Module 2 of 7
Vehicle Familiarization & Pre-Trip Inspection
Learning Objectives
- Know your vehicle's dimensions, controls, and safety equipment
- Perform a complete, systematic pre-trip inspection
- Identify critical defects that make a vehicle unsafe to operate
Key Points from the Video
- Know your vehicle before operating it: its height (posted placard), length and width, all controls and gauges, and the location of all safety equipment. If you don't know your vehicle's height, you have no business driving under anything.
- A pre-trip inspection is federally required before every shift (FMCSA 49 CFR 396.13) and is WCW policy — not a suggestion.
- Use the 7-Zone Systematic Walk-Around in the same order every time: (1) Cab Interior, (2) Front, (3) Driver Side, (4) Rear, (5) Passenger Side, (6) Under Vehicle, (7) Safety Equipment. Consistency catches defects random checks miss.
- Critical defects — brake failure, flat/damaged tires, missing lug nuts, unresponsive steering — mean do not drive; report immediately.
- Non-critical defects (minor body damage, HVAC, low washer fluid) mean the vehicle can operate, but the issue must be reported and scheduled for repair.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-trip inspections are federally required and a condition of operating any WCW vehicle
- Use the same systematic walk-around method every single time
- If you find a critical defect, do not operate the vehicle — report it immediately