Perform Post-Trip Inspection, Shutdown and Reporting
What this domain tests
The end-of-trip routine: safe parking and shutdown, a post-trip inspection, defect and trip reporting, and a clean handover so the next driver starts with facts.
Core rules
- Park on firm, level ground, apply the parking brake, chock the wheels if there is any grade, and lower the landing gear before dropping a trailer.
- Let the engine idle and cool before shutdown; do not switch off immediately after a hard climb. Record the odometer and fuel.
- Walk the combination again: tyre and wheel-hub heat, cuts, leaks under the engine and trailer, damaged lights, cargo still secured, seal intact, body damage.
- Complete the defect report and trip report: distance, fuel, tolls, delays, incidents, near misses and any defect found. Tag the vehicle out of service if it is unsafe.
- Hand over keys, documents, cargo paperwork and unresolved defects directly to the next driver or dispatcher, not by leaving a note on the seat.
Worked example
After a 300 km run, the left trailer wheel hub is much hotter than the others and smells of grease. Reasoning: heat can come from a dragging brake, a failing wheel bearing or severe underinflation; all three can lead to a wheel-end fire. Do not touch the hub. Compare temperatures, look for brake drag and tyre damage, record the finding, tag the trailer for inspection and report it before the next dispatch.
Traps
- Skipping the post-trip because the shift is over.
- Recording 'no defects' without walking the vehicle.
- Leaving a loaded trailer unchocked on a slope.
- Not reporting a near miss, so the hazard repeats.
- Handing over a defect verbally with no written record.