Vehicle Inspection, Loading, and Pre-Trip Procedures for Passenger Vehicles
What the exam tests
This domain checks whether you can verify a passenger-carrying CMV is safe and legally loaded before every trip. The examiner expects a systematic walk-around, an interior check, and awareness that defects affecting passenger safety must be corrected before departure.
Core rules
- Complete a pre-trip inspection before driving. Confirm service brakes, parking brake, steering, lights, signals, tires, wheels, mirrors, horn, wipers, defroster, and exhaust.
- Inspect passenger-specific equipment: all emergency exits must open, close, and latch; aisles and exits must be clear; seats and handrails secure; fire extinguisher charged and mounted; first aid kit present; emergency reflectors or fusees available.
- Check loading: passenger count within seating and standee capacity, baggage stowed and secured, no cargo blocking aisles, doors, or emergency exits.
- After driving, prepare a written driver vehicle inspection report listing safety defects and sign it. A carrier must repair defects that affect safety before the vehicle is dispatched again.
Worked example
A driver finds the rear emergency door opens but will not relatch from inside. The bus otherwise runs well and the trip is short. Correct action: do not depart. A non-latching emergency exit is a safety defect; it can allow a door to open in motion and prevents reliable evacuation. The driver reports it, has it repaired, and documents the defect.
Traps that cost marks
Assuming a quick exterior walk-around is enough. Missing interior exit checks. Treating an obstructed aisle as a minor issue. Not documenting a defect because the bus still drives.