Mississippi CDL Handbook

MISSISSIPPI

PROFESSIONAL DRIVER'S MANUAL FOR CLASS A, B, & C COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE

SKILLS TEST

All skills test are done by appointment only, you may call any CDL testing office to schedule an appointment. Pre-test, off-road tests are included. If a test is failed, the applicant must make another appointment. The second appointment 3rd will be made depending upon the severity of the violations during the test procedure.

Third Party Testing

72 third party testers – 100% open to the public. 20% of total tests are administered by third party testers. Third party testers' fees not regulated by the State.

School Bus Test

Must pass General Knowledge, Passenger Test and an S Endorsement Test must be completed/passed. Skill Tests applicable to class of vehicle brought in for testing.

LICENSING PROCEDURES

License Renewal

Every Four Years. Only "P" endorsements require retesting.

CDL Learner's Permit

Must pass vision and class-required written tests. Valid for six months. Only three renewals shall be granted within a three-year period.

License Fees

Item | Fee

Application fee | $25.00

License (4 Years) | $41.00

Per Endorsement | $ 5.00

CDL Learner's Permit | $13.00

Hazardous Materials Background check | $100.00

TESTING PROGRAM

Knowledge Test

• Offices administering
• Test content
• Model test as authorized by Essex Corporation

Group Testing

By appointment. Maximum 25 applicants.

Out-of-State CDL Applicants

Present valid state's commercial driver license, Social Security Card, and proof of Mississippi residence. Pay application fee, endorsement fees (if any), and license fees. If HazMat endorsement, will be required to re-test and submit fingerprints for a federal background check. Must be accomplished within 30 days after applicant has established residence in Mississippi.

Medical Requirements (Intrastate CDL Applicants)

Adopted Part 391 of FMCSR.

DRIVER DISQUALIFICATION RULES

State Provisions

Same Federal minimum

Method of Adjudication-Administrative/Criminal

Administrative

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE INDEX

Class A – Any Combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(S) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Class B – Any Single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.

Class C -- Any Single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds.

A. Vehicles designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver.

B. Vehicles used in the transportation of hazardous materials which are required to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE ENDORSEMENTS

H – Authorizes the driver to drive a vehicle transporting Hazardous Materials

K – Restricts the driver to vehicles not equipped with air brakes

T – Authorizes driving doubles and triple trailers

P – Authorizes driving vehicles carrying passengers

N – Authorizes driving Tank vehicles

X – Represents a combination of hazardous materials and tank vehicles endorsements

S – Authorizes the driver to school buses being operated for the purpose of transporting pupils to and from school or to school related functions.

Commercial Driver’s License Manual

District – 1 Troop C – Rankin County 3158 Highway 468 Pearl, MS 39208 (601) 420-6342

District – 2 Greenville 420 Highway 82 West Greenville, MS 38701 (662) 332-4734

District – 3 Nesbit 159 License Drive Nesbit, MS 38651 (662) 429-5584

District – 4 New Albany 1103 Bratton Road New Albany, MS 38652 (662) 534-8619

Tupelo 1879 North Coley Road Tupelo, MS 38801 (661) 844-2408

District – 5 Columbus-Lowndes 17 Airline Road Lowndes, MS 39701 (662) 327-1833

District – 6 Newton 523 Coliseum Drive Newton, MS 39345 (601) 683-2576

District – 7 Hattiesburg 35 Tatum Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (601)582-3814

District – 8 Bay Saint Louis 3016 Longfellow Road Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520 (228)467-8055

District – 9 Brookhaven 160 Highway 84 East Brookhaven, MS 39601 (601)8330808

Natchez 724 Highway 61 North Natchez, MS 39120 (601) 442-4879

There is no set time limit for taking the written test.

To schedule a road Test go to www.cdlrdtest.dps.state.ms.us

Commercial Driver’s License Manual

Federal Motor Carrier Regulations

Subpart D — Driver Disqualifications and Penalties

§383.51 Disqualification of drivers.

(a) General. (1) A driver or holder of a CDL who is disqualified must not drive a CMV.

(a)(2) An employer must not knowingly allow, require, permit, or authorize a driver who is disqualified to drive a CMV.

(a)(3) A driver is subject to disqualification sanctions designated in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, if the holder of a CDL drives a CMV or non-CMV and is convicted of the violations.

(a)(4) Determining first and subsequent violations. For purposes of determining first and subsequent violations of the offenses specified in this subpart, each conviction for any offense listed in Tables 1 through 4 to this section resulting from a separate incident, whether committed in a CMV or non-CMV, must be counted.

(a)(5) Reinstatement after lifetime disqualification. A State may reinstate any driver disqualified for life for offenses described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(8) of this section (Table 1 to §383.51) after 10 years if that person has voluntarily entered and successfully completed an appropriate rehabilitation program approved by the State. Any person who has been reinstated in accordance with this provision and who is subsequently convicted of a disqualifying offense described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(8) of this section (Table 1 to §383.51) must not be reinstated.

(b) Disqualification for major offenses. Table 1 to §383.51 contains a list of the offenses and periods for which a driver must be disqualified, depending upon the type of vehicle the driver is operating at the time of the violation, as follows:

Table 1 to §383.51

If a driver operates a motor vehicle and is convicted of: | For a first conviction or refusal to be tested while operating a CMV, a person required to have a CDL and a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for... | For a first conviction or refusal to be tested while operating a non-CMV, a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for... | For a first conviction or refusal to be tested while operating a CMV transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR part 172, subpart F), a person required to have a CDL and CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for... | For a second conviction or refusal to be tested in a separate incident of any combination of offenses in this Table while operating a CMV, a person required to have a CDL and a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for... | For a second conviction or refusal to be tested in a separate incident of any combination of offenses in this Table while operating a non-CMV, a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for...

(1) Being under the influence of alcohol as prescribed by State law. | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years | Life | Life

(2) Being under the influence of a controlled substance. | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years | Life | Life

(3) Having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater while operating a CMV | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years | Life | Life

(4) Refusing to take an alcohol test as required by a State or jurisdiction under | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years | Life | Life

its implied consent laws or regulations as defined in §383.72 of this part. | | | | |

(5) Leaving the scene of an accident. | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years | Life | Life

(6) Using the vehicle to commit a felony other than a felony described in paragraph (b)(9) of this table. | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years | Life | Life

(7) Driving a CMV when, as a result of prior violations committed operating a CMV, the driver’s CDL is revoked, suspended, or canceled, or the driver is disqualified from operating a CMV. | 1 year | Not applicable | 3 years | Life | Not applicable

(8) Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV, including but not limited to the crimes of motor vehicle manslaughter, homicide by motor vehicle and negligent homicide. | 1 year | Not applicable | 3 years | Life | Not applicable

(9) Using the vehicle in the commission of a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance. | Life-not eligible for 10-year reinstatement. | Life-not eligible for 10-year reinstatement. | Life-not eligible for 10-year reinstatement. | Life-not eligible for 10-year reinstatement. | Life-not eligible for 10-year reinstatement.

I Disqualification for serious traffic violations.

Table 2 to §383.51 contains a list of the offenses and the periods for which a driver must be disqualified, depending upon the type of vehicle the driver is operating at the time of the violation, as follows:

Table 2 to §383.51

If a driver operates a motor vehicle and is convicted of: | For a second conviction of any combination of offenses in this Table in a separate incident within a 3-year period while operating a CMV, a person required to have a CDL and a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for... | For a second conviction of any combination of offenses in this Table in a separate incident within a 3-year period while operating a non-CMV, a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV, if the conviction results in the revocation, | For a third or subsequent conviction of any combination of offenses in this Table in a separate incident within a 3-year period while operating a CMV, a person required to have a CDL and a | For a third or subsequent conviction of any combination of offenses in this Table in a separate incident within a 3-year period while operating a non-CMV, a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV, if the conviction results in the revocation, cancellation, or

| | cancellation, or suspension of the CDL holder's license or non-CMV driving privileges, for... | CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for... | suspension of the CDL holder's license or non-CMV driving privileges, for...

(1) Speeding excessively, involving any speed of 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit. | 60 days | 60 days | 120 days | 120 days

(2) Driving recklessly, as defined by State or local law or regulation, including but not limited to, offenses of driving a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. | 60 days | 60 days | 120 days | 120 days

(3) Making improper or erratic traffic lane changes. | 60 days | 60 days | 120 days | 120 days

(4) Following the vehicle ahead too closely. | 60 days | 60 days | 120 days | 120 days

(5) Violating State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) arising in connection with a fatal accident. | 60 days | 60 days | 120 days | 120 days

(6) Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL. | 60 days | Not applicable | 120 days | Not applicable

(7) Driving a CMV without a CDL in the driver's possession. | 60 days | Not applicable | 120 days | Not applicable

(8) Driving a CMV without the proper class of CDL and/or endorsements for the specific vehicle group being operated or for the passengers or type of cargo being transported. | 60 days | Not applicable | 120 days | Not applicable

1 Any individual who provides proof to the enforcement authority that issued the citation, by the date the individual must appear in court or pay any fine for such a violation, that the individual held a valid CDL on the date the citation was issued, shall not be guilty of this offense.

(d) Disqualification for railroad-highway grade crossing offenses. Table 3 to §383.51 contains a list of the offenses and the periods for which a driver must be disqualified, when the driver is operating a CMV at the time of the violation, as follows:

Table 3 to §383.51

If a driver is convicted of operating a CMV in violation of a Federal, State or local law because... | For a first conviction a person required to have a CDL and a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for... | For a second conviction of any combination of offenses in this Table in a separate incident within a 3-year period a person required to have a CDL and a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for... | For a third or subsequent conviction of any combination of offenses in this Table in a separate incident within a 3-year period a person required to have a CDL and a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for...

(1) The driver is not required to always stop, but fails to slow down and check that tracks are clear of an approaching train. | No less than 60 days | No less than 120 days | No less than 1 year.

(2) The driver is not required to always stop, but fails to stop before reaching the crossing, if the tracks are not clear. | No less than 60 days | No less than 120 days | No less than 1 year.

(3) The driver is always required to stop, but fails to stop before driving onto the crossing. | No less than 60 days | No less than 120 days | No less than 1 year.

(4) The driver fails to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping. | No less than 60 days | No less than 120 days | No less than 1 year.

(5) The driver fails to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing. | No less than 60 days | No less than 120 days | No less than 1 year.

(6) The driver fails to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance. | No less than 60 days | No less than 120 days | No less than 1 year.

(e) Disqualification for violating out-of-service orders. Table 4 to §383.51 contains a list of the offenses and periods for which a driver must be disqualified when the driver is operating a CMV at the time of the violation, as follows:

Table 4 to § 383.51

| For a first conviction while operating a CMV, a person required to have a CDL and a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for... | For a second conviction in a separate incident within a 10-year period while operating a CMV, a person required to have a CDL and a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for... | For a third or subsequent conviction in a separate incident within a 10-year period while operating a CMV, a person required to have a CDL and a CDL holder must be disqualified from operating a CMV for...

If a driver operates a CMV and is convicted of... | | |

(1) Violating a driver or vehicle out-of-service order while transporting nonhazardous materials. | No less than 180 days | No less than 2 years | No less than 3 years.

(2) Violating a driver or vehicle out-of-service order while transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded under part 172, subpart F of this title, or while operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. | No less than 180 days. | No less than 3 years. | No less than 5 years.

Commercial Driver's License Manual

This Section Covers

• Commercial Driver License Tests
• Driver Disqualifications
• Other Safety Rules

There is a federal requirement that each state have minimum standards for the licensing of commercial drivers.

This manual provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license (CDL). This manual does NOT provide information on all the federal and state requirements needed before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). You may have to contact your state driver licensing authority for additional information.

You must have a CDL to operate:

Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. A trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is 26,001 pounds or more. A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver). Any size vehicle that is used in the transportation of any material that requires hazardous materials placards or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR 73. Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement. Contact your local department of driver licensing for more information.

(Your state may have additional definitions of CMVs.)

To get a CDL, you must pass knowledge and skills tests. This manual will help you pass the tests. This manual is not a substitute for a truck driver training class or program. Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the many special skills required for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and becoming a professional driver in the trucking industry.

Figure 1.1 helps you determine if you need a CDL.

Do You Need a CDL?

Does the vehicle or combination of vehicles have a manufacturer's weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds?

No Yes

Is the vehicle a combination vehicle towing a unit over 10,000 pounds GVWR?

Yes

You need a Class A CDL.

No Does the single vehicle have a GVWR over 26,000 pounds?

Yes

You need a Class B CDL.

No Is the vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver)?

Yes

You need a Class C CDL.

No Does the vehicle require hazardous material placards or transport a select agent or toxin?

Yes

You need a Class C CDL.

No You DO NOT need a CDL.

NOTE: A bus may be Class A, B, or C depending on whether the GVWR is over 26,001 pounds or is a combination vehicle.

Figure 1.1

Section 1 - Introduction Page 1-1

1.1.1 – Knowledge Tests

You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. The CDL knowledge tests include:

The general knowledge test, taken by all applicants.

The passenger transport test, taken by all bus driver applicants.

The air brakes test, which you must take if your vehicle has air brakes, including air over hydraulic brakes.

The combination vehicles test, which is required if you want to drive combination vehicles.

The hazardous materials test, required if you want to haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts that require placarding or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR 73. In order to obtain this endorsement you are also required to pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.

The tanker test, required if you want to haul a liquid or liquid gas in a permanently mounted cargo tank rated at 119 gallons or more or a portable tank rated at 1,000 gallons or more.

The doubles/triples test, required if you want to pull double or triple trailers.

The School Bus test, required if you want to drive a school bus.

1.1.2 – Skills Tests

If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed.

Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection. You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.

Basic Vehicle Control. You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.

On-road Test. You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, up and down grades, single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.

Figure 1.2 details which sections of this manual you should study for each particular class of license and for each endorsement.

| | LICENSE TYPE | | | ENDORSEMENT | | | |

| | Class A | Class B | Class C | Hazardous Materials | Double / Triple | Tank Vehicles | Passenger | School Bus

Sections to Study | 1 | X | X | X | | | | |

| 2 | X | X | X | | | | |

| 3 | X | X | X | | X | X | X | X

| 4 | | | | X | X | X | X |

| 5* | X | X | X | | X | | X | X

| 6 | X | | | X | | | |

| 7 | | | | X | | | |

| 8 | | | | | X | | |

| 9 | | | X | | | | |

| 10 | | | | | | | | X

| 11 | X | X | X | X | | X | X |

| 12 | X | X | X | X | | X | X |

| 13 | X | X | X | X | | X | X |

\*Study section 5 if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.

Figure 1.2

1.2 -- Driver Disqualifications

1.2.1 -- General

You may not drive a commercial motor vehicle if you are disqualified for any reason.

1.2.2 -- Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Commission of a Felony

It is illegal to operate a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .04% or more. If you operate a CMV, you shall be deemed to have given your consent to alcohol testing.

You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first offense for:

• Driving a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration is .04% or higher.
• Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol.
• Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing.
• Driving a CMV while under the influence of a controlled substance.
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
• Committing a felony involving the use of a CMV.

You will lose your CDL for at least three years if the offense occurs while you are operating a CMV that is placarded for hazardous materials.

You will lose your CDL for life for a second offense.

You will lose your CDL for life if you use a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances.

You will be put out-of-service for 24 hours if you have any detectable amount of alcohol under .04%.

1.2.3 -- Serious Traffic Violations

Serious traffic violations are excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the posted limit), reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following a vehicle too closely, and traffic offenses committed in a CMV in connection with fatal traffic accidents.

You will lose your CDL:

• For at least 60 days if you have committed two serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV.
• For at least 120 days for three serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV.

1.2.4 -- Violation of Out-of-Service Orders

You will lose your CDL:

• For at least 90 days if you have committed your first violation of an out-of-service violation order.
• For at least one year if you have committed two out-of-service violation orders in a ten-year period.
• For at least three years if you have committed three or more out-of-service violation orders in a ten-year period.

1.2.5 -- Railroad-highway Grade Crossing Violations

You will lose your CDL:

• For at least 60 days for your first violation.
• For at least 120 days for your second violation within any three-year period.
• For at least one year for your third violation within any three-year period.

These violations include violation of a federal, state or local law or regulation pertaining to one of the following six offenses at a railroad-highway grade crossing:

• For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to stop before reaching the crossing if the tracks are not clear.
• For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train.
• For drivers who are always required to stop, failing to stop before driving onto the crossing.
• For all drivers failing to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping.
• For all drivers failing to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing.
• For all drivers failing to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance.

1.2.6 -- Hazardous Materials Endorsement Background Check and Disqualifications

If you require a hazardous materials endorsement you will be required to submit your fingerprints and be subject to a background check.

You will be denied or you will lose your hazardous materials endorsement if you:

• Are not a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• Renounce your United States citizenship.
• Are wanted or under indictment for certain felonies.

Have a conviction in military or civilian court for certain felonies. Have been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution. Are considered to pose a security threat as determined by the Transportation Security Administration.

The background check procedures vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Your licensing agency will provide you with all the information you need to complete the required TSA background check procedures.

1.2.7 – Traffic Violations in Your Personal Vehicle

The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) of 1999 requires a CDL holder to be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the CDL holder has been convicted of certain types of moving violations in their personal vehicle.

If your license to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, cancelled, or suspended due to serious speeding violations you will lose your CDL for periods ranging from 60 to 120 days.

If your license to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, cancelled, or suspended due to alcohol violations, you will lose your CDL for 1 year. If you are convicted of a second alcohol conviction in your personal vehicle you will lose your CDL for life.

If your license to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, cancelled, or suspended you may not obtain a "hardship" license to operate a CMV.

1.3 – Other CDL Rules

There are other federal and state rules that affect drivers operating CMVs in all states. Among them are:

You cannot have more than one license. If you break this rule, a court may fine you up to $5,000 or put you in jail and keep your home state license and return any others. You must notify your employer within 30 days of conviction for any traffic violations (except parking). This is true no matter what type of vehicle you were driving. You must notify your motor vehicle licensing agency within 30 days if you are convicted in any other jurisdiction of any traffic violation (except parking). This is true no matter what type of vehicle you were driving. You must notify your employer if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving. You must give your employer information on all driving jobs you have held for the past 10 years. You must do this when you apply for a commercial driving job. No one can drive a commercial motor vehicle without a CDL. A court may fine you up to $5,000 or put you in jail for breaking this rule. If you have a hazardous materials endorsement you must notify and surrender your hazardous materials endorsement to the state that issued your CDL within 24 hours of any conviction or indictment in any jurisdiction, civilian or military, for, or found not guilty by reason of insanity of a disqualifying crime listed in 49 CFR 1572.103; who is adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution as specified in 49 CFR 1572.109; or who renounces his or her U. S. citizenship; Your employer may not let you drive a commercial motor vehicle if you have more than one license or if you're CDL is suspended or revoked. A court may fine the employer up to $5,000 or put him/her in jail for breaking this rule. All states are connected to one computerized system to share information about CDL drivers. The states will check on drivers' accident records to be sure that drivers do not have more than one CDL.

Your state may have additional rules that you must also obey.

Section 1 - Introduction Page 1-4

This Section Covers

• Vehicle Inspection
• Basic Control of Your Vehicle
• Shifting Gears
• Seeing
• Communicating
• Space Management
• Controlling Your Speed
• Seeing Hazards
• Distracted Driving
• Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage
• Night Driving
• Driving in Fog
• Winter Driving
• Hot Weather Driving
• Railroad-highway Crossings
• Mountain Driving
• Driving Emergencies
• Antilock Braking Systems
• Skid Control and Recovery
• Accident Procedures
• Fires
• Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving
• Staying Alert and Fit to Drive
• Hazardous Materials Rules

This section contains knowledge and safe driving information that all commercial drivers should know. You must pass a test on this information to get a CDL. This section does not have specific information on air brakes, combination vehicles, doubles, or passenger vehicles. When preparing for the Pre-trip Inspection Test, you must review the material in Section 11 in addition to the information in this section. This section does have basic information on hazardous materials (HazMat) that all drivers should know. If you need a HazMat endorsement, you should study Section 9.

2.1 – Vehicle Inspection

2.1.1 – Why Inspect

Safety is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle, safety for yourself and for other road users.

A vehicle defect found during an inspection could save you problems later. You could have a breakdown on the road that will cost time and dollars, or even worse, a crash caused by the defect.

Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge the vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is fixed.

2.1.2 – Types of Vehicle Inspection

Pre-trip Inspection. A pre-trip inspection will help you find problems that could cause a crash or breakdown.

During a Trip. For safety you should:

Watch gauges for signs of trouble. Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel). Check critical items when you stop:

• Tires, wheels and rims.
• Brakes.
• Lights and reflectors.
• Brake and electrical connections to trailer.
• Trailer coupling devices.
• Cargo securement devices.

After-trip Inspection and Report. You should do an after-trip inspection at the end of the trip, day, or tour of duty on each vehicle you operated. It may include filling out a vehicle condition report listing any problems you find. The inspection report helps a motor carrier know when the vehicle needs repairs.

Section 2 – Driving Safely Page 2-1

2.1.3 – What to Look For

Tire Problems

• Too much or too little air pressure.
• Bad wear. You need at least 4/32-inch tread depth in every major groove on front tires. You need 2/32 inch on other tires. No fabric should show through the tread or sidewall.
• Cuts or other damage.
• Tread separation.
• Dual tires that come in contact with each other or parts of the vehicle.
• Mismatched sizes.
• Radial and bias-ply tires used together.
• Cut or cracked valve stems.
• Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on the front wheels of a bus. These are prohibited.

Wheel and Rim Problems

• Damaged rims.
• Rust around wheel nuts may mean the nuts are loose--check tightness. After a tire has been changed, stop a short while later and re-check tightness of nuts.
• Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs means danger.
• Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings are dangerous.
• Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs are not safe.

Bad Brake Drums or Shoes

• Cracked drums.
• Shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them.
• Shoes worn dangerously thin, missing, or broken.

Steering System Defects

• Missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, or other parts.
• Bent, loose, or broken parts, such as steering column, steering gear box, or tie rods.
• If power steering equipped, check hoses, pumps, and fluid level; check for leaks.
• Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (approximately 2 inches movement at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel) can make it hard to steer.

Figure 2.1 illustrates a typical steering system.

Suspension System Defects. The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load. It keeps the axles in place. Therefore, broken suspension parts can be extremely dangerous. Look for:

• Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from proper position. See Figure 2.2.
• Cracked or broken spring hangers.
• Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If one-fourth or more are missing, it will put the vehicle "out of service", but any defect could be dangerous. See Figure 2.3.
• Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part.
• Leaking shock absorbers.
• Torque rod or arm, u-bolts, spring hangers, or other axle positioning parts that are cracked, damaged, or missing.
• Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or leaking. See Figure 2.4.
• Any loose, cracked, broken, or missing frame members.

STEERING SYSTEM

• Steering Wheel
• Tie Rod
• Steering Shaft
• Power Steering Cylinder
• Steering Arm
• Spindle
• Steering Knuckle
• Drag Link
• Pitman Arm
• Gear Box
• Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir

Figure 2.1

Section 2 – Driving Safety

Page 2-2

KEY SUSPENSION PARTS

Hydraulic Shock Absorber Leaf Spring Vehicle Frame Frame Bearing Plates Front Axle Hanger Auxiliary Spring Torque Rod Main Spring Spring Shackle Axle

Figure 2.2

AIR SUSPENSION PARTS

Height Control Valve Shock Absorber Frame Reinforcement Upper Bellows Support Spacer Bracket Clamp Bolt U-Bolt Bellows Eye Bolt Control Arm Axle Axle Seat Lower Bellows Support Anchor Plate

⟵FRONT⟶

Figure 2.4

Exhaust System Defects. A broken exhaust system can let poison fumes into the cab or sleeper berth. Look for:

Loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, or vertical stacks. Loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts. Exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of vehicle. Exhaust system parts that are leaking.

Emergency Equipment. Vehicles must be equipped with emergency equipment. Look for:

Fire extinguisher(s). Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers). Warning devices for parked vehicles (for example, three reflective warning triangles).

Cargo (Trucks). You must make sure the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured before each trip. If the cargo contains hazardous materials, you must inspect for proper papers and placarding.