Trip Inspections: Circle Check and Walk-Around +11Alberta · CDL · English

Steering axle tires must have tread depth not less than 3.2 mm; all other tires not less than 1.6 mm. Check for proper inflation, no bulges, sidewall separation, cuts or uneven wear. Dual tires must not touch and nothing trapped between them. Rims must have no cracks, missing pieces, bends or rust streaks, and fasteners must be secure.

• ✓Steering axle tire tread depth not less than 3.2 mm
• ✓Drive and trailer axle tire tread depth not less than 1.6 mm
• ✓Dual tires must not touch and nothing trapped between them
• ✓Wheel rims must have no cracks, bends or rust streaks and fasteners must be secure
• ✓Rust streaks may indicate loose wheel fasteners

For air brake vehicles, check the air compressor mounting, lines, fittings, hoses and couplers; brake chambers for condition and security; slack adjuster angle, push rod travel and wear; and air lines for leaks, kinks, cuts, abrasions or cracks. Slack adjusters can be checked by pulling manually or with a pry bar.

• ✓Air compressor must be securely mounted with sound lines and fittings
• ✓Brake chambers must be secure with no cracks, corrosion or holes
• ✓Check slack adjuster push rod travel, mechanical condition and wear
• ✓Air lines must have no leaks, kinks, cuts, abrasions or cracks
• ✓Nothing must obstruct the push rod travel

Before beginning a trip inspection, choose level terrain, park safely away from traffic, set the parking/spring brake, place a manual transmission in low gear, shut off the engine, and chock the wheels—especially important for air brake vehicles when brakes are released later.

• ✓Choose level terrain and park away from traffic
• ✓Set parking/spring brake and put manual transmission in low gear
• ✓Shut off the engine before inspecting
• ✓Chock the wheels; minimum square block size is 15 by 15 centimetres
• ✓Always make a complete circle around the vehicle checking everything

Check the radiator for leaks, coolant level and cap; fan blades and mountings; belt tension and wear; fluid levels; air filter; and battery condition, terminals and mounting. Check steering for bent/broken/missing parts, power steering leaks, fluid level, and excessive play.

• ✓Check radiator, fan, belts, fluid levels, air filter and battery under the hood
• ✓Steering mechanism must have no bent, broken or missing parts and no excessive play
• ✓Check hose connections for leaks, kinks, cuts, abrasions or cracks
• ✓Check shock absorbers and suspension for damage where visible

Defensive driving anticipates hazards and maintains constant speed, conserving momentum (power not used is fuel not burned). Do not let frustration push you into unsafe passes; look ahead and anticipate stops (coasting is more efficient than braking); maintain a four-second following distance; know and check your blind spots; and be aware of your physical and mental condition.

• ✓Maintain a safe following distance of four seconds
• ✓It is more efficient to coast to a stop than to brake
• ✓Be aware of your blind spots and check them regularly
• ✓Be aware of your own physical and mental condition including effects of alcohol, drugs, fatigue and illness

Keep a safe following distance so you can always brake safely and efficiently. Driving at 70 km/h requires a stopping distance of about 300 feet (90 metres).

• ✓Driving at 70 km/h requires a stopping distance of about 300 feet (90 metres)
• ✓Keep a safe following distance to always brake safely and efficiently

Avoid unnecessary reversing by planning ahead. Sound the horn before reversing, use a guide when possible, and get out to check the area if no guide is available.

• ✓Sound the horn before reversing and repeat at least once for every vehicle length reversed
• ✓Use a guide who can see the vehicle's path and whom the driver can see; stop if you cannot see the guide
• ✓The driver is still responsible for all vehicle movements even with a guide
• ✓If reversing distance exceeds two vehicle lengths, stop and recheck the areas around the unit

Straight line reversing is the easiest and safest. 90-degree clear side (left) reversing gives a good mirror view, while blind side (right) reversing is the most difficult and dangerous and should be avoided.

• ✓Reverse in a straight line whenever possible as it is the easiest and safest
• ✓Clear side (left) reversing provides a clear left mirror view of the space
• ✓Blind side (right) reversing is the most difficult and dangerous and should be avoided if possible
• ✓Keep your foot off the throttle, use the lowest reverse gear, and cover the brake pedal

Reversing a semi-trailer requires steering opposite to the desired trailer direction; the tractor follows an S-shape to bring the trailer around.

• ✓Turn the steering wheel opposite to where you want the trailer to go, or place your hand on the bottom of the wheel and move it the direction you want the trailer to go
• ✓The tractor must follow an S-shape to bring the trailer around smoothly
• ✓Reverse slowly using both rear view mirrors and remember the blind spot directly behind the vehicle
• ✓Sound the horn before reversing and repeat at least once for every vehicle length reversed

When possible use a guide with agreed hand signals; the driver must always see the guide and remains responsible for all movements.

• ✓The guide must see the vehicle's path and the driver must see the guide; stop if you cannot see the guide
• ✓The driver is still responsible for all movements even with a guide
• ✓If no guide is available, get out and visually check the area before reversing
• ✓If reversing distance exceeds two vehicle lengths, stop, get out and recheck all areas around the unit
• ✓Keep your foot off the throttle, use the lowest reverse gear, and cover the brake pedal

To reverse a semi-trailer, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to where you want the trailer to go, or place your hand at the bottom of the wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go. The tractor must follow an S-shape.

• ✓Turn the steering wheel opposite to the desired trailer direction
• ✓Alternatively move a hand at the bottom of the wheel in the trailer's desired direction
• ✓The tractor must follow an S-shape to bring the trailer around smoothly

Reverse slowly using both rear-view mirrors, aware of the blind spot directly behind. Avoid unnecessary reversing, sound the horn before reversing and repeat every vehicle length, and use a guide who can see the path while the driver can see the guide.

• ✓Always reverse slowly and use both rear-view mirrors
• ✓Sound the horn before reversing and repeat at least once per vehicle length reversed
• ✓Use a guide where possible with agreed hand signals; stop if you cannot see the guide
• ✓The driver is still responsible for all movements even with a guide

Clear side (left) reversing gives a clear left mirror view, while blind side (right) reversing is the most difficult and dangerous and should be avoided.

• ✓Straight line reversing is the easiest and safest; reverse straight whenever possible
• ✓For clear side reversing, turn the wheel right to move the trailer left, then straighten by turning left
• ✓Blind side (right side) reversing mostly uses the right mirror and convex mirror and requires frequent stops to check position
• ✓Avoid blind side reversing when possible as it is the most difficult and dangerous

If no guide is available, get out and check the area first. If reversing distance exceeds two vehicle lengths, stop and recheck all areas. Keep foot off throttle, select the lowest reverse gear, move slowly and cover the brake pedal.

• ✓If no guide, get out and visually check the area before reversing
• ✓If reversing more than two vehicle lengths, stop and recheck around the entire unit
• ✓Select the lowest reverse gear and cover the brake pedal with your right foot

Straight line reversing is easiest and safest. Clear side (left) reversing gives a clear left mirror view. Blind side (right) reversing is the most difficult and dangerous, relies on right mirror including convex mirror, requires frequent stops to check, and should be avoided.

• ✓Reverse in a straight line whenever possible
• ✓Clear side (left) reversing provides a clear left mirror view
• ✓Blind side (right) reversing is most difficult and dangerous; avoid it if possible
• ✓Stop often and get out to check position during blind side reversing

Smart driving is both attitude and skill. Defensive driving lets you anticipate hazards and maintain constant speed, conserving momentum so you do not continually rebuild lost speed—power not used is fuel not burned. Do not let frustration cause unsafe passes, look ahead and anticipate stops (coasting is more efficient than braking), maintain a safe following distance, watch blind spots, and be aware of your physical/mental condition.

• ✓Maintain a safe following distance of four seconds
• ✓Coasting to a stop is more efficient than braking; anticipate stops
• ✓Do not let frustration lead to unsafe passes or maneuvers
• ✓Be aware of your physical/mental condition including alcohol, drugs, age, illness, fatigue, emotion and diet

Keep a safe following distance so you can always brake safely and efficiently. Driving at 70 km/h requires a stopping distance of about 300 feet (90 metres).

• ✓Driving at 70 km/h requires about 300 feet (90 metres) of stopping distance
• ✓Keep a safe following distance to brake safely and efficiently

Fuel efficiency starts at engine start-up. Use zero throttle in a gear needing no throttle. Do not pump the throttle on fuel-injected engines (fuel is pre-measured) or older mechanical engines (wastes fuel, damages cylinder walls). Use ether sparingly. Do not increase engine speed while warming up—five minutes of idling is generally adequate. Ensure oil and air pressure are normal at start-up.

• ✓Start with zero throttle in a gear that needs no throttle
• ✓Do not pump the throttle on fuel-injected or older mechanical engines
• ✓Five minutes of idling for warm-up is generally adequate
• ✓Use ether sparingly as excessive use can harm the engine

Warm up by driving easily, not pushing the throttle hard. Back off the accelerator over hilltops and let gravity/momentum work. Use cruise control where appropriate. Reduce average speed—for every 10 km/h over 90 km/h you use 10% more fuel. Change gears smoothly (about 30% improvement in operating costs). Always use the clutch. Practice progressive shifting at ~1600 rpm. Run the engine in the highest gear range. Use the retarder properly and turn it off when not needed.

• ✓For every 10 km/h over 90 km/h you use 10% more fuel
• ✓Smooth, professional gear shifting can improve operating costs by about 30%
• ✓Always use the clutch to avoid wearing gear teeth in the transmission
• ✓Practice progressive gear shifting at approximately 1600 rpm

Idling a truck engine burns up to four litres of fuel per hour at 900 rpm. Turn off the engine when stopped for any length of time to save fuel, reduce maintenance, prolong engine life, and prevent emissions. Cutting one hour of idling per day for 260 days saves ~10,400 litres per truck.

• ✓Idling burns up to 4 litres of fuel per hour at 900 rpm
• ✓Turn off the engine when stopped for any length of time
• ✓Cutting idling saves fuel, reduces maintenance, and prolongs engine life

New engine designs deliver more horsepower and torque at lower rpm ranges. You can downshift at about 1200 rpm and up-shift at about 1600 rpm rather than 2000 rpm, so you shift less, save money, and generate fewer emissions.

• ✓Downshift at about 1200 rpm and up-shift at about 1600 rpm with new engines
• ✓Lower rpm operation means fewer shifts, cost savings, and fewer emissions

Smart fuel-efficient driving is also safe driving. Adjust for light (wear sunglasses in bright conditions, slow in poor light). Maintain good posture with the seat adjusted for comfort, alertness, visibility, and control access. Match traffic speed within the speed limit and give way considerately to other drivers.

• ✓Adjust driving to visibility—reduce speed in poor light conditions
• ✓Keep the seat adjusted for comfort, alertness, visibility, and control access
• ✓Travel at the same speed as other traffic while staying within the speed limit

For a truck-tractor combination, inspect the fifth wheel coupler bolt, slider lock, and plate for damage, cracks or weld separations. The plate must be flush to the apron with no daylight visible. Locking jaws must be closed with the kingpin enclosed, and the kingpin must not be worn, damaged or broken.

• ✓Fifth wheel coupler bolt must be secure and slider locked
• ✓Plate must be flush to the apron with no daylight visible between them
• ✓Fifth wheel locking jaws must be closed with kingpin enclosed
• ✓Kingpin and pintle hitch eyehook must not be worn, damaged, cracked or broken
• ✓Check drive shaft condition with no obstructions

For the trailer, check the inspection decal, body for damage or missing rivets, frame and cross members. Landing gear must be raised with a secure handle and no cracks. Check air lines, clearance/marker lights, load security devices, tires, rims, sliding tandem and locking pin, brake chambers, slack adjusters and suspension.

• ✓Landing gear must be raised with a secure handle and lowering mechanism
• ✓Trailer air lines must be secured with no leaks, kinks, cuts, abrasions or cracks
• ✓Sliding tandem locking pin must be locked and secure with no cross member damage
• ✓Load security devices and anchor points must be secure and undamaged
• ✓Multiple trailers may be added to a single report with additional lines

Suspension must have no cracked, missing or broken springs; torsion bars or walking beams must be secure and undamaged; and U-bolts must not be loose, missing or broken. On air suspension, check for damaged, worn or inoperative air bags. Axle assembly must have no breaks, cracks, holes, broken seals or bends.

• ✓Suspension springs, torsion bars and walking beams must be sound and secure
• ✓U-bolts must not be loose, missing or broken
• ✓On air suspension, check for damaged, worn or inoperative air bags
• ✓Axle assembly must have no breaks, cracks, holes, broken seals or bends

Defensive driving anticipates hazards and maintains constant speed, conserving momentum so you don't rebuild lost speed—power not used is fuel not burned. Tactics: don't let frustration cause unsafe passes; look ahead and anticipate stops (coasting is more efficient than braking); maintain a four-second following distance; know and check blind spots; and be aware of your own physical/mental condition (alcohol, drugs, age, attitude, illness, fatigue, emotion, diet).

• ✓Maintain a safe following distance of four seconds
• ✓Coasting to a stop is more efficient than braking
• ✓Do not let frustration push you into unsafe passes or maneuvers
• ✓Be aware of your own condition including fatigue, illness, and effects of alcohol/drugs

Keep a safe following distance so you can always brake safely and efficiently. Driving at 70 km/h requires a stopping distance of about 300 feet (90 metres).

• ✓Driving at 70 km/h requires about 300 feet (90 metres) of stopping distance
• ✓Keep a safe following distance to always brake safely and efficiently

Trucks carrying logs, dangerous goods or explosives have special rules including railway crossing stops and designated urban routes. Loads extending beyond the rear must be marked.

• ✓Trucks carrying explosives or flammable goods must stop before every uncontrolled railway crossing
• ✓In urban areas, drive only on routes specified for trucks and dangerous goods vehicles
• ✓If a load extends more than 1.5 metres beyond the rear, attach a red flag at least 30 cm square during daylight or a red light at night
• ✓Comply with federal and provincial dangerous goods laws for handling, storage and transport

When a breakdown occurs, park safely on the right and deploy emergency lights and approved warning devices at distances that vary by day or night.

• ✓Park as soon as possible in a safe position on the right side of the roadway
• ✓Daytime breakdown outside urban limits: activate hazard lights and place a warning device about 30 metres (100 feet) in front and behind
• ✓Nighttime or low visibility (cannot see 150 metres): place an approved warning device 75 metres (250 feet) in front and behind
• ✓Activate emergency hazard lights during any highway breakdown

Certain cargo requires specific handling including logs, dangerous goods, explosives and loads extending beyond the vehicle rear.

• ✓Overhanging logs may swing across other lanes on turns; let traffic behind pass before turning
• ✓Trucks carrying explosives or flammable goods must stop before every uncontrolled railway crossing
• ✓In urban areas drive only on routes specified for trucks and dangerous goods vehicles
• ✓Loads extending more than 1.5 metres beyond the rear require a red flag (at least 30 cm square) by day and a red light at night
• ✓Comply with federal and provincial laws when carrying dangerous goods

With the engine off and key in run, push the trailer air supply valve and disconnect both air lines. The trailer air supply valve (red) should pop out at 40-60 PSI or higher and the low air warning should activate by 60 PSI. Pushing the park control valve (yellow) and pumping the foot valve should cause it to pop out at 20-45 PSI.

• ✓Trailer air supply valve (red) should pop out at 40-60 PSI (276-414 kPa) or higher
• ✓Low air pressure warning must come on by 60 PSI (414 kPa)
• ✓Park control valve (yellow) should pop out at 20-45 PSI (138-311 kPa)
• ✓No air should leak from the open trailer service line when holding the brake valve

With the engine at fast idle around 1200 RPM, the compressor should build 50 to 90 PSI within 3 minutes and the low air warning light should go out by 60 PSI. Build to system maximum to confirm governor cut-out at 120-135 PSI. Pump service brakes to confirm cut-in is 20-25 PSI less than cut-out.

• ✓Compressor build-up: 50 to 90 PSI (345-621 kPa) within 3 minutes
• ✓Low air warning light must go out by 60 PSI (414 kPa)
• ✓Governor cut-out at 120-135 PSI (828-931 kPa)
• ✓Governor cut-in must be 20-25 PSI (138-172 kPa) less than cut-out

Turn off the engine and hold a full service brake application for 2 minutes. Maximum allowable loss is 4 PSI for power units plus an additional 2 PSI per trailer after the system stabilizes. Then remove chocks, release spring brakes and test brake response with both the foot valve and the trailer hand valve.

• ✓Hold a full service brake application for 2 minutes to test for leaks
• ✓Maximum 4 PSI (28 kPa) loss for power units plus 2 PSI (14 kPa) per trailer
• ✓Perform brake response tests using both the foot valve and trailer hand valve
• ✓Chock wheels and inspect components before the air brake test

If a breakdown occurs, park safely on the right side of the roadway. Outside urban limits during daylight, activate hazard lights and place warning devices about 30 metres front and rear. In darkness or when visibility is under 150 metres, place devices 75 metres front and rear.

• ✓Park the vehicle safely on the right side of the roadway during a breakdown
• ✓Daytime outside urban limits: warning devices 30 metres (about 100 feet) front and rear
• ✓Darkness or low visibility (under 150 m): warning devices 75 metres (about 250 feet) front and rear
• ✓Always activate emergency hazard lights

Trucks carrying explosives or flammable goods must stop before every uncontrolled railway crossing. In urban areas drivers must use only routes specified for trucks and dangerous goods vehicles and comply with federal and provincial dangerous goods laws.

• ✓Stop before every uncontrolled railway crossing when carrying explosives or flammable goods
• ✓In cities and towns, drive only on routes specified for trucks and dangerous goods vehicles
• ✓Comply with federal and provincial laws for handling, storing and transporting dangerous goods

If a load reaches or extends more than 1.5 metres beyond the rear of the vehicle, a marking is required. In daylight a red flag not less than 30 cm square is attached to the end; at night a red light is attached to the end.

• ✓A red flag (min. 30 cm square) is required in daylight for loads extending over 1.5 m past the rear
• ✓A red light is required at night for loads extending over 1.5 m past the rear

When carrying logs, overhanging logs may swing across other lanes when turning, so let traffic behind pass before turning. When hauling goods to the US on a non-regular basis, contact each state's Department of Transportation or Highways before starting, as laws differ by state.

• ✓Let traffic behind pass before turning when carrying overhanging logs
• ✓Contact each US state's transportation department before an irregular cross-border trip
• ✓Obtain all proper permits and documents before departing

Bus operators are responsible for the safe transportation of many passengers regardless of conditions, and must know all applicable rules, regulations and company policy.

• ✓The bus operator is responsible for safe passenger transportation regardless of weather, road or traffic conditions
• ✓Know all rules, regulations and company policy under which you operate

If a school bus breaks down, stop safely off the roadway, analyze whether passengers should stay or leave, and place warning devices according to daylight or darkness conditions. Stay with the bus if you cannot get help.

• ✓Stop the bus as far off the roadway as practical and analyze the situation before moving passengers
• ✓In daylight outside urban limits, place approved warning devices 30 metres in front and behind the bus
• ✓In darkness or when visibility is under 150 metres, place approved warning devices 75 metres in front and behind
• ✓If you cannot fix the problem or call for help, stay with the bus

Reversing is a leading cause of school bus collisions and should be avoided. It is illegal to reverse a school bus in a schoolyard or next to a school ground unless a responsible guide is outside at the rear giving direction.

• ✓It is illegal to reverse a loaded or unloaded school bus in a schoolyard or next to a school ground without a responsible guide at the rear
• ✓Physically check the area, use a responsible adult guide, agree on hand signals, tap the horn and reverse slowly
• ✓Stop immediately if you lose sight of the guide; the driver is responsible for all movements

Alternately flashing red lights and the stop arm may only be used when loading and unloading passengers. Drivers must activate them at complete stops and turn them off when not loading or unloading.

• ✓Activate alternately flashing red lights only when loading and unloading passengers, unless a bylaw prohibits their use
• ✓Drivers approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights must stop from either direction on an undivided highway and from behind on a divided highway
• ✓On the eight-light system, activate amber lights as the bus slows down, then red lights when stopped
• ✓Pull as far right as practical and choose a location at least one metre from waiting students

Before loading or unloading ensure traffic has stopped, transmission is in neutral/park with the park brake applied. Students crossing in rural areas must go 10 paces in front and wait for the driver's direction.

• ✓Before loading/unloading, place transmission in neutral (manual) or park (automatic) and apply the park brake with firm pressure on the pedal
• ✓Instruct crossing students to go at least 10 paces in front, stop before entering the roadway, and wait for your direction
• ✓Establish a line of sight, do not lose sight of students, and account for all of them
• ✓Check all mirrors including the cross-over mirror before moving to ensure no students are lingering

School bus drivers must stop at railway crossings unless a traffic control signal or an officer directs them to proceed. A specific procedure applies at all uncontrolled crossings.

• ✓Stop not less than 5 metres or more than 15 metres from the nearest track
• ✓Alternately flashing amber or red lights must not be used when stopping at a railway crossing
• ✓Turn off fans/radio, open the front door and driver's window, look both ways and listen for a train
• ✓Put transmission in neutral or park, engage the parking brake, and do not shift a manual transmission until clear of the last track

The maximum speed for a loaded or unloaded school bus under ideal conditions is 90 km/h or the posted limit. Students must be seated while moving, and evacuation drills and procedures must be known.

• ✓Maximum school bus speed under ideal conditions is 90 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower
• ✓Use the four-second following rule and increase distance in poor conditions
• ✓All students must be seated and all doors closed while the bus is moving; rear door use is only for emergencies
• ✓Never refuel a bus with passengers aboard
• ✓There are three standard evacuation methods: front exit, rear exit, and front and rear exit at the same time

Prepare in advance by positioning in the appropriate lane, signal early, reduce speed and downshift, and check traffic and pedestrians. Do not shift gears during the turn and check mirrors for body swing.

• ✓Turning left take the leftmost lane; turning right take the right-most lane available
• ✓When stopped to turn left keep front wheels straight and brake pedal depressed so you are not pushed into oncoming traffic if struck
• ✓Never shift gears during the turn
• ✓Check mirrors for bus body swing and clearance and confirm the turn signal cancelled

A turnaround on a two-lane highway is only done if it cannot be done on private property, and only by backing into a road on the right. Never back onto or across a highway.

• ✓Never back onto or across a highway
• ✓Back into a road on the right of the main roadway using mirrors and shoulder checks
• ✓Load passengers before the turnaround and unload passengers after backing
• ✓A U-turn on a four-lane divided highway is allowed only if the bus length is less than the median width and the bus is fully clear of traffic lanes

A school bus strobe lamp must be activated during adverse visibility conditions and may be used when increased visibility is desirable. A driver may not unload a student anywhere other than the normal destination.

• ✓Activate the strobe lamp during adverse conditions such as fog, blizzard and smoke; it may be used where increased visibility is desirable
• ✓A student cannot be unloaded at any place other than the student's normal destination; only school administration may remove a student