Vehicles Subject To and Exempt From the Circle Check +11Quebec · CDL · English

Certain heavy vehicles and combinations must undergo a circle check based on weight rating and vehicle type.

• ✓Road vehicles with a GVWR of 4,500 kg or more are subject
• ✓Combinations where at least one vehicle has a GVWR of 4,500 kg or more must have all vehicles inspected
• ✓Buses, minibuses and tow trucks are subject regardless of GVWR
• ✓Road vehicles under 4,500 kg GVWR transporting dangerous substances requiring safety marks are subject

Specific vehicle categories, mainly tool, farm, emergency and personal-use vehicles, are exempt from circle check requirements.

• ✓Tool vehicles (grader, wheel loader, back hoe) are exempt
• ✓Heavy vehicles used for emergency service or disasters are exempt
• ✓Farm tractors, farm machinery and farm trailers are exempt
• ✓Heavy vehicles used by a natural person for personal, non-commercial purposes are exempt
• ✓Straight-body trucks with two or three axles transporting unprocessed farm/forest/fishery products (driver/operator is producer) are exempt

Review confirms critical facts: for hitching the upper coupler plate must be slightly lower than the fifth wheel plate at pivot point; the heaviest semi-trailer goes to the tractor (not the lightest); braking abruptly on slippery roads causes jackknifing; and a right turn is the hardest (not easiest) manoeuvre.

• ✓The upper coupler plate must be slightly lower than the fifth wheel plate at its pivot point for hitching
• ✓The heaviest and longest semi-trailer is hitched to the tractor, not the lightest
• ✓Braking abruptly on slippery roads can cause jackknifing
• ✓A right turn is the hardest manoeuvre, not the easiest

Review points reinforcing critical testable facts on hitching, unhitching, load positioning, braking and turning.

• ✓TRUE: The semi-trailer upper coupler plate must be slightly lower than the fifth wheel plate at the pivot point
• ✓TRUE: To unhitch, move the tractor forward slightly to release the kingpin, stop, lower suspension, then drive forward slowly
• ✓FALSE: The heaviest (not lightest) semi-trailer should be hitched to the tractor
• ✓TRUE: Braking abruptly on slippery roads can cause jackknifing
• ✓FALSE: A right turn is the HARDEST, not easiest, manoeuvre for a heavy vehicle

The self-evaluation reinforces critical exam concepts about securement, inspection, dangerous substances training, tank baffles and emissions enforcement.

• ✓Securement methods differ by load type — the same method cannot be used for any load
• ✓Cargo must be checked during the trip even if properly secured at the start
• ✓When transporting dangerous substances, the driver or accompanying person must carry the original or a copy of the training certificate
• ✓Baffles reduce but do not eliminate liquid movement — the vehicle can still overturn
• ✓A carrier enforcement officer can inspect a heavy vehicle showing excessive emissions and issue an offence report

Review of critical facts: looking far ahead is essential in all driving, not only on highways. An 18 m vehicle needs a 6-second following interval. Braking distance is doubled on ice, not a fixed 10% speed reduction for a 10% grade. Avoid braking in curves to prevent skidding. Do not pump/rapidly release air brakes for effective braking.

• ✓Look far ahead in all conditions, not just on highways
• ✓An 18 m heavy vehicle needs a 6-second following interval
• ✓Avoid braking in curves to prevent skidding
• ✓Do not rapidly press and release the air-brake pedal for effective braking

Review the true/false self-evaluation concepts: looking far ahead is essential on all roads not just highways; an 18 m vehicle needs a 6-second following interval; air brakes should not be pumped repeatedly; and you should avoid braking in curves to prevent skidding.

• ✓An 18 m heavy vehicle needs a 6-second following interval
• ✓Do not press and release air brakes rapidly—do not pump them
• ✓Avoid braking while going around a curve to reduce skidding risk
• ✓Looking far ahead is essential on all types of roads, not only highways

The self-evaluation reinforces core exam truths: securement methods vary by load type, cargo must be re-checked during a trip, certificates must be carried for dangerous substances, baffles do not prevent overturning, and officers can test emissions.

• ✓Different loads require different securement methods; one method does not fit all
• ✓Secured cargo must still be checked during the trip
• ✓A dangerous-substances training certificate (original or copy) must be carried by the driver or accompanying person
• ✓Baffles do not prevent side-to-side liquid displacement that can overturn a vehicle
• ✓Carrier enforcement officers can inspect for excessive emissions and issue offence reports

Rules on driving time, on-duty time and off-duty time exist to limit driver fatigue, which endangers the driver and other road users.

• ✓Rules aim to ensure drivers get a minimum number of hours of rest before driving
• ✓Rules establish maximum driving and on-duty time beyond which drivers must stop
• ✓Standards are set in the Regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers

Since April 30, 2023, heavy vehicle drivers must record their working, driving, and rest hours in an activity report, with limited exceptions.

• ✓Since April 30, 2023 drivers must record hours of work, driving and rest in an activity report
• ✓Applies except in certain specified situations

Though not mandatory, inspecting a vehicle at the end of a trip is recommended. It allows recording defects or anomalies, providing information on repairs needed before returning the vehicle to the road, benefiting the business and improving safety.

• ✓An end-of-trip inspection is recommended but not mandatory
• ✓Record defects and anomalies to inform needed repairs
• ✓This practice improves vehicle safety and saves time and money

Under the Highway Safety Code, if involved in an accident you must remain at or immediately return to the scene, help any injured victim, contact the police, and provide any information required by the police officer at the scene.

• ✓Remain at or immediately return to the accident scene
• ✓Help injured victims, contact police, and provide required information

As a witness or first arrival, park about 30 m from the scene and turn on emergency lights. Contact police immediately or have someone do so. If anyone is injured, turn off the ignition of the involved vehicle. Set out flares or reflectors to warn other road users if possible, and assist the injured.

• ✓Park about 30 m from the scene with emergency lights on
• ✓Turn off the involved vehicle's ignition and warn others with flares/reflectors

On arriving at an accident and while remaining there, make sure you can provide assistance without endangering yourself or others. A first-aid training course provides practical knowledge, and keeping a first-aid kit in the vehicle at all times is recommended.

• ✓Ensure you can help without endangering yourself or others
• ✓Keep a first-aid kit in the vehicle at all times

The brake pedal activates service brakes on all wheels including trailer/semi-trailer wheels. Pressing it allows compressed air from the service reservoirs to flow into the brake chambers. More pedal pressure means more air enters the chambers.

• ✓Activates service brakes on all wheels including trailer
• ✓Compressed air flows from service reservoirs to brake chambers
• ✓More pressure = more air into chambers
• ✓Pressure needed varies by vehicle and load

The hand brake control applies service brakes only on the semi-trailer's wheels. It is attached to the steering column or dashboard and is sometimes used to check if the semi-trailer is properly hitched and if trailer service brakes work.

• ✓Applies service brakes only on semi-trailer wheels
• ✓Pull up (or push down on some models) to send air to trailer brake chambers
• ✓Used to check hitching and trailer brake function
• ✓NEVER use as a parking brake or as a service brake on the road

Using the hand brake as a service brake on the road is less effective than the brake pedal. It distributes braking unequally, causing trailer brakes to overheat and become less effective, and can cause the vehicle to skid on ice.

• ✓Less effective than the service brake for slowing
• ✓Braking not equally distributed over all wheels
• ✓Semi-trailer brakes overheat and lose effectiveness
• ✓Can cause skidding on icy surfaces

The parking brake control is the yellow diamond-shaped knob on the dashboard. Pulling up releases air from the brake chambers, activating powerful springs that clamp the wheels. It holds tractor and semi-trailer stationary and must be pulled up before leaving the cab. Push down to release before driving.

• ✓Yellow diamond-shaped knob on dashboard
• ✓Pull UP to apply parking brake (releases air, springs clamp wheels)
• ✓Push DOWN to release parking brake before driving
• ✓Applies parking brakes on both tractor and semi-trailer
• ✓Must pull up before getting out of the cab

The octagonal-shaped red knob sends air to the trailer/semi-trailer service reservoirs. Pushing down opens a valve allowing air to flow to trailer brakes. Pulling up closes the valve, releasing air to apply the trailer parking brake. The red knob and yellow parking knob are always the same colour and shape in all vehicles.

• ✓Octagonal red knob on dashboard
• ✓Push DOWN to supply air to trailer/semi-trailer brakes
• ✓Pull UP to apply trailer parking brake (for unhitching)
• ✓Always same colour and shape in all vehicles

The air pressure gauge measures air pressure in the service reservoirs. Because there are two independent circuits, there are two gauges (or one gauge with two needles), one per circuit. There is no gauge for the supply reservoir.

• ✓Measures pressure in service reservoirs
• ✓Two gauges (or one with two needles), one per circuit
• ✓No gauge for the supply reservoir

Before changing lanes, confirm the manoeuvre is allowed and safe. Check traffic density and speed of other vehicles, mirrors and blind spots for vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians. Signal, then check mirrors and blind spots once more to confirm it is still safe and that distances haven't changed. Steer slowly but steadily into the new lane so others can adjust.

• ✓Confirm the lane change is legal and safe before starting
• ✓Check mirrors and blind spots before AND after signalling
• ✓Steer slowly but steadily into the other lane so drivers can adjust

Before changing lanes, ensure the manoeuvre is allowed and safe. Check traffic volume and speed, mirrors and blind spots for vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians. Signal, then re-check mirrors and blind spots again to confirm gaps haven't changed. Steer slowly but steadily into the other lane.

• ✓Confirm the manoeuvre is allowed and safe before starting
• ✓Check mirrors and blind spots for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians
• ✓Signal, then check mirrors and blind spots once more before moving
• ✓Steer slowly but steadily so other drivers can adjust

Most heavy vehicles have ABS to prevent wheel lock. On a non-ABS vehicle, press the brake pedal as soon as needed, then gradually increase pressure as far as possible without locking wheels until you stop completely. If wheels lock, let up slightly, then resume pressure once wheels turn again.

• ✓Press the brake pedal as soon as the situation requires
• ✓Gradually increase pressure without locking the wheels until fully stopped
• ✓If wheels lock, let up slightly then resume pressure once they turn again
• ✓You must be able to maintain a straight line, stay on course and turn if needed

Slow down when you notice hazards: a vehicle ahead braking for no apparent reason, vehicles making frequent stops (delivery trucks, taxis, buses), vehicles parked by the road, slippery roads, or blocked field of vision.

• ✓Slow down for vehicles braking without apparent reason or making frequent stops
• ✓Slow down for parked vehicles, slippery roads, or blocked vision
• ✓Be extra cautious when braking with a loaded vehicle

Vehicles requiring placards must stop at level crossings before proceeding, with signage recommended and specific exemptions.

• ✓If the quantity requires placards, you must stop at a level crossing and proceed only when safe to cross
• ✓Display a rear warning sign such as 'CE VEHICULE S'ARRÊTE AUX PASSAGES À NIVEAU' or 'ARRÊT AUX PASSAGES À NIVEAU'
• ✓You may drive through without stopping only where road signs or traffic signals (EXEMPT) permit it

If dangerous substances are lost, released, leaked or spilled beyond regulated limits, the person in possession must immediately notify specified parties.

• ✓Immediately notify the local police, your employer, the shipper, and the vehicle owner or lessee
• ✓Notify CANUTEC for infectious substances or discharge from a damaged gas cylinder (1-888-CAN-UTEC or *666 on a cell phone)
• ✓Refer to the Regulation to determine discharge quantities that require notification

Under the Highway Safety Code, drivers must comply with peace officer inspection requests and present required documents.

• ✓Obey the officer's instructions and, if directed, pull over and stop the vehicle
• ✓Show the officer all documents concerning the cargo
• ✓Present the training certificate for transporting dangerous substances if requested

The Regulation prohibits transporting dangerous substances in certain long combination and double train configurations.

• ✓Prohibited in a road train (LCV) more than 25 m long if the quantity requires safety mark placards under Part 4 of the TDG Regulations
• ✓Prohibited in a double train tank truck unless it is a type B double train 25 m long or shorter

Transporting dangerous substances is prohibited in certain Québec tunnels under specific conditions.

• ✓Prohibited in the signal-light-controlled approaches to the Melocheville tunnel and in the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine, Ville-Marie, Viger and Joseph-Samson tunnels
• ✓Prohibition applies when the quantity requires placards (unless carrying only Class 9)
• ✓Applies when carrying Class 3 flammable liquid with total container capacity exceeding 30 L
• ✓Applies when carrying Class 2.1, 2.3(2.1), 2.2(5.1) and 2.3(5.1) gases in more than two cylinders or a cylinder with water capacity exceeding 46 L, or equipment with naked flame/incandescent solid fuel

Transporting LPG cylinders requires ventilation, bumper protection, and prohibits certain unsafe mounting positions.

• ✓Do not transport gas cylinders in a vehicle unless the containment area has outside ventilation
• ✓Any cylinder on the outer rear must be protected by extending the bumper beyond the cylinder with materials at least as strong as the bumper
• ✓Never mount a cylinder on the roof or a door, in front of the front axle, or extending beyond either side of the vehicle

Carriers taking dangerous substances to the US must register annually with USDOT for certain substance criteria and carry a training certificate.

• ✓Register annually with USDOT if transporting Class 7 (any quantity), over 25 kg of Class 1.1/1.2/1.3 explosives, or over 1 L of products toxic when inhaled
• ✓Drivers must carry an employer certificate showing appropriate training when transporting these substances to the US

Containers of dangerous substances and all other objects must be secured or immobilized using structures, blocking systems, bracings, dunnage/dunnage bags, shoring bars, tiedowns or combinations. Placement near the front bumper is prohibited.

• ✓Secure containers using structures, blocking, bracing, dunnage, shoring bars, tiedowns or combinations
• ✓No container of dangerous substances may be placed on or in front of the motor vehicle's front bumper

Drivers are strictly prohibited from transporting dangerous substances through specific tunnels and the signal-light-controlled approaches to the Melocheville tunnel in certain situations.

• ✓Prohibited tunnels include Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine, Ville-Marie, Viger (Montréal) and Joseph-Samson (Québec)
• ✓Prohibition applies if quantity requires placards, unless carrying only Class 9
• ✓Prohibition applies for Class 3 flammable liquid if total container capacity exceeds 30 L
• ✓Prohibition applies for certain Class 2 gases in more than two cylinders or a cylinder with water capacity over 46 L, or if equipment generates naked flame/incandescent solid fuel

LCVs are road train combinations (type A, B or C) generally over 25 m in length that exceed Ministère des Transports du Québec standards. To operate an LCV you must comply with the Special Road Train Operating Permits Regulation and hold a Class 1 licence with a T endorsement.

• ✓LCVs are combinations generally over 25 m in length exceeding standard limits
• ✓You must hold a Class 1 driver's licence with a T endorsement to operate an LCV
• ✓You must comply with the Special Road Train Operating Permits Regulation and the Highway Safety Code

To be eligible for the T endorsement, you must have sufficient experience driving a combination of road vehicles, have held a Class 1 driver's licence for at least 5 years, and have successfully completed special training.

• ✓You must have held a Class 1 driver's licence for at least 5 years
• ✓You must have sufficient experience driving a combination of road vehicles
• ✓You must have successfully completed special training

LCVs carry larger cargo volumes, allowing transport of the same goods at lower fuel, labour and maintenance costs. However, they are harder to operate due to their length and dynamic behaviour, requiring compliance with specific regulatory requirements to protect road users.

• ✓LCVs carry larger cargo volumes at lower fuel, labour and maintenance costs
• ✓LCVs are harder to operate due to their length and dynamic behaviour
• ✓Drivers must comply with the Special Road Train Operating Permits Regulation to safeguard road users

LCVs are road trains (type A, B or C) generally over 25 m long that exceed standard load/size limits and require special authorization and endorsement.

• ✓LCVs are generally over 25 m in length and exceed standard load/size limits
• ✓Operating an LCV requires compliance with the Special Road Train Operating Permits Regulation
• ✓Driver must hold a Class 1 licence with a T endorsement
• ✓T endorsement requires holding a Class 1 licence for at least 5 years plus special training
• ✓LCV drivers must know both this Regulation and the Highway Safety Code

LCVs exceeding regulated mass and length need a special operating permit issued by the Ministère des Transports du Québec.

• ✓A special operating permit is required when exceeding the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation
• ✓The permit is issued by the Ministère des Transports du Québec
• ✓Carry the original permit papers and appendices at all times when operating an LCV
• ✓A special road train operating permit is valid for a maximum of twelve consecutive months

LCVs have defined maximums for loaded mass, minimum tractor power/air capacity, and trailer length ranges.

• ✓Maximum total loaded mass is 67,500 kg
• ✓Tractor must have at least 1 HP per 180 kg of the LCV's total loaded mass
• ✓Tractor air compressor must supply at least 425 L per minute to the brake system
• ✓Maximum first semi-trailer length is 16.2 m
• ✓Minimum first trailer length: 12 m for a B train, 13.5 m for an A or C double road train

LCVs carry more cargo at lower cost but are harder to operate due to their length and dynamic behaviour.

• ✓LCVs carry larger cargo volumes with lower fuel, labour and maintenance costs
• ✓LCVs are harder to operate due to length and dynamic behaviour
• ✓Drivers must comply with specific requirements to safeguard road users

Permits may authorize A, B or C double road trains, distinguished by the coupling equipment and trailer length requirements.

• ✓A double road train uses a tandem-axle single drawbar dolly converting the second trailer into a trailer
• ✓C double road train uses a tandem-axle double drawbar dolly
• ✓B double road train has the second trailer resting on a fifth wheel at the rear of the first trailer
• ✓LCV double road trains generally exceed 25 m overall length

The circle check is a sight and sound inspection of accessible components performed before driving to catch defects early and prevent unsafe operation.

• ✓Circle check is a sight and sound inspection of certain accessible components
• ✓Purpose is to ensure main components are in good working order
• ✓Ensures owner and operator are informed of necessary repairs
• ✓Ensures a vehicle with major defects is not used on the road

The circle check is compulsory for all subject vehicles, and driving without a valid one is prohibited for both driver and operator.

• ✓Circle check is mandatory for all vehicles subject to inspection
• ✓A driver cannot drive and an operator cannot let a vehicle be driven if the check was not carried out within the regulatory time frame
• ✓A circle check report must be filled out for each circle check carried out

Components of a hydraulic brake system differ from air brakes but require equal attention because a malfunction can be dangerous. Point 18 requires checking: the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir (18.A, 18.1), the working order of the service brake warning light (18.3), the hydraulic or vacuum brake booster (18.C), and air-tightness of the brake system (18.B, 18.2).

• ✓Check master cylinder fluid level, service brake warning light, brake booster, and system air-tightness
• ✓A hydraulic brake malfunction can be dangerous and requires as much attention as air brakes

With the ignition in 'ON', release the parking brake (only if it shares the warning light), and note if the service brake warning light is on. For hydraulic (electric pump) power brakes: apply moderate pedal pressure and listen for the pump, hold stronger-than-normal pressure for at least 10 seconds, note pedal movement, start the engine and note whether the warning light goes out. For vacuum-assisted power brakes: start the engine and confirm the light goes out, run a few seconds, turn off and pump the pedal, apply moderate pressure and restart while holding the pedal, note pedal movement, hold pressure at least 10 seconds, note whether the pedal maintains position, restart and confirm the light goes out.

• ✓Hydraulic booster: listen for the electric pump when moderate pressure is applied
• ✓Vacuum booster: after pumping and restarting under pressure, the pedal should go down slightly
• ✓Hold stronger-than-normal pedal pressure for at least 10 seconds to test system integrity

Check the effectiveness of the parking brake (18.5), the parking brake warning light (18.4), and the service brake (18.D). Apply the parking brake, confirm the warning light turns on, try to gently move forward and confirm it holds, release and confirm the warning light turns off, drive slowly forward confirming all wheels turn freely, then press the brake pedal to confirm the vehicle stops quickly.

• ✓Confirm the parking brake holds the vehicle and its warning light works when applied and released
• ✓Confirm all wheels turn freely after release and the service brake stops the vehicle quickly

Components of a hydraulic brake system differ from an air brake system and require equal attention because a malfunction could be dangerous. Point 18 requires checking: the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir (18.A, 18.1), the working order of the service brake warning light (18.3), the hydraulic or vacuum brake booster (18.C), and air-tightness of the brake system (18.B, 18.2).

• ✓Point 18 requires checking master cylinder fluid, service brake warning light, brake booster, and system air-tightness
• ✓Hydraulic brake malfunctions can be dangerous and require equal attention to air brakes

With the ignition ON, ensure the parking brake is released (only if the service brake warning light is also the parking brake light), and note whether the service brake warning light is on. For hydraulic power brakes (electric pump): apply moderate pedal pressure and listen for the pump, hold stronger-than-normal pressure 10 seconds, note pedal movement, start engine, and note whether the light goes out. For vacuum-assisted brakes: start engine, note light goes out, let run a few seconds, turn off and pump pedal, apply moderate pressure and restart engine while holding pressure, note pedal movement, hold pressure 10 seconds, note pedal position, restart, and note whether light goes out.

• ✓The step sequence depends on whether the power brake is hydraulic (electric pump) or vacuum-assisted
• ✓Hold stronger-than-normal braking pressure for at least 10 seconds during the booster test
• ✓Note whether the service brake pressure warning light goes out after the engine starts

Check parking brake effectiveness (18.5), the parking brake warning light (18.4), and service brake effectiveness (18.D): apply the parking brake, confirm the warning light turns on, try to move forward and confirm the brake holds, release the parking brake and confirm the light turns off, move forward slowly ensuring all wheels turn freely, then press the brake pedal to confirm the vehicle stops quickly.

• ✓Confirm the parking brake holds the vehicle and its warning light turns on when applied and off when released
• ✓Confirm all wheels turn freely when released and the vehicle stops quickly when braked