Heavy Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection and Vehicle Condition
What this domain tests
Quebec requires a driver pre-trip inspection before each trip and a valid periodic mechanical inspection for the vehicle. The exam tests what you look at, what a defect means, and what you must do before moving.
The two inspections
- Daily pre-trip: performed by you before departure and recorded. Walk the unit in a fixed order - front, left side, rear, right side, then in-cab - so nothing is skipped.
- Periodic inspection: performed by a certified mechanic at the interval set by regulation, and the vehicle carries the inspection sticker. An expired sticker is a defect no matter how well the truck runs.
What to check, zone by zone
- Front: lights, signals, horn, windshield cracks in the wiper path, wipers, mirrors, plate and sticker, bumper, steering play, fluid leaks under the engine.
- Sides: wheel nuts (rust streaks or shiny threads mean loose), tire tread and sidewalls (steer tires carry a higher minimum), brake chambers, pushrods and slack adjusters, air lines, suspension springs and airbags, mud flaps, fuel tank and straps, battery box, exhaust.
- Rear: lights, reflectors, mud flaps, door latches, load securement, underride guard.
- Coupling: fifth-wheel jaws closed around the kingpin, locking handle secured, no gap between plate and trailer, air lines and electrical cord routed without chafing, landing gear fully raised.
- In-cab: air pressure build-up, warning buzzer and light, gauges, ABS lamp, parking brake, seat belt, fire extinguisher, warning triangles, paperwork.
Worked example
During the walk-around you find a broken spring leaf on the trailer. That is a major defect: the vehicle is out of service. Record it on the inspection report, do not move the vehicle, and notify the carrier. A burned-out clearance lamp is a minor defect - record it, continue, and have it repaired.
Traps that cost marks
Signing a report you did not perform; ignoring an ABS lamp because the brakes feel fine; and treating an air leak or a cracked spring as something to mention at the end of the day instead of now.