Written Report Requirements +12British Columbia · CDL · English

Every written trip inspection report must contain specific required information and be completed and signed before the first trip of the day.

• ✓Report must include licence plate/unit numbers, all defects (or state no defect found), the date, and a signature
• ✓Report must be completed prior to the first trip of the day
• ✓New reports must be completed no later than the first rest stop of every subsequent day for multi-day trips
• ✓All trip inspection reports must be given to the carrier within 20 days

When drivers share a vehicle, one signature suffices unless there is disagreement over defects. When coupling to a trailer, the driver must obtain or complete a trip inspection report for that trailer.

• ✓Only one driver needs to sign if there is no disagreement about defects
• ✓If there is disagreement, all drivers must sign and indicate the nature of the disagreement
• ✓When coupling to a trailer, obtain and carry that trailer's trip inspection report or complete one
• ✓For each defect, state that it has been corrected or that no correction is necessary

Failure to carry a trip inspection report or operating an unsafe vehicle can result in fines and having the vehicle placed out of service.

• ✓You may be fined if you fail to carry a trip inspection report
• ✓Operating an unsafe vehicle may result in a fine and/or the vehicle being placed out of service
• ✓A defect not affecting safe operation may have repairs deferred but must be recorded and noted as not requiring immediate repair

Maintain safe following distance using the two-second rule, adjusting for larger vehicles, weather and load. Total stopping distance combines perception, reaction and braking distances. Vans, taxis and buses have specific following distance considerations.

• ✓Apply the two-second rule to maintain safe following distance
• ✓Total stopping distance includes perception, reaction and braking distance
• ✓Increase following distance for heavier loads and poor conditions

A vehicle's speed and weight directly affect its stopping power and stopping distance. Heavier and faster vehicles require greater distance to stop safely, so braking must be planned well ahead.

• ✓Greater speed and weight increase stopping distance
• ✓Adjust braking and speed to maintain adequate stopping power

Large vehicles off-track, meaning the rear wheels follow a tighter path than the front wheels during turns. Turning radius and wheelbase determine how much space is needed. Drivers must position wheels correctly and allow for off-tracking when turning.

• ✓Rear wheels off-track inside the front wheels' path during turns
• ✓Account for turning radius and wheelbase when making turns
• ✓Position the vehicle to allow room for off-tracking

Proper gear selection is essential; shift smoothly and avoid lugging the engine (operating at too low an rpm for the load). Understand rpm, retarders and multi-speed rear axles.

• ✓Avoid lugging by keeping engine rpm in the proper operating range
• ✓Shift gears smoothly and select the appropriate gear for grade and load
• ✓Use retarders appropriately to control speed

Commercial drivers must follow specific procedures at railway crossings and navigate roundabouts/traffic circles safely. Buses and certain vehicles may be required to stop at crossings.

• ✓Follow commercial vehicle procedures at railway crossings
• ✓Navigate roundabouts and traffic circles safely with proper lane use

Commercial drivers must be in good physical condition. When applying, you must answer questions about medical conditions, complete a declaration form, and have a doctor complete a Driver's Medical Examination form sent to RoadSafetyBC, which determines fitness. The doctor's fee is not covered by MSP, ICBC or RoadSafetyBC.

• ✓A Driver's Medical Examination form must be completed by a B.C.-licensed physician and sent to RoadSafetyBC
• ✓Applicants must disclose any known medical conditions for safety reasons
• ✓The Superintendent reviews the medical form to determine fitness to hold a commercial licence

Commercial drivers must meet a higher vision standard than Class 5 drivers. Vision is screened when applying for a learner's licence. Testing measures visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, double vision (diplopia), and colour perception (red, green, amber). Applicants who need corrective lenses must wear them during screening.

• ✓Commercial drivers must meet a higher vision standard than Class 5 drivers
• ✓Vision testing covers acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, diplopia and colour perception
• ✓Corrective lenses must be worn during the vision screening if needed to meet standards

Commercial drivers must be in good physical condition. When applying you must disclose certain medical conditions, complete a declaration form, and have a doctor complete a Driver's Medical Examination form sent to RoadSafetyBC, who determines fitness. The doctor's fee is not covered by MSP, ICBC or RoadSafetyBC.

• ✓Applicants must disclose known medical conditions and complete a medical declaration form
• ✓A B.C.-licensed physician must complete the Driver's Medical Examination form and send it to RoadSafetyBC, who determines fitness to hold a commercial licence

Commercial drivers must meet a higher vision standard than Class 5 drivers. Vision is screened at the driver licensing office measuring visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, double vision (diplopia), and colour perception (red, green, amber). Corrective lenses must be worn during screening if needed.

• ✓Commercial drivers must meet a higher vision standard than Class 5 drivers
• ✓Vision screening tests visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, diplopia and colour perception of red, green and amber; corrective lenses must be used during screening

The Class 4 (restricted) pre-trip inspection should be completed in less than 15 minutes. Under the hood, look for leaks, check fluid levels and condition (oil, coolant, power steering, brake fluid, washer fluid), belts, hoses, battery (corrosion, secure terminals and mounting, fluid level) and check for fuel/oil/coolant leaks. Close and secure the hood.

• ✓Complete the Class 4 restricted pre-trip inspection in under 15 minutes
• ✓Check fluids, belts, hoses, battery and for engine compartment leaks under the hood

Check driver's seat adjustment and that all seatbelts work and are in good condition; mirrors adjusted and crack-free; windows/windshield clean and operable. Ensure documentation is valid and up-to-date. Start engine and verify instrument panel: charge rate, oil pressure (normal soon after start), coolant temperature, fuel gauge and instrument lights. Check wipers/washers, heater/defroster, interior lights, four-way flashers, horn and listen for unusual engine noises.

• ✓All seatbelts must be in good condition and function; documentation must be valid and up-to-date
• ✓Instrument panel gauges must respond properly as the engine warms up

Turn on left-turn signal and low-beam headlights, walk counter-clockwise from the front to face traffic, and confirm left-turn signal, low-beams, tail lights and licence plate lights work. Check right-turn signal and high-beams. Inspect tires/wheels, licence plate and trunk (spare tire, jack, secure/non-leaking propane tank if present). For the brake test: depress brake pedal, shift to low gear, gently tug against parking brake (it should hold), release, then move ahead and apply foot brake. Have an assistant check brake lights when possible.

• ✓Parking brake must hold the vehicle during the tug test in low gear
• ✓Check tires for inflation, bulges, tread depth and secure wheel lugs
• ✓Have an assistant verify brake lights whenever possible

Driving Commercial Vehicles helps individuals study for Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licences, air brake endorsements, industrial air brake endorsements, or heavy trailer endorsements. It reflects BC law but the actual acts and regulations take precedence over the guide.

• ✓The guide assists studying for Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licences and air brake, industrial air brake, or heavy trailer endorsements
• ✓In case of a difference between the guide and acts or regulations, the acts or regulations shall apply
• ✓The guide is not a substitute for professional training and does not guarantee test success

To apply for an air brake endorsement, you need proof of completing an air brake course. A certified course includes 7 hours classroom theory plus 4 hours practical training on air brake pre-trip inspection—passing the provider's assessment may exempt you from the ICBC pre-trip test. A non-certified course includes 7 hours classroom theory only. You may be exempt if you can prove sufficient experience, but you still must pass the air brake knowledge test and pre-trip inspection test.

• ✓A certified air brake course includes 7 hours classroom theory plus 4 hours practical training
• ✓A non-certified course includes 7 hours classroom theory only
• ✓Even if exempt from the course, you must pass the air brake knowledge test and pre-trip inspection test
• ✓Taking a road test in an air-brake vehicle requires an air brake endorsement or completed approved course with passed knowledge test

Never assume you have the right-of-way, even when controlled by signs or signals. Get in the proper lane and signal well before turning. Look left and right, expect drivers to run signs or lights, watch for stale green lights, and enter limited-view intersections at a speed that lets you stop. Don't use vehicle size to force others to give way.

• ✓Don't assume you have the right-of-way even with signals/signs
• ✓Get in proper lane and signal well before the intersection
• ✓Enter limited-view intersections at a speed that allows you to stop
• ✓Don't change lanes, pass or overtake when approaching or going through an intersection
• ✓Give the right-of-way; don't try to take it

When driving from an alley, lane or side road onto a highway, you must stop before crossing the sidewalk area and yield to pedestrians and vehicles on the highway. The maximum speed in a lane or alley is 20 km/h unless otherwise posted.

• ✓Stop before driving across the sidewalk area
• ✓Yield to pedestrians in the sidewalk area and motor vehicles on the highway
• ✓Maximum speed in a lane or alley is 20 km/h unless otherwise posted

Fixed and portable weigh scales are located throughout B.C. If you drive a commercial vehicle with a licensed GVW of more than 5,500 kg, you must report to a scale whenever directed by a sign, police officer or authorized person. Your vehicle will be weighed and inspected. An inspector may ask you to park and bring in registration and permit papers, log book and trip inspection report.

• ✓Vehicles with licensed GVW over 5,500 kg must report to weigh scales when directed
• ✓Report when directed by a sign, police officer, or authorized person
• ✓Bring registration, permit papers, log book and trip inspection report if requested

Fixed weigh scales are permanently located throughout B.C. with highway signs directing drivers. Drive onto the scales when entering the yard; a peace officer checks tires and measures the vehicle and load. Follow the directions on the light board. Portable scales travel throughout B.C. and may be found on any public road — set up on the roadside where you're signalled to stop, or a vehicle with flashing lights may direct you to pull over.

• ✓At fixed scales, follow the directions on the light board
• ✓Portable scales may be found on any public road
• ✓A vehicle with flashing lights may direct you to pull over for a portable scale

To operate air-brake-equipped vehicles on a highway (other than construction vehicles) you must hold a B.C. driver's licence with an air brake endorsement (code 15). It is also required for most vehicles with air-over-hydraulic brakes. Code 15 appears in the restrictions section of the licence.

• ✓An air brake endorsement (code 15) is required to operate air-brake-equipped vehicles on highways
• ✓Air-over-hydraulic brake vehicles also generally require an air brake endorsement
• ✓Construction vehicles are exempt from the air brake endorsement requirement

To apply: complete a minimum 7-hour air brake course, study the guide, apply at a licensing office with primary and secondary ID, provide proof of air brake experience, pay the knowledge test fee, take the air brake knowledge test, then take the air brake pre-trip inspection test. No road test is required, but you must bring an air-brake-equipped vehicle for the pre-trip test.

• ✓Air brake courses are a minimum of 7 hours in length
• ✓The air brake endorsement requires passing a knowledge test and a pre-trip inspection test, but no road test
• ✓You must bring an air-brake-equipped vehicle to the pre-trip inspection test

An applicant who fails the air brake knowledge test after three attempts must complete or repeat an approved 7-hour air brake training course. Air brake knowledge test results are valid for one year; if the endorsement is not placed on the licence within one year, the test must be re-taken.

• ✓Failing the air brake knowledge test three times requires completing/repeating a 7-hour course
• ✓Air brake knowledge test results are valid for only one year

When a large vehicle turns, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels (off-tracking). Drivers must account for the turning radius and off-track to avoid hitting curbs, objects or other vehicles.

• ✓Rear wheels off-track inside the path of the front wheels during turns
• ✓Account for off-tracking when making turns to avoid curbs and obstacles
• ✓Sharp right turns require extra space for off-tracking

Drivers should match the flow of traffic where safe; driving faster or slower than the flow creates hazards. When tailgated, drivers should increase their own following distance and avoid sudden braking.

• ✓Avoid driving significantly faster or slower than the flow of traffic
• ✓When tailgated, increase your following distance ahead
• ✓Do not brake suddenly when being tailgated

Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles and slow down or move over for stopped vehicles displaying flashing lights.

• ✓Yield to emergency vehicles displaying lights and sirens
• ✓Slow down and move over for stopped vehicles with flashing lights

Impaired driving carries Criminal Code penalties, vehicle impoundment and other costs. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, fatigue and emotions can also impair driving ability.

• ✓Impaired driving results in Criminal Code penalties and vehicle impoundment
• ✓Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impair driving
• ✓Fatigue and strong emotions impair safe driving

Seatbelts, airbags and head restraints protect occupants and must be used properly. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a hazard drivers must guard against. Cellphone and device use while driving is restricted.

• ✓Wear seatbelts and use head restraints correctly
• ✓Guard against carbon monoxide poisoning in the cab
• ✓Do not use handheld cellphones or devices while driving

Drivers of large vehicles must navigate traffic circles and roundabouts carefully, yielding as required and accounting for the vehicle's size and off-tracking.

• ✓Yield as required when entering traffic circles and roundabouts
• ✓Account for vehicle size and off-tracking in roundabouts

Heavy vehicles require greater following distances than passenger cars because of longer stopping distances. Different types of vehicles require different minimum following distances.

• ✓Buses, trucks and heavy vehicles require greater following distances than smaller vehicles
• ✓Maintain adequate space ahead to allow for the longer stopping distance of heavy vehicles

When a large vehicle or combination turns, the rear wheels follow a tighter path than the front wheels, known as off tracking. Drivers must account for this when turning and negotiating narrow spaces.

• ✓Rear wheels follow a shorter path than front wheels during turns (off tracking)
• ✓Account for off tracking when making sharp right turns and negotiating narrow bridges

Large vehicles need extra room to turn. Sharp right turns require special positioning to avoid off tracking over curbs, and drivers must watch for cyclists and pedestrians.

• ✓Position the vehicle to allow for off tracking on sharp right turns
• ✓Check mirrors and blind spots for cyclists and pedestrians before turning

Backing a large vehicle is dangerous due to limited visibility. Use a guide when possible and otherwise get out and check behind the vehicle before backing.

• ✓Use a guide (spotter) when backing up whenever possible
• ✓When backing without a guide, get out and check the area behind the vehicle first

Proper use of mirrors and looking well ahead helps drivers anticipate hazards. Correct lane use improves visibility and safety.

• ✓Regularly check mirrors and look well ahead to identify hazards early
• ✓Choose the appropriate lane for your speed and route

Drivers must respond appropriately to emergency vehicles and to stopped vehicles displaying flashing lights, including slowing down and moving over.

• ✓Yield to emergency vehicles displaying lights and sirens
• ✓Slow down and move over for stopped vehicles displaying flashing lights

Proper gear shifting is essential in commercial vehicles. Double-clutching is used on many manual transmissions, and knowing when to shift matters for governed and non-governed engines.

• ✓Use double-clutching technique when required for manual transmissions
• ✓Shift at appropriate points for governed diesel versus non-governed gasoline engines

Large and long vehicles need special care at railway crossings to ensure they can clear the tracks completely. Both controlled and uncontrolled crossings require caution.

• ✓Ensure there is room to fully clear the tracks before starting across a railway crossing
• ✓Approach both controlled and uncontrolled crossings with caution in a large vehicle

Correct tire pressure, checking for wear and condition, and monitoring for disk and cast spoke wheel problems are essential for safe commercial vehicle operation.

• ✓Maintain correct tire pressure and inspect tires for wear and damage
• ✓Check disk and cast spoke wheels for cracks, missing parts or other problems

Impaired driving carries Criminal Code penalties, additional costs, and vehicle impoundment. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, fatigue, and emotions can also impair driving.

• ✓Impaired driving results in Criminal Code penalties and possible vehicle impoundment
• ✓Prescription/over-the-counter drugs, fatigue and emotions can impair driving ability

Drivers must know firefighting basics and how to use fire extinguishers. Certain vehicles are required by law to carry fire extinguishers.

• ✓Know how to use a fire extinguisher in a vehicle fire
• ✓Certain commercial vehicles are legally required to carry fire extinguishers

To operate vehicles equipped with air brakes on a highway (other than a construction vehicle), you must have a B.C. driver's licence with an air brake endorsement (code 15). It is also required for most vehicles with air-over-hydraulic brakes. Code 15 appears in the restrictions section of the licence.

• ✓An air brake endorsement (code 15) is required to operate air-brake-equipped vehicles on a highway, except construction vehicles
• ✓Most vehicles with air-over-hydraulic brakes also require the air brake endorsement

Applicants who fail the air brake knowledge test after three attempts must complete or repeat an approved 7-hour air brake training course. Air brake knowledge test results are valid for only one year — if the endorsement is not placed on the licence within one year of passing, the test must be re-taken.

• ✓Failing the air brake knowledge test three times requires completing/repeating an approved 7-hour air brake course
• ✓Air brake knowledge test results are valid for only one year

Steps: complete a minimum 7-hour air brake course; study the guide; apply at a driver licensing office presenting primary and secondary ID, proof of air brake experience, pay the fee and take the knowledge test; then take the air brake pre-trip inspection test. No road test is required, but you must bring a vehicle equipped with air brakes.

• ✓The air brake course must be a minimum of 7 hours long
• ✓The air brake endorsement requires passing a knowledge test and a pre-trip inspection test (no road test), using an air-brake-equipped vehicle

Don't assume you have the right-of-way even when controlled by signs or signals. Get in the proper lane and signal well before turning, reducing speed gradually and turning only when your path is clear. Look left and right and expect someone to run signs or lights. Enter limited-view intersections at a speed allowing you to stop. Watch for stale green lights. Don't change lanes, pass or overtake near or in intersections. Give the right-of-way; don't try to take it using your vehicle's size.

• ✓Don't assume you have the right-of-way even when signals favour you
• ✓Get in the proper lane and signal well before the intersection
• ✓Don't change lanes, pass or overtake approaching or in an intersection
• ✓Give the right-of-way; never use your vehicle's size to force others

When driving from an alley, lane or side road onto a highway, you must stop before crossing the sidewalk area and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the sidewalk area and to motor vehicles on the highway. The maximum speed in a lane or alley is 20 km/h unless otherwise posted.

• ✓Stop before crossing the sidewalk area when exiting an alley, lane or side road
• ✓Yield to pedestrians in the sidewalk area and to vehicles on the highway
• ✓Maximum speed in a lane or alley is 20 km/h unless otherwise posted