11M. 1.1 In-Vehicle and / or Engine Start

Lighting Indicators

Description:

Dashboard indicator lights for signals, flashers, headlight high beam; Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); and Diesel Exhaust Fuel (DEF) and / or Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Why Inspect:

Indicates which functions are active or warns of problem vehicle components.

Inspection:

Each of the following items must be inspected. Inspect to make sure the dash indicators work when the vehicle starts and when corresponding lights are turned on including:

  • Left turn signal indicator.
  • Right turn signal indicator.
  • Four-way emergency indicator.
  • High beam headlight indicator.
  • ABS indicator on dashboard; (and for combination vehicles only, the rear driver's side trailer ABS light should turn on then off), if equipped.
  • DEF indicator, if equipped.

Note: Operational inspection of actual turn signals, four-way indicators and high beam functions must be done separately during the lights operation inspection described in Section 11 M.4.

Emergency Equipment

Description:

Required emergency equipment.

Why Inspect:

Emergency equipment must be available and in usable condition.

Inspection:
  • Inspect for three (3) red reflective triangles, six (6) fuses or three (3) liquid burning flares.
  • Inspect for a properly charged and secured fire extinguisher.
  • Inspect for spare electrical fuses (if used) or identify circuit breakers.

Note: If the vehicle is not equipped with electrical fuses, you must mention this to the examiner and identify that the vehicle operates on circuit breakers.

Windshield and Traffic Monitoring Devices

Description:

Windshield, mirrors and other monitoring devices, such as cameras.

Why Inspect:

Cracks, obstructions, stickers, or dirt in the driver's viewing area can cause the driver to lose sight of changes in road conditions or other traffic around the vehicle.

Inspection:
  • Inspect that the windshield is clean with no obstructions except for an inspection sticker. There can be no damage, such as cracks or flaws to the glass.
  • Inspect that mirrors are clean and adjusted properly from the inside, when present.
  • If equipped, inspect that rear and side view monitoring devices or cameras are clean and in working condition. Devices should be viewable from the inside and the video display must be operable and adjusted for viewing.

Wipers and / or Washers

Description:

Windshield wipers and washers.

Why Inspect:

Wipers improve visibility during rain and snow. Worn blades reduce visibility. Washers assist in keeping the windshield clean.

Inspection:
  • Inspect that wiper arms and blades are secure, not damaged, and demonstrate wipers operate smoothly by turning them on and off.
  • Inspect for windshield washer fluid and demonstrate windshield washers operate correctly by activating the washers.

Heater and / or Defroster

Description:

Heats cab or passenger compartment and prevents frost or condensation from forming on windshield.

Why Inspect:

The defroster improves visibility, especially during cold weather.

Inspection:
  • Identify, describe and demonstrate the heater(s) and defroster(s) work correctly by operating the controls.

Horn(s)

Description:

Air and / or electrical horns used for warning other roadway users (e.g., cars, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians).

Why Inspect:

The horn is a device that must function properly in order to warn other roadway users of your presence.

Inspection:
  • Inspect that air horn and / or electric horn work.

Parking and Trailer Brake Check

Description:

Keeps vehicle from moving or rolling when parked.

Why Inspect:

The parking brake(s) must function when a vehicle is parked, especially when on a grade and / or hill. A vehicle allowed to roll could cause damage or injury to other roadway users or property.

Inspection:

You will be required to demonstrate the parking brake check (and trailer parking brake check, if equipped). This procedure is designed to determine that the parking brake(s) are working correctly, and they keep the vehicle from moving.

  • Parking Brake: With the parking brake engaged (trailer brakes released on combination vehicles, if applicable), remove foot from service brake and inspect that the parking brake will hold the vehicle by gently pulling forward with the parking brake on.
  • Trailer Brake: With the parking brake released and the trailer parking brake engaged (combination vehicles only), remove foot from service brake and inspect that the trailer parking brake will hold the vehicle by gently pulling forward with the trailer parking brake on. Also assists in checking the coupling connection with the trailer.
Service Brake Check
Description:

Procedure to be followed to inspect the application of air, hydraulic or electric service brakes.

Why Inspect:

This procedure is designed to make certain that air, hydraulic or electric service brakes are operating correctly for normal operation.

Inspection:

You will be required to demonstrate the application of air, hydraulic or electric service brakes. This procedure is designed to determine that the brakes are working correctly, and that the vehicle does not pull to one side or the other at a low speed.

  • Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the service (foot) brake and come to a complete stop. Inspect to see that the vehicle does not pull to either side and stops when the service brake is applied. If the vehicle pulls to either side or does not stop well, the brakes may not be working correctly.