Appendix – Lists of Defects: List 1 – Heavy Vehicles +9Quebec · CDL · English

List 1 applies to heavy vehicles other than buses, minibuses, or motor coaches. Coupling defects range from minor (missing/broken fasteners) to major (bent kingpin, movement between fifth wheel and frame, unlocked mechanism). Several major defects apply only when vehicles are coupled.

• ✓Minor: fastener components of the coupling device missing, broken or loose; safety fasteners missing/damaged/insecure
• ✓Major (1.A): coupling plate or kingpin bent so coupling is difficult, cracked, or not securely fixed
• ✓Major (coupled): movement between fifth wheel and frame, >20% of fasteners damaged/missing, 25%+ of locking pins missing/not working, or mechanism not properly closed/locked

Steering defects include steering column misplacement, incorrect power steering fluid level, or a cut pump belt (minor). Major defects include column/wheel misplacement showing a risk of separation and inoperative power steering.

• ✓Minor: steering column misplaced or adjustable wheel not holding position; power steering fluid not per manufacturer spec; pump belt cut
• ✓Major (5.A): column or wheel misplacement showing a risk of separation; Major (5.B): power steering inoperative

Tire defects include worn tread at the wear indicator, embedded foreign material, exposed cord/steel belt, and distortion (minor for a single tire in an assembly). A key major defect: on a steering axle of a vehicle with GVWR 4,500 kg+, two adjacent grooves worn to the wear indicator. A flat, air-losing, or bulging tire is major.

• ✓Major (9.A): on a steering axle of a vehicle with GVWR 4,500 kg+, depth of 2 adjacent grooves equal to or less than the wear indicator
• ✓Major (9.D): tire in contact with a fixed part, a flat tire, a tire losing air, or a bulge
• ✓Minor: wear indicator touching roadway, foreign material embedded, or exposed cord/steel belt on a single tire in the assembly

A single low beam, parking, turn-indicator, brake, or licence plate light that fails is a minor defect. Failure of all low beams is major, as is failure of all turn-indicator lamps, all brake lights, or all parking lights at the rear of a single-unit or last vehicle of a combination.

• ✓Minor: one low beam, parking, turn-indicator, brake, or licence plate light does not turn on
• ✓Major: failure of ALL low beams (8.A); at the rear, failure of all turn-indicator lamps, all brake lights, or all parking lights (8.B)

Minor defects include lubricant under minimum level or leaking (other than oozing) and insecure spare wheel mounting. Major defects include wheel bearing lubricant missing/not visible through sight glass, a missing/cracked/broken/insecure wheel fastener, and a wheel damaged or repaired with welds.

• ✓Minor: lubricant under minimum level or leakage other than oozing; spare wheel mounting not securely fixed
• ✓Major (12.B): a wheel fastener missing, cracked, broken or insecure; Major (12.C): wheel damaged or shows signs of weld repair

Hydraulic brake defects include low master cylinder fluid (minor) versus below one quarter of maximum (major), pedal reaching the floor, warning light faults, and inoperative brake boost. Parking brake not operating properly is a minor defect.

• ✓Major (18.A): master cylinder fluid lower than one quarter of maximum; Major (18.B): pedal reaches floor in under 10 seconds or needs several presses to get pressure
• ✓Major (18.C): brake boost/power assist inoperative; Major (18.D): important reduction in service brake capacity
• ✓Minor: fluid below minimum, pedal reaches floor, warning light faults, parking brake not operating properly

Pneumatic brake defects include warning device and compressor faults. Air leak rates are testable: minor if audible or exceeding 20/28/35 kPa per minute (single/two/three-unit), major if exceeding 40/48/62 kPa per minute (single/two/three-unit).

• ✓Major air leak (19.C) within one minute: over 40 kPa (single-unit), 48 kPa (two-unit), 62 kPa (three-unit)
• ✓Minor air leak (19.4) within one minute: audible or over 20 kPa (single-unit), 28 kPa (two-unit), 35 kPa (three-unit)
• ✓Major: no low pressure warning working (19.A), air compressor not working (19.B), important reduction in braking capacity (19.D)

Minor frame defects include cracked side rails, cracked/broken cross members, or missing/insecure fixed body components. Major defects include side rails that might break, sagging that makes a mobile part touch the body, or more than 25% of sliding bogie locking pins missing/not engaged.

• ✓Minor: side rails cracked, cross members cracked/broken, or fixed body components missing/insecure
• ✓Major: side rails might break; side rails/cross members sagged so a mobile part touches the body; more than 25% of sliding bogie locking pins missing or not engaged

Suspension defects range from a broken non-main leaf spring or coil spring (minor) to numerous major defects: main leaf/rubber pad or 25%+ of leaf springs broken/missing, uncompensated air leaks, cracked composite springs, springs contacting moving parts, and broken axles affecting parallelism.

• ✓Major (14.A): main spring leaf, rubber pad, or 25%+ of leaf springs broken or missing
• ✓Major (14.B): air leak not compensated by compressor, or ball missing/deflated; Major (14.G): broken axle or positioning component affecting parallelism or wheel position
• ✓Minor: leaf spring (other than main leaf) or broken coil spring; air leak with cord exposed/repaired

Fuel system defects are all major: poorly fixed tank that could break loose, missing cap, and fuel leaks other than oozing. Exhaust: a leak elsewhere than intended is minor; a leak causing exhaust gas to enter the passenger compartment through a perforated floor is major.

• ✓Fuel major defects: tank poorly fixed/could break loose (15.A), cap missing (15.B), fuel leak other than oozing (15.C)
• ✓Exhaust major (16.A): leak causing exhaust gas to enter the passenger compartment where the floor is perforated

Drivers must do a sound and sight check of the vehicle's condition, record major or minor defects in the circle check report, keep it up to date and in the vehicle, report defects in writing, and ensure the operating vehicle has no major defects.

• ✓Record major and minor defects in the circle check report
• ✓Keep the circle check report up to date and in the vehicle
• ✓Never operate a vehicle with a major defect

Drivers must comply with the legal passenger limit; arrange and secure baggage, cargo and mail in designated bus compartments; properly secure truck loads; and obey dangerous substance regulations including the prohibition on driving through tunnels.

• ✓Comply with the legal passenger limit
• ✓Properly secure the load on a truck
• ✓Obey dangerous substance rules including tunnel prohibitions

Drivers must inform the operator if their licence/class/endorsements are modified, cancelled or suspended; comply with any peace officer who suspends the licence for exceeded hours, invalid licence or impairment; and hold only one driver's licence of the required class and endorsements.

• ✓Inform the operator of any licence, class or endorsement changes
• ✓Hold only one driver's licence of the required class and endorsements
• ✓Comply with peace officer suspensions for exceeded hours or impairment

Unless exempted, drivers must keep accurate off-duty and driving time logs in the vehicle for the previous 14 days regardless of cycle. They must carry the vehicle's registration certificate and proof of insurance coverage.

• ✓Keep accurate driving/off-duty logs for the previous 14 days in the vehicle
• ✓Carry the vehicle's registration certificate and proof of insurance

Drivers must buckle up and not drive with a defective seat belt; use flashing/rotating yellow lights per special permit conditions; mark outsized loads extending over one metre beyond the rear with a red flag/reflective panel and a red light at night; keep safety equipment (warning triangle, reflectors, flares or lamps); carry a special travel permit for outsized/overloaded vehicles and comply with its conditions; and obey peace officer instructions.

• ✓Mark loads extending more than one metre beyond the rear with a red flag/panel and red light at night
• ✓Keep safety equipment: warning triangle, reflectors, flares or lamps
• ✓Carry and comply with the special travel permit for outsized or overloaded vehicles

The Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy vehicles applies regardless of licence class to: equipment transport vehicles with GVWR of 4,500 kg or more; emergency vehicles with GVWR 4,500 kg+; combinations with at least one 4,500 kg+ vehicle; tow trucks (any GVWR); buses (any GVWR); and vehicles carrying placarded dangerous substances (any GVWR).

• ✓Applies to equipment/emergency vehicles with GVWR of 4,500 kg or more
• ✓Applies to tow trucks and buses regardless of GVWR
• ✓Applies to placarded dangerous substance vehicles regardless of GVWR

Air brake systems consist of a compressed air supply circuit plus two independent circuits: primary (P or 1) and secondary (S or 2). They can be installed differently between vehicles and work independently so that if one fails, the other continues to operate normally.

• ✓Primary circuit is labelled P or 1; secondary is S or 2
• ✓The two circuits work independently
• ✓If one circuit fails, the other keeps operating

Air brakes are used on almost all heavy vehicles. They are usually more powerful than hydraulic systems, have proven reliability, and make it easy to connect other vehicles and air-powered equipment such as suspension.

• ✓Air brakes are usually more powerful than hydraulic systems
• ✓They have proven reliability
• ✓Easy to connect other vehicles/air-powered equipment

To stop a vehicle with hydraulic brakes when they fail: pump the brake pedal with quick repeated strokes to build pressure, downshift, and apply the parking brake (which also serves as the emergency brake) if you cannot generate enough pressure, avoiding wheel lock-up. Find a safe stopping place, ensure the vehicle is stationary, then switch off the engine.

• ✓Pump the hydraulic brake pedal with quick repeated strokes to build pressure
• ✓Downshift to help slow the vehicle
• ✓Apply the parking brake (emergency brake) if pressure cannot be generated
• ✓Try not to lock up the wheels when applying the parking brake

With air brakes, apply the brakes to slow gradually WITHOUT pumping the pedal, downshift, find a safe stopping place, ensure the vehicle is stationary, then switch off the engine. If the low-pressure warning light or buzzer activates, there is not enough air pressure for the service brakes; stop as quickly as possible because service brakes will soon become unusable.

• ✓With air brakes, do NOT pump the brake pedal—apply gradually
• ✓A low-pressure warning light/buzzer means insufficient air for service brakes
• ✓When the emergency brake takes over, stop as quickly as possible
• ✓Downshift and switch off the engine once fully stopped

Brakes can overheat if applied too often or too long. Before a steep grade, ensure brakes are in good condition, pulling over to check if unsure. If brakes fail, find a way to slow and stop quickly without losing control—time matters because higher speed makes stopping harder.

• ✓Applying brakes too often or too long causes overheating
• ✓Check brakes before starting down a steep grade; pull over if unsure
• ✓Higher speed makes stopping harder, so act quickly on brake failure

If no runaway lane with arrester bed exists, steer toward a safe spot to stop as quickly as possible. If a runaway lane with an arrester bed exists, use it to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. A LIT D'ARRÊT sign indicates distance to the runaway lane, and an S.O.S. PENTE RAIDE sign indicates the top of an especially steep grade.

• ✓Use a runaway lane with an arrester bed if available to stop safely
• ✓If no runaway lane, steer to a safe spot and pull over quickly
• ✓A LIT D'ARRÊT sign indicates distance to the runaway lane
• ✓An S.O.S. PENTE RAIDE sign warns of an especially steep grade

Brakes may perform poorly or fail due to loss of air pressure or brake fluid leakage, mechanical failure by the wheels, overheating, wear, or improper adjustment. Monitor the pressure gauge frequently to ensure enough air pressure. Prevention through circle checks and proper braking technique is the best defense.

• ✓Brake failure causes: air pressure loss/fluid leakage, mechanical failure, overheating, wear, improper adjustment
• ✓Monitor the pressure gauge frequently for adequate air pressure
• ✓Prevention (circle checks) is the best way to minimize mechanical failure

For a vehicle with hydraulic brakes: pump the brake pedal with quick repeated strokes to build pressure, downshift, and apply the parking brake (which also serves as the emergency brake) if you cannot generate pressure, avoiding wheel lock. Find a safe place to stop, ensure the vehicle is fully stationary, then switch off the engine.

• ✓Pump the brake pedal (quick repeated strokes) to generate line pressure
• ✓Downshift to slow the vehicle
• ✓Apply the parking brake (emergency brake) if pressure can't be generated, avoiding wheel lock
• ✓Ensure the vehicle is completely stationary, then switch off the engine

For air brakes: if the low-pressure warning light and buzzer activate, there is not enough pressure to work service brakes. Even if the emergency brake takes over, stop as quickly as possible. Apply brakes to slow gradually WITHOUT pumping the pedal, downshift, find a safe stop, ensure the vehicle is stationary, then switch off the engine.

• ✓Low-pressure warning light/buzzer means insufficient air for service brakes — stop ASAP
• ✓Apply brakes to slow gradually WITHOUT pumping the pedal (unlike hydraulic)
• ✓Downshift, then find a safe place away from other road users
• ✓Ensure the vehicle is stationary before switching off the engine

Brakes can overheat if applied too often or too long. Check brakes before a steep grade; if unsure, pull over and check. If brakes fail on a hill, act quickly since higher speed makes stopping harder. Use a runaway lane with an arrester bed if available; otherwise steer to a safe stopping spot.

• ✓Check brakes before a steep grade; pull over and check if unsure
• ✓Use a runaway lane with an arrester bed if one is available
• ✓If no runaway lane, steer to a safe spot to pull over quickly
• ✓A LIT D'ARRÊT sign indicates distance to a runaway lane; S.O.S. PENTE RAIDE marks a steep grade

The driver normally performs the circle check, but a person designated by the operator may do it, shifting accountability.

• ✓The driver must perform the circle check of the vehicle they are driving
• ✓A person designated by the operator may perform the check, making the operator accountable
• ✓If the driver is also the designated person, the report must indicate this

When a designated person performs the check, the driver may accept (co-sign) or refuse it, with different obligations for each.

• ✓If accepting: driver ensures the check is valid (within previous 24 hours) and co-signs the report
• ✓Accepting driver is not accountable for the check but must keep report updated and report defects during the trip
• ✓If refusing: driver must perform a new circle check and fill out a new report
• ✓Driver behind the wheel must always update the report and record defects observed during the trip

The circle check does not have to be performed strictly by the driver (Q1 False). A driver who detects a minor mechanical defect during a trip IS required to enter it in the circle check report (Q4 False). The driver performing the circle check must check the power steering fluid level themselves (Q5 False).

• ✓The circle check need not absolutely be performed by the driver
• ✓Minor mechanical defects detected during a trip must be recorded in the report
• ✓The driver must check the power steering fluid level during the circle check

An air pressure drop of 35 kPa (5 psi) in one minute on a motor coach (three-unit threshold) is a minor defect (Q2 True). If two adjacent front-tire treads on a tractor are level with the wear indicator, you cannot operate the vehicle — this is a major defect (Q3 True).

• ✓A 35 kPa (5 psi) per minute leak on a three-unit vehicle is a minor defect
• ✓Two adjacent steering-axle grooves level with the wear indicator is a major defect that prohibits operation

Like alcohol, drugs and certain medications affect the brain and impair driving. Drugs are classified by their effects on the central nervous system into depressants, stimulants and CNS disrupters. Effects vary by individual, product and context.

• ✓The three main drug categories are depressants, stimulants and CNS disrupters
• ✓Effects vary from person to person and even from one occasion to another
• ✓The effect depends on the individual, the product consumed and the context of use

Cannabis is the drug of choice with rising illegal drug use in Canada. It significantly impairs the ability to drive a motor vehicle.

• ✓Cannabis causes difficulty concentrating, diminished perception of surroundings and loss of coordination
• ✓Cannabis causes difficulty driving in a straight line, at constant speed, and evaluating distances
• ✓Cannabis slows reaction time and reflexes and reduces ability to cope with unexpected hazards

Stimulants such as cocaine, speed and amphetamines give drivers a false sense of confidence and lead to more risk-taking. They do not ward off fatigue.

• ✓Stimulants lead to more risk-taking such as speeding and aggressiveness
• ✓Stimulants cause drowsiness and lack of concentration after the euphoria phase passes
• ✓It is an error to believe stimulants can ward off fatigue

A Québec study (1999–2002) found almost 25% of all drivers killed in traffic accidents had drugs in their system, and about half of those had also consumed alcohol.

• ✓Combining alcohol and drugs significantly increases the risk of a fatal traffic accident
• ✓This is an extremely dangerous practice that should be avoided at all costs

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can alter driving by diminishing alertness, attention, vision or balance and affecting behaviour.

• ✓Categories that affect driving include sedatives, minor tranquilizers, pain medications, cough/cold medications, hypnotic drugs and diabetes medications
• ✓Consult a health care professional (physician, pharmacist) about how medications affect your ability to drive
• ✓Always carefully read the instructions that come with medications

Stimulants such as cocaine, speed and amphetamines give false confidence and lead to risk-taking, then cause drowsiness and lack of concentration after the euphoria passes—so they cannot ward off fatigue. A Québec study (1999-2002) found nearly 25% of drivers killed had drugs in their system, about half also having alcohol.

• ✓Stimulants give false confidence but lead to drowsiness and lack of concentration after euphoria passes
• ✓It is an error to believe stimulants can ward off fatigue
• ✓Combining alcohol and drugs significantly increases the risk of a fatal traffic accident and must be avoided

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications alter driving ability by diminishing alertness, attention, vision or balance and by affecting behaviour. Consult a health care professional and always read instructions carefully.

• ✓Categories affecting driving include sedatives, minor tranquilizers, pain medications, cough and cold medications, hypnotic drugs and diabetes medications
• ✓Consult a physician or pharmacist about how medications affect your ability to drive
• ✓Always carefully read the instructions on prescription and over-the-counter medications

Covers all vehicles wider than 2 metres (all Class 1 licence vehicles and most Class 3). In the cab or cargo space, ensure there are at least three flares, three triangle reflectors, or three lamps. Flares may not be used on vehicles carrying flammable or explosive materials. School buses must carry three triangle reflectors.

• ✓Offence under Highway Safety Code section 225 if not equipped with at least three flares, three triangle reflectors, or three lamps
• ✓Flares may not be used on vehicles carrying flammable or explosive materials
• ✓School buses must be equipped with three triangle reflectors

Covers vehicles required to carry a chemical fire extinguisher (school buses, paratransit, certain dangerous-substance vehicles). Inside the vehicle, check that it is accessible, securely attached, and read the pressure gauge — the needle must point to the working-order zone.

• ✓Defect 7.2 (minor): The chemical extinguisher is not securely mounted, inadequate, or difficult to access
• ✓An extinguisher is inadequate if it lacks a pressure gauge or the gauge indicates 'Refill' or 'Zero'

Covers all vehicles required to carry a first aid kit (school buses, paratransit vehicles). Inside the vehicle, check the kit is accessible and securely attached. Checking the contents is not required but is suggested if something may be missing.

• ✓Defect 7.1 (minor): The first aid kit is not securely mounted or difficult to access
• ✓Checking the kit contents is not required as part of the circle check

The Move-Over Law requires respecting a buffer zone around a stopped emergency vehicle (police, ambulance, fire, Contrôle routier Québec), tow truck, or any other vehicle when it is stopped AND its yellow arrow, rotating or flashing lights are activated. Slow down and change lanes to move over as far as possible after ensuring it is safe; stop if required.

• ✓Move over for stopped vehicles displaying yellow arrow, rotating or flashing lights
• ✓Slow down and change lanes safely, moving as far as possible from the stopped vehicle

A vehicle's size and total loaded mass affect driving, speed and stopping distance. The load affects stability, accelerating power and stopping distance. The driver shares responsibility with the operator for complying with load and size regulations.

• ✓Bear in mind vehicle size when turning or going through intersections to allow enough space
• ✓Leave enough space when entering traffic, changing lanes, passing or stopping because load affects stability and stopping distance
• ✓The driver shares responsibility with the operator for the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation

Tires bear the vehicle's weight, absorb shocks, and perform during acceleration, turning and braking. Heat makes rubber less resistant and increases the risk of a flat, blowout or fire.

• ✓In summer, watch tire treads as they crack or become unstuck in intense heat
• ✓Do not let air out of hot tires because pressure will be too low once cooled down
• ✓If tires feel very hot, wait and let them cool before driving to avoid a blowout or fire
• ✓Check tires regularly during circle checks and more frequently in very hot weather

During hot weather, regularly monitor gauges that indicate engine and drivetrain fluid conditions to prevent heat-related failures.

• ✓Check the engine oil pressure gauge and engine coolant temperature gauge
• ✓Check the transmission fluid temperature gauge and the differential fluid temperature gauge

Extreme cold and sharp temperature changes can affect vehicle performance if not maintained. Extra precautions and special equipment are required for winter.

• ✓Carry special winter equipment such as a snow shovel and booster cables
• ✓Adjust seasonal components such as tires, windshield wipers and lubricants
• ✓Although the owner is primarily responsible, ensure the vehicle is safe and ready before taking it on the road

A vehicle's size and total loaded mass affect driving, speed and stopping distance. The load carried affects stability, accelerating power and stopping distance. You must consider these factors to react to hazards and share responsibility with the operator for compliance with load and size limits.

• ✓Vehicle size and total loaded mass affect driving, speed and stopping distance
• ✓The load affects your vehicle's stability, accelerating power and stopping distance
• ✓Leave enough space when entering traffic, changing lanes, passing or stopping
• ✓The driver shares responsibility with the operator for complying with the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation