How to perform a Class A CDL Pre-Trip inspection. Demonstrated by a state licensed CDL examiner. 

Sadly it has come to our attention that scam CDL training companies have downloaded our video and are actually selling it to people and passing it along as their own. Jeff and Apex CDL Institute put this video on RU-vid for a reason, to make it available to anyone seeking to improve their safety and become a Commercial Driver. We want it to be free to all people, this was never about money. If you come across anyone selling this video to you for money, please contact Apex CDL Institute (913) 585-1120 and our attorneys will correct that problem. To be clear, we are not talking about legitimate schools that are actually training students. They are more than welcome to use our material as much as they want. We are specifically talking about scam schools that sell our material as if it was their own. Exterior Overview - Front 3:36 Engine Compartment - Passenger Side 4:54 Engine Compartment - Driver's Side 7:56 Exterior Sides and Rear 22:18 Trailer 36:37 In-Cab Inspection 42:54 Brake Check 49:16

I watched this video numerous times. I passed my CDL in an automatic. That was hard enough but I was so happy to graduate at 57 years young.

If you are reading this and trying to get your CDL YOU CAN DO IT! I always thought I could never drive a manual semi/ or get my license but thanks to this video I passed my class A! Just put your mind to it and study!! Feel free to reply with questions but I will say thanks to this man I passed ! THANK YOU SIR !🙏🏽

I watched this video dozens of times before I even started my CDL school. My instructor was blown away when on day 1 of class I absolutely NAILED the entire pre-trip from front to back. Thank you for this video.

Passed my CDL test today! Idk how many times I watched this video, but it was definitely my main way of studying! Got a perfect score on the pretrip section and this video is 100% the reason why!

I just wanna take a lil time out to thank you. I passed everything today on my 1st try. Today I became a Valid CDL holder thanks to this Video. You’re a blessing to us trying to complete the inspection....🙂

You got to know what CDL stands for along with your ABC's CDL = Cracked Damaged or Loose (all metal parts) ABC = Abrasion Bumps or Cuts (all rubber and electrical parts) // I probably watched this video 10 times and aced my pre-trip inspection. I got my CDL 5 months ago. Just wanted to share CDL and ABC Good luck everyone!

Good luck everyone we can do it!! In gods name i pray for all of us to pass the test. Amen

Watched this video over 7 years ago. Me and my Lil sis passed the test. I've been driving ever since. I lost my baby sis 2 years ago, (covid)she was a badass driver. but I'm still out here. I share this video with friends and my cousin. They are all driving now

This is the most in depth and detailed pre trip you will find. He doesn't just explain what to say so you pass, he teaches you the general functions of the part and how to know if it is actually safe for the road. I passed my test yesterday, thanks Apex!

Let me start by saying I really don't comment on these things but I have to say Jeff of Apex really did an amazing job performing and explaining how to properly perform a Class A pre-trip inspection and he probably took time out of his busy schedule to give this knowledge for free to so many out there so appreciate this video and his generosity ..Good job Jeff

I passed my pre trip exam watching this video my first time. Thank you

I’m 22 years old and I just got my class A cdl . I watched this video a couple times to help me out and I just wanna say thank you so much as I passed on my first try . Very detailed and great explanation . This video was from 7 years ago and it’s still going strong really amazing . 10/10

Just wanted to say after failing the pre-trip twice, my examiner recommended I watch this video. I watched it 20 or 30 times, went back and tried again and passed! I now have my Class A CDL. Thank you Apex!!

I agree with Chris! I watched this video about 15 times over the last month and aced my pre-trip. I got my Class A CDL today! Thanks Jeff and Apex CDL Institute!!

It is not cracked, damaged, bent, broken, loose, it isn't leaking, there are no abrasions, bumps, cuts, and it's in good condition. It's free from any illegal welds. It's properly mounted and secured. Looseness is indicated by shiny metal metal shavings.

I just got my CDL class A license. It was 5 months long. Worth it! Passed all my tests on the 1t attempt. Make sure to practice all your maneuvers as many times as you can as well as go out on the road and practice as often as possible. Be personal with it and make the Instructer aware that you are paying for this and you need the training. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Some of them are there just for the check. It’s your responsibility to learn. Good luck to al.

Jeff's tutorial is the most valuable 61 minutes you will ever spend before doing your pre-trip inspection for CDL. He is showing us how to relax and focus for the purpose of demonstrating professional familiarity with the subject matter. We don't have to be rocket~scientists. We just need to be safe. Jeff shows us here how and what to look for, how to be safe, professional drivers.

Dude is one hell of an instructor.

Years later this video is still helping people like me chase a dream! Watched the video religiously before my test and passed with flying colors 💪 catch y'all out on the road. thank you for all you guys do

This man just helped me pass my CDL. Trust in this guy. Watch the video over and over every single time

Passed my CDL test yesterday! This video is still the best one out there. Thanks!

Just wanted to also thank you Jeff for putting together and sharing this video. I just earned my CDL Class A and I can honestly say that it wouldn't have happened without your help. I took written notes on what you said throughout the video and then rehearsed it again and again. On test day, it just flowed naturally and I had confidence in what I was saying. This is the definitive video on the CDL Pre-Trip and Air Brakes exam. Thank you and God bless you, brother.

Thanks Jeff you and Apex just helped me receive my CDL A today. I watched your video at least 25 to 30 times. Now here I am 1 hour after receiving my license and thanking you. Thanks

Passed my Class A Cdl yesterday. Aced the pre trip solely because of this video. My heartfelt Thanks to you!

My husband watched this video to study for his pre-trip. The evaluator told him in 21 years he has never had anyone get all items on the checklist, until him. This is a great video, and if you want to pass the first time I would suggest watching it! We live in Kentucky.

For anyone who is studying for your road test, the best advice I can give you is to study,(which of your watching this you are) and stay calm!!! I had to take my road test twice because I messed up the brake test the first time, I knew everything but got so nervous I froze up and forgot several parts, so just show up to your test prepared, take a deep breath and remember what you studied, you can do it!!!!

If you are trying to get your CDL this is the video to watch. Very in depth and covers everything you need to know! I watched this multiple times before my test and the examiner said I nailed the pre trip part of it. Best video out there

I passed my test today! I had form A and killed it and killed my Road test...Thank You Apex CDL Instittute

As a seasoned CDL driver, I would advise all students to do a thorough and COMPLETE pretrip even if your instructor or examiner say its ok not too before you take a truck out on the public highways. In the event of a accident, incident or road inspection, you as a driver, even with just a permit, are responsible for a full inspection to pass the truck is safe to put out on the road. No examiner or driving instructor is going to take the blame if you didnt inspect the truck fully when it legally comes down to it. I have gone to job interviews where on the road test they tell me say the registration is ok and or this and that is good and I just say, that is good but I am going to see it with my own two eyes, as its your responsibility as a CDL driver to know the truck is safe and legal to do so. So remember newbies, do a full pretrip before every trip, have no fear in declining to drive a truck that is unsafe or has incomplete paper work (insurance, ifta, registration truck and trailer), it is your responsibility that you sign with to the DOT that you will complete for the safety of you and the other motorist on the road. Any time you are behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, you and you alone are responsible that the pretrip has been fully accomplished. Stay safe my fellow drivers, see you on the road!

This video was extremely valuable to me. I used this rather than the videos from the school I went to. Just so happens out of 4 of us taking the road test that day from the same school, I was the only one to pass. The examiner later told me the biggest problem people have when they take the test is they’re not prepared…

this video helped me passed my pre-trip inspection on my FIRST try, i recommend eating and sleeping to this video lol, it helps soo much, this man is amazing. if your in trucking school and having trouble with your pre-trip THIS VIDEO HAS ALL THE ANSWERS YOU NEED. thank you for posting this video.

I must say that I watched your video about 50 times and including the older guy from j tech before getting into CDL school. I was so good that the instructor was mad because the students were asking me everything and said the last person who did the same thing failed! But guess what, I was at the top of my class of 15 students and passed all 3 parts like a champ last month to the point the person that was testing me was amazed at how good I was...thanks man!!!

Excellent job Jeff, I was a police officer for 30 years, 10 of those years I spent supervising the commercial vehicle , accident investigation bureau of our police dept. If every driver spent the time to do the pre-trip inspection like you did they would be far less collisions and out of service vehicles. Keep up the good work, you are a professional. Sergeant Ed Lepage, Ret.

Still sitting at the test site to tell you all that I have passed and the examiner was blown away by how thorough I was and it’s all thanks to this. Make sure you say posted bridge heights, weight limits, and they will do a simulation emergency stop. Know when and where to put out your triangles. Good luck!

Never thought I'd say something over an hour long was 'straight to the point' but this is exactly that. Bookmarked for future study. Planning to go to school in the coming months. Thank you!

I go at 1 pm tomorrow...good job man, with no school I think I got this!!!

I watched this video a few times before my pretrip exam. I scored a 99. The evaluator was very impressed. Great instructional video. It goes above and beyond the minimum requirements.

Got my CDL A in Massachusetts this morning...very tough state ;)....thanks for the videos !!! those were a huge help!

This is detailed like my driving school. I needed something detailed to look at for my CDL exam. I hope I pass.

just passed my CDL test and license today. I was in First CDL of northern Virginia school.Every night and morning I would watch this video and the instructor said my pre trip was the best one he has seen in a long time. You was a big part of my success, and gave me a major edge in the process, thank you

My brain is cracked, damaged & broken.

This is the best pre-trip video I've found so far

Its been 5 years since ive done A class and needed a refresher now that im returning so this is a throwback Im well in need of.

This instructor is good I respect his professionalism I feel confident I will pass my brake test

Am watching it over and over again. The intention here is to know the parts of a truck..once you know the key parts you can inspect any model or make of trucks since you will be able to identify parts like alternator ...gear...Arms...Links...Rods...belts...pumps etc and their location in the compartment. Very important

I watched this a million times. I was so nervous going through my class A and thought it was such a feat. Take it one at a time and remember we are all human. The examiner i had was tough but very generous. I was so nervous but looking back it was all good. In my situation the examiner knew I knew the truck. Stay positive and good day.

Got my class A CDL today thanks to this video! So informational, the instructor said it was the best pre trip he’s had. Thanks for the video!!

I watched this video a lot! I think leaning all the truck parts if a little tougher for us ladies. But I got it and I just wanted to say THANK YOU for such a thorough and detailed video! I would never have passed without it! I'm now the proud owner of a class A . This is something I have wanted since high school back in the 80's. Now I'm on to be a log truck driver along with my husband in north central Arkansas. Thanks again!!! Oh, my CDL tester told me I did a better job than half the guys. I have a case of the big head now! :D Yes, I am very excited. It was a long time coming!

After 1 hour of this he goes "this is ALL you have to do" lol

My first day to CDL school is tomorrow. I'm ready, because of you ) Thank you very much for your video.

Great video! Two things I would add though for the brake test right after the "SALE" tests: 1) pressure build up test, (85 to 100 in under 45 seconds for dual air systems and 50 to 90 psi in under 3 minutes for older single air systems), and 2) air pressure governor cut-in and -out test (showing that the pressure increases to about 125psi then stops, then after fanning the brakes a whole bunch to drop the pressure to around 90 psi, the governor will cut-in and pressure will start increasing in-between brake presses.)

I will recommend this video to new students it really helps I just passed my test yesterday Thanks 🙏

I just got my CDL in Connecticut. Whilst it’s probably not advisable I watched this video like ten times and then did my first ever pre-trip on the actual CDL test itself. The tester told me I did an awesome job. This video works.

7 years old and your pre trip inspection is till helping people today pass. I’ve shared this video so much. Thank you again!

Studying for my CDL and could pass the written no prob but this video is a huge help for the inspection.Thanks for this lesson.. fantastic!

U want to pass your pre-trip WATCH THIS VIDEO!!! He is knowledgeable and explains the truck better than my instructors in my school. I pass my pre trip yesterday thanks to this man and his video. This the real deal people watch this video and study your sheets u will pass GURANTEED!!!

I watched this video everyday the whole time I was in training... I aced my pre- inspection...

I watch most of the pre trip video on RU-vid this ONE IS THE BEST OF ALL

This man deserves a raise! Ive watched sooooo many pre trip videos of people just rushing thru a pretrip and didnt evem learn much from it. This guy is so thurogh, explains everything in detail. I cannot thank him enough. Best pretrip video out there hands down.

Passed my Class A road test today and this pre-trip instructional video help me very much. More than my driving school did.

I watched your video all day yesterday and today before I took my test. I passed it all well conditions. thanks, now I'm able to drive a commercial vehicle

I like the way jeff talks. He's a good teacher.

Great video! I'm going for my Class A on Monday February 7th.

I just passed my cdl class a today thanks to this video

So much to remember but I'll watch this many times if I have to so I can get that cdl and leave my crappy job. Update: Just finished the pre trip portion. Second attempt though since I missed the pass quota by 2 points. Depending on if the tractor has it, call out the DEF reservoir next to the fuel tank. As well if the examiner wants you to be specific on the gauges: Engine temperature: 165-185F Oil pressure: 30-75 PSI Voltmeter: 12-14V Transmission temperature: 180-250F Air Pressure in tanks: 100psi recommended

I've been watching this video 3 times a day since last Thursday and this week as well tomorrow will be my first day training in the yard preparing for pre trip test this video has helped me alot and I'm gonna continue to watch it til I pass wish me luck 🤞 Good luck to everyone else that's in the same position as me or even if u Bearly studying for your permit YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!! SI SE PUEDEEE!!!!!!! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽 Finally got my CDL!!!!!;!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏

It’s good to see that a lot of y’all didn’t have an issue with the order of which you started your inspection. I guess it all depends on the school but I preferred watching this video as it’s more informative and detailed compared to others ( my school lol ) so I have been watching it until I got told I have to watch the one my school has and do it their way otherwise I’ll fail….BS This is an awesome video!!! Good luck to everyone that hasn’t passed it yet and congrats to the ones who passed it already! Stay safe.

Nobody is talking about the camera 🎥 guy , probably be a student staying after a class cuz he don’t get this all mechanical stuff like myself.. but 🎩 off man great job 👍🏼 on zooming on those small things.. you did really good and you are my hero..

2 more weeks for my exam, will watch this everyday from now.

What a Legend ! i remember watching this 4 years ago ! Now have 4 years with my Class A licence going on 5 years ! Thank you ! God bless! you !

Thanks for the video, I got my class A CDLs yesterday. I watched this video a lot!

Watched this video 10 times and I passed my CDL test today!

This guy is clear, concise, and thorough. Excellent video!

This was my best PTI video I’m here after 2 years by getting my CDl thank you, I wish the best to everyone

I passed my test 7 years ago because of this guy and it was the best thing I have ever done with my career. Thank you

I watched this video about 10 times, and i passed my test on the first try! Thank you for such a great video.

Husband watched this video and passed CDL-A with Air Brakes - IL test. He said video was spot on and he would not have been as well prepared without the aid of this video. Method that the instructor uses to 'walk down' systems is logical, systematic and easy to follow. A huge thank you and shout out to Jeff and the APEX CDL Institute!!

I got my license three years ago in georgia at road masters trucking school, and this what I studied not the book from the school, this is what I studied 100%,and my score was the highest they ever see in 6 months, the dmv guy was very amazed by my score, he even ask me what did I study, and I answer him that this the video I have been watching, so anybody trying to pass the pre trip inspection test ,this is VERY IMPORTANT AND HELPFUL video

Thank you so much, this is the best video in youtube, i just pass my test today in the first try😀

This video helped me pass my pre trip, in-cab, and airbrakes. Thanks for the detail vid. Passed my CDL exam

Thank you for this video. I've been driving 25 years and I learned some new things and several I'd forgotten or gotten careless about. Think I'll be watching it every so often from now on

Passed my cdl test thanks to you sir. Appreciate it thank you for making this video

I’m here after 2 years this was my best PTI thank you good luck anybody

I must have seen this video 5 to 10 times, all well worth it cause today I received my CDL once again. Thanks Apex!!

By far the BEST pre-trip video I've ever seen. Great job Guys.

I have been working a dead end job fr five years now. I didn't wanna give up weed, so I just stayed at my mediocre job for way too long. After the housing market and price of living went up drastically I had to make a drastic change! I quit smoking two months ago, and I just passed my CDL permit. I'm moving from ATL to Augusta to help with costs of living, and I already have a job lined up with a friend driving oil tankers when I get out of school. Really hoping I find Financial assistance bc the school I'm going to in $4,500. If I don't I will find a way regardless. I don't start school til June, but I got a big jump start watching this video over and over. Shout out to everyone doing the same! This isn't easy.

I'm in cdl school, and found this extremely helpful, thank you

Awesome Video...Passed my Pre-trip inspection inside and out of the cab on my "FIRST" try with only 1 missed item that you covered but I forgot to say, Thanks Jeff.

Just want to express my gratitude for posting this helpful video. Thank you!

2 and a half years after obtaining my cdl I came back to this video to brush up on the pre trip inspection.

this is really educational and well detailed, thank u

Man my friend told me to come to RU-vid to watch a pre check video.I had no idea it would be this is a nice detailed video.I haven't started CDL class yet but I can't wait and I hope my instructor is a very good like you went over every detail.Nice and calm and very easy to understand.I feel like I'm a step ahead before I start I will watch this several times again before testing thanks again man

I watched you video and it help me passed my test now I have a class a cdl!!! Thank you so much for posting this video, I got a score of 81, thank you 😃

Just passed my CDL Exam today. This is the primary PreTrip video I’ve watched over these past few months and really made a big difference on the way I approached performing the PreTrip. Great job Jeff. Thank you!

I passed with flying colors ,even made some school instructors look bad ❤❤🎉 thank you my guy

I passed both my class b and class a CDL tests because of this video. Thanks a lot.

Passed my class A pre trip on my first try thank you so much! I don’t know if I could have done it with out this video. Good luck and you can do it!

Hey, watching this company videos helped me pass my pretrip & in cab today. 🙏🏾

Just got my permit, and I'm quite nervous about attending cdl school lol. This video sure helps me build confidence alot, thanks for providing it for free for those of us who don't have that friend or parent with a truck to practice with. The manual only goes so far, and when school starts I wanna be at least somewhat prepared. So much kudo's for this video👏.