential safety hazards before the vehicle is operated.

Here’s why the pre-trip inspection checklist is so important in California:

Safety compliance

California adheres to both Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and state-specific laws. Under the FMCSA guidelines, CDL drivers must perform a thorough pre-trip inspection to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy.

Preventing accidents and breakdowns

By conducting a pre-trip inspection, drivers can identify and correct issues like tire wear, brake malfunctions, or fluid leaks before hitting the road.

It minimizes the risk of mechanical breakdowns that could lead to accidents or delays. Common problems like worn-out brake pads, low fluid levels, or broken lights could lead to serious accidents if not identified early.

Driver accountability

The inspection reinforces a culture of accountability among commercial drivers. A driver who performs a thorough inspection and identifies problems can report them and ensure they are addressed before driving.

In California, failing to perform a proper inspection can result in legal penalties, fines, and potentially even license suspension for the driver.

Avoiding liability issues

A proper pre-trip inspection can help prevent legal issues in case of an accident. Suppose a driver can demonstrate that they followed the required inspection procedures and did not overlook any potential hazards. In that case, it can protect them from liability in the event of a crash.

Routine maintenance and cost savings

Regular inspections help detect minor issues that could evolve into major problems down the line, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacements. Staying on top of maintenance saves money by catching issues early and improving the overall lifespan of the vehicle.

Tips to memorize the California CDL pre-trip inspection checklist

Here are 5 tips to help you remember the CDL Pre-Trip inspection checklist in California:

Break it down into categories

Don’t try to memorize the entire truck at once. Instead, divide it into logical areas:

Front of the truck (lights, mirrors, leaks)
Engine compartment (hoses, belts, fluids)
Driver side / Passenger side
Coupling system
Trailer inspection
In-cab inspection & brake tests

Follow the natural sequence of the truck: start under the hood, move into the cab, continue counterclockwise around the truck, check underneath, and finish back in the cab. Breaking it down into top-to-bottom and left-to-right sections makes the process easier to retain. Think of it like entering your phone’s passcode; you don’t always remember the numbers, but you remember the pattern.

Get rid of all the crap

Learning is not about cramming in more details; it’s about focusing on what matters. Don’t waste time worrying about how the test might differ in other states. Your only goal is to know the California CDL pre-trip inspection checklist inside out. Cut out the noise and stick to the essentials.

Record yourself and write it down on flashcards

One of the best ways to memorize is to combine visual and written practice. Write each part of the checklist on flashcards and review them daily. Recording yourself while performing a mock pre-trip inspection can also help you visualize the steps. You can even ask a family member or friend to quiz you, so you strengthen your recall under pressure.

Acrostics, acronyms, and other learning mnemonics

Mnemonics make memorization easier by creating simple shortcuts. For example:

The 5 Fs for emergency equipment: First aid, Fire extinguisher, Flares, Fluids, Flashlight.
LAP for uncoupling: Landing gear, Airlines, Pin.
PDA for coupling: Proper connection, Devices secure, Airlines attached.

By using acronyms, you can quickly recall the correct terms and avoid missing critical steps during your inspection.

Associate new information with what you already know

When learning the California CDL pre-trip inspection checklist, you can make it easier by connecting new details to something familiar. Take air brakes, for example. At first, they might look complicated on a big truck, but the concept is almost the same as the brakes in your car. You have a brake pedal (service brakes), parking brakes for both the truck and trailer, and even emergency brakes – just like your car. The main difference is that in your car, these are manual, while in a commercial truck, they are automatic.

In addition, you can take advantage of a free California pre-trip practice test available at Easy Prep. This resource allows you to practice step by step, review key inspection points and get hands-on experience.

FAQs

1. What is the item most commonly overlooked during a CDL pre-trip inspection in California?

One of the most commonly overlooked items is the valve stem cap on the tires. Drivers often check the tire pressure and condition but forget to confirm that the valve stem cap is present and not leaking. Other frequently missed details include checking the hub oil seal, reflectors, and ensuring there are no illegal welds or cracks on the frame.

2. What are some common problems found while doing pre-trip inspection in California?

During a pre-trip inspection, some of the most common issues you may find include:

Fluid leaks (oil, coolant, or DEF)
Air leaks in hoses or brake lines
Loose or missing lug nuts on wheels
Worn or underinflated tires
Cracked or damaged mirrors and lights
Electrical line damage or exposed wires

By spotting these problems early, you can fix them before heading out on the road, ensuring safety and compliance with California CDL regulations.

Final thoughts

Mastering the CDL Pre-Trip inspection checklist in California may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right mindset and consistent practice, it soon becomes second nature. Hopefully, the tips shared by Easy Prep will make it easier for you to memorize the checklist and feel more confident during your pre-trip inspection.