COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S GUIDE - to Operation, Safety and Licensing CITY CENTRE - Government of Alberta

 
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COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S GUIDE - to Operation, Safety and Licensing CITY CENTRE - Government of Alberta
COMMERCIAL
DRIVER’S GUIDE
to Operation, Safety and Licensing
TRUCKS, BUSES, EMERGENCY RESPONDERS & TAXIS

      CITY
     CENTRE

                                              STOP

                                                             L BUS
                                                     SCHOO

                 TAXI

                              MAXIMUM

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COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S GUIDE - to Operation, Safety and Licensing CITY CENTRE - Government of Alberta
A COMMERCIAL
DRIVER’S
GUIDE and Licensing
      to Operation, Safety

           TRUCKS, BUSES, EMERGENCY
           RESPONDERS AND TAXIS
COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S GUIDE - to Operation, Safety and Licensing CITY CENTRE - Government of Alberta
Introduction

Being a professional driver involves more
than just driving a different type of vehicle.
It means taking pride in your work and
being recognized as a professional driver.
   As a professional driver you must
always make sure you are mentally and
physically fit to drive, your vehicle is
well maintained and is in good working
condition, and you drive within the law
including driving without distractions.
   Always drive defensively. Be patient and
tolerant of other drivers. Protect yourself,
the vehicle, the passengers and the cargo.
The more you can anticipate and avoid
dangerous situations, the less likely you
will be in a collision. Being involved in a
collision may result in loss of income, job,
health and possibly a life.

Remember that road safety is
everyone’s business.

This guide is also available on-line.
Web site: www.alberta.ca/driving-vehicles.
aspx (under Driver Education)

2   A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S GUIDE - to Operation, Safety and Licensing CITY CENTRE - Government of Alberta
Guides available:

                                                                                 Geared to Go
                                                                                   A Workbook for
                                                                                   Coaching New Drivers

The following guides provide information       used when preparing for the knowledge
about the safe operation of cars and           test and when learning to operate a
light trucks, commercial vehicles,             tractor-trailer unit, large truck, ambulance,
and motorcycles, and the licensing             taxi, bus or school bus, as well as when
of drivers and riders. These guides            handling dangerous goods.
provide information for all classes of
driver licences in Alberta, and will help      A RIDER’S GUIDE TO OPERATION,
you obtain an Alberta driver’s licence.        SAFETY AND LICENSING
Consider keeping the guides in your            Motorcycles, Mopeds and Power-
vehicle as a reference.                        Assisted Bicycles
                                               This guide provides information on the
A DRIVER’S GUIDE TO OPERATION,                 safe operation of motorcycles, mopeds
SAFETY AND LICENSING                           and power-assisted bicycles. It is used
Cars and Light Trucks                          with A Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety
This guide provides information                and Licensing.
for all drivers.
                                               GEARED TO GO: A WORKBOOK
A COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S GUIDE TO                 FOR COACHING NEW DRIVERS
OPERATION, SAFETY AND LICENSING                This guide assists coaches who are
Trucks, Buses, Emergency Responders            providing supervision to new drivers
and Taxis                                      as they gain experience and skills.
This guide provides information about
driving commercial vehicles. It is used with
A Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and
Licensing. Both of these guides should be
                                                                           INTRODUCTION                   3
This guide, along with the Driver’s Guide to                     The laws that apply to driving a vehicle
Operation, Safety and Licensing (Cars and                    can be found in the Traffic Safety Act and
Light Trucks) will give you the necessary                    its related regulations. These documents
information for learning to drive a truck,                   are available at www.qp.alberta.ca/Laws_
tractor-trailer, ambulance, taxi or bus.                     Online.cfm, and:
These two guides provide information that
will help you obtain a commercial Alberta                    Queen’s Printer Bookstore
driver’s licence. It is recommended that                     Main Floor, Park Plaza
you obtain training and education from a                     10611–98 Avenue
licensed driving school to enhance your                      Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2P7
knowledge and skill. Individuals seeking
to obtain a Class 1 or a Class 2 driver’s                    Tel: 780–427–4952
licence are required to complete the                         Fax: 780–452–0668
Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)                        For toll free service anywhere in Alberta,
program.                                                     call 310-0000, then the number.
Driver education courses are available
for the operation of passenger vehicles,                     Knowledge tests are conducted out of
commercial vehicles, and motorcycles.                        registry agent offices. Road tests will be
    If you require information about                         conducted by Government of Alberta
schools that provide driver education, or                    driver examiners. Road tests can be
information about the testing process to                     scheduled in-person at the registry agent
obtain an driver’s licence:                                  office or online through the Government of
• refer to your local Yellow Pages                           Alberta online scheduling system.
• visit www.alberta.ca/driving-vehicles.                         To find testing services, and information
    aspx (under Driver Education)                            about driver licensing and vehicle registration:
• contact Alberta Transportation Call                        • visit https://www.alberta.ca/drivers-
    Centre at 780–427–8230                                       road-test.aspx
                                                             • visit www.servicealberta.ca/1641.cfm
    You can reach Alberta Government                         • visit the Association of Alberta Registries
offices toll-free from anywhere in the                           at www.e-registry.ca
province by first calling 310-0000.                          • refer to your local directory under
    This guide has no legal authority.                           License and Registry Services
Municipalities are given authority under                     • call 780–427–7013 (Service Alberta)
the Traffic Safety Act to pass bylaws in
areas such as speed zones, school zones,
playground zones and parking. You must
know local municipal by-laws.

4   A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
Contents
        Commercial Driver’s                 28   Trip inspections
    1   Licence Requirements                35   Trip air brake inspection
                                            36   Enroute check stop inspections
9       Upgrading your licence
                                            36   Reporting to a vehicle
10      Mandatory Entry-Level Training           inspection station
        (MELT)
                                            37   Post-trip inspection
10      Knowledge test
10      Vision requirements
10      Road test
                                                 Operating Class 1
12      Learning requirements               4    Vehicles
13      Air brake equipped farm vehicles
13      Licences: renewal and changes       40   Operating a truck-tractor
13      Definitions                              and semi-trailer
                                            40   Air brakes
                                            41   How long does it take to
 2      National Safety
                                                 stop a vehicle?
                                            43   Coupling and uncoupling a
        Code                                     truck-tractor and semi-trailer
                                            45   Coupling mechanisms
20      Provincial (Alberta) legislation
                                            46   Operating long combination
21      Federal legislation
                                                 vehicles
22      Vehicle Inspection Program
                                            47   Driving skills and manoeuvres
23      Cargo securement
                                            47   Following distance
                                                 between vehicles
                                            48   Off-tracking
 3      Trip                                48   Turns

        Inspections                         49   Curves
                                            50   Parking
26      Purpose of daily vehicle
        inspections                         50   Reversing

26      Vehicles that require inspections   52   Important information for
                                                 commercial drivers
27      Driver inspection required
Operating Class 2                                            Transporting Persons
    5       Vehicles
                                                                   8     with Disabilities
54          Information for Class 2 and                           72     General rules for communicating
            Class 4 bus operators                                 72     General rules for driving
54          Operating a school bus safely                         73     General rules for assisting a
54          School bus breakdowns                                        person with a wheelchair
55          Left / Right turns
55          Reversing
56          Turnarounds                                                  Transporting
56          Passenger loading and                                  9     Dangerous Goods
            unloading
58          Parking on a hill                                     76     Training requirements
58          Railway crossing procedures                           76     What is a dangerous good?
59          Discipline and problem solving                        78     Dangerous occurrences
59          Safe driving guidelines                               78     Documents
                                                                  79     Safety marks

            Operating Class 3
    6                                                                    Responsible Driving
            Vehicles                                             10      Tips for Commercial
62          Loading and unloading
            dump vehicles                                                Drivers
64          Mixer truck operators                                 82     Distracted Driving Law
64          Parking on a hill                                     83     Fatigue
                                                                  84     Railway crossing
                                                                  86     Fire and fire extinguishers
            Operating Class 4
    7       Vehicles
                                                                         Fueling and Fuel
66          Emergency vehicles
                                                                 11      Efficiency
67          Operating a taxi
68          Seat belts                                            90     Fueling a vehicle: gasoline,
68          Reserved lanes                                               diesel, propane
69          Other uses for a Class 4 licence                      90     Fuel efficiency

6       A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
1
Commercial
Driver’s Licence
Requirements
Information about the Class 7 and 5                           • any motor vehicle or combination of
Alberta driver’s licence classes, and the                       vehicles that the holder of a Class 3, 4
vehicles that can be operated in each                           or 5 driver’s licence may operate
class, can be found in the Driver’s Guide to                  • class 1 and 6 type vehicles for
Operation, Safety and Licensing (Cars and                       learning only
Light Trucks) book. All guides are available
on-line at: https://www.alberta.ca/driving-                       You must provide a bus with a seating
vehicles.aspx (Under Driver Education).                       capacity exceeding 24 passengers
                                                              excluding the operator for a road test. An
                                                              air brake “Q” endorsement is required to
Class 1                                                       operate air brake equipped vehicles. If
                                                              the vehicle provided for the road test is
The minimum learning or licensing age is                      equipped with air brakes, you must have
18 years. You may not apply for a Class 1                     either an air brake “Q” endorsement or
driver’s licence as a probationary driver.                    a course completion certificate from an
   The holder of a Class 1 driver’s licence                   approved air brake organization.
may operate the following:
• any motor vehicle or combination of
   vehicles other than a motorcycle                           Class 3
• class 6 type vehicles for learning only
                                                              The minimum learning or licensing age is
   You must provide a tractor-trailer                         18 years. You may not apply for a Class 3
combination with three or more axles,                         driver’s licence as a probationary driver.
equipped with air brakes for the road test.                      The holder of a Class 3 driver’s licence
Proof of your air brake “Q” endorsement                       may operate the following:
or a course completion certificate from an                    • any motor vehicle or combination of
approved air brake organization is required                      vehicles that the holder of a Class 5
before a road test will be given. This also                      driver’s licence may operate
includes drivers of farm vehicles registered                  • a single motor vehicle with three
as tractor-trailers.                                             or more axles
                                                              • a single motor vehicle with three or
                                                                 more axles towing a trailer with one or
Class 2                                                          more axles, if the trailer is not equipped
                                                                 with air brakes
The minimum learning or licensing age is                      • all motor vehicles under
18 years. You may not apply for a Class 2                        Classes 1, 2 and 6 for learning only
driver’s licence as a probationary driver.
   The holder of a Class 2 driver’s licence                   No holder of a Class 3 driver’s licence shall
may operate the following:                                    operate a motor vehicle:
• a bus                                                       • that has a seating capacity of more than

8   A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
15, while that vehicle is transporting      you must have either an air brake “Q”
  any person other than the driver            endorsement or a course completion
• to transport passengers for hire            certificate from an approved air brake
                                              organization.
   You must provide a single motor vehicle
having three or more axles for the road
test. An air brake “Q” endorsement is         Upgrading your
required to operate air brake equipped
vehicles. If the vehicle provided for the
                                              licence
road test is equipped with air brakes,
you must have either an air brake “Q”         The following information is specific
endorsement or a course completion            for upgrading an driver’s licence to the
certificate from an approved air brake        professional classes.
organization.
                                              General information for
NOTE: Drivers of single-motor vehicles        Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4
registered as farm vehicles do not
require an air brake “Q” endorsement.         • The minimum learning or licensing age
                                                for these classes is 18 years. To learn
                                                to drive a commercial class vehicle, you
Class 4                                         must have at least a Class 5 or a Class
                                                5 GDL driver’s licence. You may not
The minimum learning or licensing age is        apply for these driver’s licences if you
18 years. You may not apply for a Class 4       are in the Graduated Driver Licensing
driver’s licence as a probationary driver.      Program.
   The holder of a Class 4 driver’s licence   • You do not need an air brake
may operate the following:                      endorsement when learning to operate
• any motor vehicle or combination of           a vehicle that is equipped with air
   vehicles that the holder of a Class 5        brakes.
   driver’s licence may operate               • A medical report is required to upgrade
• a bus that has a seating capacity of not      to a Class 1, 2 or 4 licence.
   more than 24, excluding the operator         ·· Medical forms are available from a
• an ambulance or taxi                             registry agent, or a doctor. A doctor
• all motor vehicles under classes 1, 2, 3         must complete this form.
   and 6 for learning only                      ·· A medical report is required when
                                                   first applying for a licence and:
    You must provide a Class 5 vehicle or a         - every 5 years after that, until
bus with a seating capacity not exceeding              45 years of age
24 passengers excluding the operator for            - every 2 years from age 45 to 65
a road test. An air brake “Q” endorsement           - every year after you turn age 65.
is required to operate air brake equipped       ·· You are legally responsible to report
vehicles. If the vehicle provided for the          any disease or disability that may
road test is equipped with air brakes,             interfere with the safe operation of
CHAPTER ONE                                   COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENCE REQUIREMENTS   9
a motor vehicle to any Alberta                           to pass a knowledge test for the class of
      Registry Agent office.                                   licence for which you are applying. You
  ·· Alberta Registries can request a                          can take your knowledge test at most
      medical report from any driver, in any                   Alberta Registry Agent offices. The test is
      licence class, if they have concerns                     based on questions taken from this guide
      about a driver’s medical condition.                      and the Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety
• A fee is charged for each knowledge                          and Licensing (Cars and Light Trucks)
  test, road test, and operator’s licence                      book. Most of the Class 1 and Class 2
  re-classification. For information                           knowledge test questions have been taken
  regarding current fees, contact any                          from the MELT curriculums.
  Registry Agent office.                                           You will be asked about safe driving
• A 10-day waiting period is required                          practices, driving laws and road signs.
  for all non-GDL Class 5, 5-6 and 6                           Since Class 1 drivers may operate other
  new applicants from other Canadian                           types of vehicles, applicants for a Class 1
  jurisdictions who want to re-class to                        licence may be asked questions from the
  licence Classes 1 to 4. This waiting                         other chapters in this guide.
  period is required for Alberta to confirm                        The test is 30 multiple choice questions
  the applicant’s licence information.                         and you must score a minimum of 25
• Driving with the wrong licence class is                      correct responses out of 30 to pass. When
  against the law. It is also an offence for                   six questions are answered incorrectly,
  a vehicle’s owner to allow the vehicle                       the test will be stopped and a fail will be
  to be driven by someone who does not                         recorded.
  have the proper class of licence to drive
  that vehicle.
                                                               Vision requirements
Mandatory Entry-                                               A vision assessment is required before

Level Training (MELT)                                          upgrading your Alberta driver’s licence.
                                                               If you do not meet the minimum vision
Effective March 1, 2019, anyone who                            standards, you will be referred to an
wants to obtain a Class 1 or a Class 2                         optometrist or an ophthalmologist to have
driver’s licence must take a Mandatory                         a Vision Referral form completed. If you
Entry-Level Training (MELT) Program.                           have corrective glasses or contact lenses
Successful completion of the MELT                              bring them to the vision assessment.
course is a prerequisite to participating in
a Class 1 or a Class 2 driver knowledge
test. List of licenced training providers                      Road test
is available online at www.alberta.ca/
licensed-driver-training-schools.aspx                          If you are applying for a commercial
                                                               licence in the Class 1, 2 or 3 categories,
Knowledge test                                                 you will be required to conduct a pre-trip
To upgrade a driver’s licence, you will need                   inspection in addition to the road test. You
                                                               must communicate and demonstrate to
10   A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
the driver examiner:
• a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle             Class 1 Road Test
• the appropriate uncouple/couple
    procedures for Class 1 vehicles                • An applicant must provide a tractor-
• an inspection of the vehicle’s air brake           trailer combination with three or
    system for units equipped with                   more axles, and the trailer must be
    air brakes.                                      equipped with an air brake system to
    As part of communicating and                     its foundation brakes. You must show
demonstrating, you should point to the               proof of your air brake “Q” endorsement
things you are inspecting and tell the               or a course completion certificate from
examiner what you are looking at. For                an approved air brake organization.
example, you could say, “I am checking               This includes drivers of farm vehicles
the left signal light to see that it is working,     registered as tractor-trailers.
is securely mounted, and that the lens is          • The examiner must see your road
clean and not cracked.”                              test permit or road test confirmation
    This guide includes pre-trip inspections         document. Permits can be purchased
for the various types of vehicles. Study and         from most Registry Agents. Road
practice the pre-trip that is appropriate            tests can be scheduled online through
for the class of licence you are working             the Government of Alberta online
towards. The procedures in this book are             scheduling system or at Registry Agent
only guidelines to follow during a road test.        offices.
A vehicle may require different items to be        • A Class 1 licence may not be obtained
checked than those listed. You may not               without the driver first having qualified
refer to any notes during the pre-trip.              for an air brake endorsement.
    Each pre-trip inspection and road test
is allowed a certain amount of time. You           Class 2 Road Test
should be able to complete the inspection
and road test within that time.                    • An applicant must provide a bus
    If a vehicle does not pass the pre-trip          with a seating capacity exceeding 24
inspection, or you do not successfully               passengers, excluding the driver. If the
complete the pre-trip inspection, the road           vehicle is equipped with air brakes,
test will not proceed.                               the applicant must have either an air
    An applicant who holds a Graduated               brake “Q” endorsement or a course
Driver Licence (GDL) may not take a road             completion certificate from an approved
test for a licence classification higher than        air brake organization.
a Class 5.                                         • The examiner must see your road
                                                     test permit or road test confirmation
NOTE: A road test will not be done in                document. Permits can be purchased
a vehicle that is required to display                from most Registry Agents. Road
dangerous goods placards.                            tests can be scheduled online through
                                                     the Government of Alberta online
                                                     scheduling system or at Registry Agent
                                                     offices.
CHAPTER ONE                                        COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENCE REQUIREMENTS   11
Class 3 Road Test
                                                               Class 4 Road Test
• An applicant must provide a single
  motor vehicle that has three or more                         • An applicant must provide a Class 5
  axles. Three axle recreational vehicles                        vehicle or a bus with a seating capacity
  may not be used. If the vehicle provided                       not exceeding 24 passengers, excluding
  for the road test is equipped with air                         the driver. If the vehicle is equipped
  brakes, the applicant must have either                         with air brakes, the applicant must have
  an air brake “Q” endorsement or a                              either an air brake “Q” endorsement or
  course completion certificate from an                          a course completion certificate from an
  approved air brake organization.                               approved air brake organization.
                                                               • The examiner must see your road
NOTE: Drivers of single motor vehicles                           test permit or road test confirmation
registered as farm vehicles do not require                       document. Permits can be purchased
an air brake “Q” endorsement.                                    from most Registry Agents. Road
                                                                 tests can be scheduled online through
• The examiner must see your road                                the Government of Alberta online
  test permit or road test confirmation                          scheduling system or at Registry Agent
  document. Permits can be purchased                             offices.
  from most Registry Agents. Road
  tests can be scheduled online through                        NOTE: Class 5 vehicles are also suitable
  the Government of Alberta online                             for learning.
  scheduling system or at Registry Agent
  offices.

Learning requirements –
Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4
Desired     Class         Minimum      Minimum      Complete      Accompanied     Minimum      Instructor   Minimum
Licence     you must      Licensing    Learning                   by Instructor   Age of       Class        Age to
Class       have for      Age          Age          MELT                          Instructor   must         Take Road
            Learning                                                                           have         Test
             2, 3, 4,
                                                                                                               18
     1         5 or           18           18       Yes               Yes            18            1
                                                                                                            non-GDL*
             5-GDL*
             3, 4, 5 or                                                                                        18
     2                        18           18       Yes               Yes            18          1 or 2
              5-GDL*                                                                                        non-GDL*
             4, 5 or                                                                                           18
     3                        18           18       No                Yes            18        1, 2 or 3
             5-GDL*                                                                                         non-GDL*
             3, 5 or                                                                                           18
     4                       18            18       No                Yes            18        1, 2 or 4
             5-GDL*                                                                                         non-GDL*

* GDL – Graduated Driver Licence (Probationary)

12   A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
Definitions
 Air brake equipped
                                                   Air brakes (air to all
 farm vehicles                                     foundation brakes)
In Alberta, you are not required to hold           A vehicle with an air brake system has
an air brake endorsement if operating              brakes that are initiated by air pressure from
a single motor vehicle registered as a             an engine-driven compressor. This sends
farm vehicle. However, you do need an              air pressure through a series of hoses,
air brake endorsement if driving a farm            reservoirs and control valves to all the
vehicle combination that requires the driver       vehicle’s foundation brakes. An air brake “Q”
to hold a Class 1 driver’s licence. When           endorsement or Class 1 licence is required
applying for a Class 1 driver’s licence, you       to drive a vehicle with an air brake system.
will need to show proof of your air brake
qualifications, even if the vehicle                Air over hydraulic braking
you will be driving is registered as a             system (combination of air
farm vehicle.                                      and hydraulic foundation
                                                   brakes)
Licences: renewal                                  In an air over hydraulic braking system the

and changes                                        vehicle’s axles have air actuated foundation
                                                   brakes, and some of the vehicle’s axles
The Government of Alberta has stopped              have hydraulic foundation brakes. An air
mailing out reminders about driver’s               brake “Q” endorsement or Class 1 licence
licences and vehicle registration. Albertans       is required to drive this type of vehicle.
can sign up for electronic reminders by
visiting E-registry or MyAlberta and signing       Air actuated hydraulic braking
up for free reminders. It is your responsibility   system (air assisted, but
to renew your driver’s licence on or before        all foundation brakes are
the expiry date.                                   hydraulic)
    To change a name or address on your
driver’s licence, visit any Registry Agent. By     In an air actuated hydraulic braking system
law, a person is required to notify Alberta        the air compressor is used to boost
Registries, through a Registry Agent, of           the hydraulic system to all the vehicle’s
any name or address change immediately.            foundation brakes. An air brake “Q”
Proper identification is required before any       endorsement is NOT required to drive this
change, replacement or renewal can be              type of vehicle.
made.

CHAPTER ONE                                        COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENCE REQUIREMENTS    13
NOTE: No drivers (other than a learner)                        For information on taking an approved
may operate a vehicle equipped with air                        air brake course, please contact a Driver
brakes, (air to all foundation brakes),                        Programs Administrator at:
unless they hold either a Class 1 driver’s
licence or a driver’s licence with a “Q” (air                  Edmonton 780–427–8901
brake) endorsement.                                            or Calgary 403–297–6679
                                                               For toll free service from anywhere in
Ambulance                                                      Alberta, call 310-0000.

An ambulance is an emergency vehicle                           “S” Endorsement
that is designed to transport injured
persons, and is equipped with rescue or                        Drivers who have a Class 1, 2 or 4
first aid equipment.                                           licence can apply for the school bus
                                                               driver endorsement condition code “S”
Axle                                                           to be placed on their licence when they
                                                               successfully complete the School Bus
An axle is a shaft on which two or more                        Driver Improvement Program.
wheels revolve.
                                                               NOTE: Effective March 1, 2019 the holder
Bus                                                            of a Safety Fitness Certificate issued under
                                                               Alberta’s National Safety Code program
Section 130(1) (a) of the Traffic Safety Act;                  shall not allow a person to
   “bus” means a commercial vehicle                            operate a school bus (school bus
   (i) that is designed for carrying 11 or                     as defined under Section 20.5(c) of
more persons, including the person driving                     the Operator Licensing and Vehicle
the vehicle, and                                               Control Regulation AR320/2002) that
   (ii) that is used or intended to be used                    is transporting students to and from
for the transportation of persons, and                         school pursuant to Section 19 (1) of the
includes any other commercial vehicle                          Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation
designated as a bus by regulation;                             121/2009, unless the driver has
                                                               successfully completed the School Bus
“Q” Endorsement                                                Driver Improvement course that has been
                                                               approved by the Registrar. Subsequently,
A “Q” endorsement is placed on any                             the driver must have the appropriate “S”
class of driver’s licence, when a driver                       endorsement on their driver’s licence.
successfully completes an approved
Alberta air brake course through an
authorized organization.

14   A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
School bus
                                                   Trailer
Section 20.5 (c) of the Operator Licensing
and Vehicle Control Regulation;                    Means a vehicle without motive power
(c) “school bus” means a commercial                that is designed to be towed by another
vehicle that                                       vehicle.
(i) meets the requirements of a Type A1,
A2, B, C or D school bus described in              Truck
CSA-D250-16, or a version of CSA-D250
applicable at the time of manufacture              Means a motor vehicle designed and
and that is used primarily to transport            intended for the transport of goods or
passengers and includes                            carrying of loads.
(A) a school bus as defined in the
Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation               Truck tractor
(AR121/2009)
(B) a multifunction school activity bus as         Means a truck that may be coupled to
described in CSA-D250-16, and                      a semi-trailer by means of a fifth wheel,
(C) a commercial vehicle that is registered        but does not include a bed truck, picker
as a kindergarten bus,                             truck or winch truck.
or
(ii) is an originally foreign bus,

but does not include a transit bus as
defined in Vehicle Inspection Regulation
(AR 211/2006)

Semi-trailer

Means a trailer that:
    (i) has axles only at or near its rear end;
    (ii) while being towed, is supported at
its front end by the truck tractor or the
immediately preceding trailer;
    (iii) when connected to the truck tractor
or preceding trailer, is connected by means
of a kingpin and a fifth wheel;

CHAPTER ONE                                       COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENCE REQUIREMENTS     15
NOTES

16   A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
2
National
Safety Code
On April 1, 1989 each province and                               Each Canadian jurisdiction regulates
territory in Canada agreed to a set of                           carriers that register an NSC vehicle within
performance and safety standards for                             their jurisdiction. An Alberta SFC can be
commercial motor carriers and the National                       valid in all other Canadian jurisdictions
Safety Code (NSC) came into effect.                              but only for those vehicles registered
Alberta, like the other jurisdictions, has                       with Alberta plates and only if the carrier
passed legislation to put these standards                        has declared that they are a “federal”
into effect.                                                     company. If an Alberta carrier also has a
   A person or company operating a                               commercial vehicle, regulated by the NSC
commercial truck or bus is commonly                              requirements of another jurisdiction, then
referred to as a “motor carrier”, or “carrier”                   they will need a second SFC from that
for short. There is both provincial and                          jurisdiction.
federal NSC legislation that may require a                           Each jurisdiction monitors its own
carrier to obtain a Safety Fitness Certificate                   NSC carriers and intervenes with those
(SFC). Only one piece of legislation will                        that pose an unacceptable risk to the
apply to a carrier at any given time.                            public. Where a carrier does not respond
   Federal law applies to carriers wishing                       positively to intervention actions and
to operate outside of Alberta and requires                       continues to represent an unacceptable
carriers to obtain an SFC if they operate:                       risk to the public, the carrier may be
• A truck, tractor, or trailer or any                            prevented from operating by canceling
   combination of these vehicles registered                      their SFC and their commercial vehicle
   for or weighing in excess of 4,500                            registrations.
   kilograms, or
• A commercial passenger vehicle with an
   original manufacturer’s seating capacity of                   Safety plans
   11 or more persons including the driver.
                                                                 In Alberta, a carrier must establish,
Provincial law applies to carriers operating                     maintain and follow a written safety
solely within Alberta and requires carriers                      program. A carrier failing to complete this
to obtain an SFC if they operate:                                regulatory requirement may be subject to
• A truck, tractor, or trailer or any                            disciplinary action including charges being
   combination of these vehicles registered                      laid in the courts, an administrative penalty
   for a weight of 11,794 kilograms or                           being issued, or their Safety Fitness
   greater, or                                                   Certificate being cancelled. A carrier’s
• A commercial passenger vehicle with an                         Safety Plan must address matters relating
   original manufacturer’s seating capacity of                   to the safe use and operation of their
   11 or more persons including the driver.                      commercial vehicles including:
                                                                 • speed limits, seat belt use, drug and
NOTE: Farmers are exempt from the                                    alcohol use, defensive driving, load
requirement to obtain an SFC under                                   security, and fuelling
provincial law but NOT the federal                               • proper records and recording of
regulations.                                                         information including, as required, bills

A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
of lading, manifests, dangerous goods           registration and Dangerous Goods
    documents, time records, drivers’ daily         training certificate and insurance
    logs and weigh slips                          • report any violations, convictions,
•   policy and procedures related to                and collisions to the carrier
    compliance with the law, driver training
    responsibilities, conduct and discipline          For more information, refer to the
•   instructions for the use of safety            Commercial Vehicle Certificate and Insurance
    equipment including, as required,             Regulation AR 314/2002, which is available
    the use of reflective triangles, fire         from the Queen’s Printer. (See “Need more
    extinguishers, goggles, and hard hats         information” at the end of this section.)
•   training for employees about safety laws
    and their application and an ongoing
    program for evaluating their driving skills   Preventive
•   retention of complete records for each
    driver in accordance with regulations
                                                  maintenance plans
•   policies for ensuring that drivers are        In Alberta, a carrier must establish,
    properly qualified for the type of vehicle    maintain and follow a written maintenance
    they operate                                  and inspection program that covers all
                                                  applicable vehicles registered to the carrier
  All drivers have a responsibility to know       in Alberta, including leased vehicles.
and follow the policies and procedures            A carrier failing to complete this regulatory
contained in their company’s safety plan.         requirement may be subject to disciplinary
  Each driver should:                             action including charges being laid in the
• have received the training specified in         courts, an administrative penalty being
  the company’s safety plan and know              issued, or their Safety Fitness Certificate
  how to perform their duties properly            being cancelled. The policies and
  and safely (e.g. training on drivers’           procedures set out in the maintenance
  hours of service, trip inspections, cargo       program must provide for continuous
  securement, weights and dimension               and regular inspections that meet the
  requirements, etc.)                             requirements specified in the regulations.
• ensure that the vehicle is being operated          Every driver is responsible to:
  in compliance with the owner’s policies         • understand the company’s
  and procedures, and within the law                 maintenance plan
• have all the applicable documentation           • carry out those inspections and
  completed and in his or her possession             maintenance required by the owner
  when required (e.g. Bills of Lading and         • carry out any inspections required
  Dangerous Goods documents)                         by legislation, such as vehicle trip
• be medically fit to drive and not fatigued or      inspections
  under the influence of alcohol or any drug      • complete any documents required by
• be qualified to operate the vehicle                the owner and return those documents
  and have any required documents,                   to the owner
  such as a valid driver’s licence, vehicle

CHAPTER TWO                                                           NATIONAL SAFETY CODE   19
• ensure the vehicle is inspected,                               Provincial (Alberta)
  or make it available for inspection,
  as specified in the company’s
                                                                 legislation
  preventive maintenance plan                                    The on-duty hours (consisting of “driving”
• report any on-road inspections received                        and “on-duty not driving” time) allowed
  from an enforcement officer and provide                        for a driver are regulated in work shifts
  the documents to the carrier                                   that generally start after having a period
• notify the carrier of any defects found                        of eight consecutive hours off-duty and
  during an inspection;                                          end when the driver has another period of
• not operate any vehicle with a defect                          eight consecutive hours off-duty. Some
  that would jeopardize the safety of the                        situations are considered equivalent to this
  driver or any other person                                     eight hour off-duty requirement.
                                                                    During a work shift, a driver cannot drive:
   For more information, refer to the                            • after having driven 13 hours; or
Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation,                            • after being on-duty for 15 hours
AR 121/2009 which is available through
the Queen’s Printer. (See “Need more                                A driver must account for every day by
information” at the end of this section.)                        completing a daily log for each calendar
                                                                 day, or indicating in the remarks section of
                                                                 the daily log that the driver was off-duty on
Hours of service                                                 the indicated dates.
                                                                    When required to complete a daily log, a
Hours of service legislation is safety                           driver must do the following:
legislation that ensures commercial drivers                      • enter all the required information
have enough opportunities to rest so they                        • maintain the daily log current to the last
do not drive when tired.                                            change of duty status, such as off-duty
    There is both federal and provincial                            time and driving time
legislation that regulates drivers’ hours of                     • maintain the daily log accurately
work. Alberta legislation applies to carriers                    • keep copies of documents received
and their drivers who operate vehicles                              during the trip, such as hotel receipts
solely within Alberta. The federal legislation                      and fuel receipts
applies to carriers and their drivers who                        • deliver the daily log, and all supporting
operate one or more vehicles outside of                             documents, to the employer within
Alberta. Once it has been determined                                20 days
that a carrier falls within the federal                          • keep a copy of each daily log and
legislation, all the drivers of the carrier’s                       supporting documents for at least
regulated vehicles must comply to federal                           six months
requirements, even those that never leave
Alberta. The main regulatory requirements                           If ALL of the following four conditions
are summarized below. To fully understand                        are met, a daily log is not required to be
all requirements, one must read the                              completed. (however, all other regulated
applicable regulations.                                          requirements must still be met):

A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
• the driver starts and ends the work shift     consecutive. The other two hours must be
  at the same place                             taken in no less than 30 minute periods.
• the driver stays within a 160 kilometre       Some concessions apply.
  radius of the home terminal                       During a work shift (a work shift starts
• there must be no more than 15 hours           after the driver has 8 consecutive hours
  from the time the driver starts work until    off), a driver cannot drive:
  relieved of duty                              • after having driven 13 hours;
• the employer must maintain a record           • after being on-duty for 14 hours;
  for at least six months of the time each      • after 16 hours of time has elapsed since
  driver starts and ends a work shift               the conclusion of their most recent 8
                                                    hours of consecutive off-duty time
  The driver’s employer must:
• ensure the driver follows the                     Sleeper berth requirements differ
  regulations; and                              between team and single drivers.
• maintain the daily logs, in an orderly            A carrier must ensure their drivers are
  manner, for each driver for six months        following cycle 1 or 2. The driver must then
                                                indicate which cycle they are operating under
   For more information, refer to the           on their daily log. Depending on the cycle,
Drivers Hours of Service Regulation             the driver shall not drive after accumulating:
AR 317/2002, which is available from            Cycle 1 - 70 hours of on-duty time in 7
the Queen’s Printer. (See “Need more            consecutive days; or
information” at the end of this section.)       Cycle 2 - 120 hours of on-duty time in 14
                                                consecutive days.
                                                    Drivers using cycle 2 are required to
Federal legislation                             take at least 24 consecutive hours off prior
                                                to reaching their 70th hour of on duty time.
The federal drivers’ hours of service               A driver operating on cycle 1 may reset
regulations are more restrictive than the       their accumulative hours back to zero by
Alberta regulations. It is important to realize taking 36 consecutive hours off-duty. A
that the federal regulation has daily, work     driver operating on cycle 2 may reset their
shift and cumulative cycle limits that all      accumulative hours to zero by taking 72
must be met every day. The following is         consecutive hours off-duty. A driver cannot
only a summary of the main regulatory           move from one cycle to the other without
requirements.                                   taking a reset.
   During a day (a consecutive 24 hour              No driver may drive unless they have
period determined by the carrier) a driver      taken at least 24 consecutive hours off in
cannot drive:                                   the preceding 14 days.
• after having driven 13 hours; or                  A driver need not complete a daily log if:
• after being on-duty for 14 hours              • the driver operates or is instructed
                                                    by the motor carrier to operate a
   In each day a driver must take 10 hours          commercial vehicle within a radius of
of off-duty time, 8 of the hours off being          160 kilometres of the home terminal

CHAPTER TWO                                                         NATIONAL SAFETY CODE    21
• the driver returns to the home terminal
  each day to begin a minimum of 8                               Vehicle Safety and Carrier Services
  consecutive hours of off-duty time                             Room 401, Provincial Building
• the motor carrier maintains accurate                           4920 – 51 Street
  and legible records showing, for each                          Red Deer, Alberta
  day, the driver’s duty status and elected                      T4N 6K8
  cycle, the hour at which each duty                             403 340-5021
  status begins and ends and the total                           For toll-free service from anywhere
  number of hours spent in each status                           in Alberta, call 310-0000
  and keeps those records for a minimum
  period of 6 months after the day on
  which they were recorded and                                   Vehicle Inspection
• the driver is not driving under a permit
  issued under these Regulations
                                                                 Program (VIP) for
                                                                 Commercial Vehicles
   If a radius exemption from completing
a log is used, all other requirements of the                     To maintain and enhance the safety of
regulation must still be met.                                    commercial vehicles travelling on Alberta
   For more information, refer to the                            highways, the province has a mandatory
Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of                              safety inspection program. This is called
Service Regulation SOR/94-716, which is                          the Alberta Vehicle Inspection Program
available from the Queen’s Printer.                              (VIP) for Commercial Vehicles.
                                                                    The VIP for Commercial Vehicles is not
                                                                 a replacement for the ongoing preventive
Need more                                                        maintenance carried out by vehicle

information?                                                     owners, but rather sets the standards for
                                                                 owners’ maintenance programs.
To learn more about this legislation or to                          A commercial vehicle passing inspection
ask questions about the requirements,                            under VIP will receive a Commercial
check the following.                                             Vehicle Inspection Certificate, as well as a
   Alberta legislation is available from the                     Commercial Vehicle Inspection decal to be
Queen’s Printer at:                                              placed on the vehicle.
http://www.qp.alberta.ca                                            As with the National Safety Code,
or phone 780–427–4952.                                           municipal transit buses and farm trucks are
For toll-free service from anywhere in                           exempt when operating solely within the
Alberta, call 310-0000

More information is available at:
https://www.alberta.ca/ministry-
transportation.aspx

A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
borders of Alberta from the VIP.                 For toll-free service from anywhere
                                                 in Alberta, call 310-0000.
Which commercial vehicles                        NOTE: Please request to speak to the
need to be inspected under                       Vehicle Inspection Program Licensing
Vehicle Inspection Program?                      Analyst.

BUSES
All buses designed to carry more than 11         Cargo securement
passengers, including the driver, must be
inspected. This does not include municipal       It is important to ensure that all cargo
transit buses, but does include both school      carried by a commercial vehicle is properly
buses and commercial buses. Buses must           secured according to the requirements
be inspected every six months. Since             of the Canadian National Safety Code
1978, Alberta has had a semi-annual              (NSC) Standard 10, adopted in Alberta’s
inspection requirement for buses.                Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation.
                                                     Commercial trucks registered over 4500
TRUCKS AND TRAILERS                              kg are required to ensure the cargo they
All trucks, truck-tractors, trailers and semi-   carry is secure:
trailers with a registered combined gross        • A carrier shall not permit a driver to
vehicle weight (GVW) of 11,794 kg or more            operate a commercial vehicle where the
must be inspected. Trucks and trailers               cargo transported in or on the vehicle is
must be inspected every 12 months.                   not contained, immobilized, or secured
These are the same vehicles as governed              in accordance with the NSC Standard
under the National Safety Code.                      as it relates to the particular type of
                                                     commercial vehicle.
How can I find out more                          • A driver shall not operate a commercial
about the Vehicle Inspection                         vehicle where the cargo transported
Program for Commercial                               in or on the vehicle is not contained,
Vehicles in Alberta?                                 immobilized, or secured in accordance
                                                     with the NSC Standard as it relates
For more information about inspection of             to the particular type of commercial
commercial vehicles in Alberta, or to apply          vehicle.
for a Vehicle Inspection Program Facility        • A driver or carrier must ensure that
Licence or a Vehicle Inspection Program              cargo transported by a commercial
Technician Licence to inspect Commercial             vehicle is contained, immobilized or
Vehicles, contact:                                   secured so that it cannot:
                                                     ·· leak, spill, blow off, fall from, fall
Vehicle Safety                                           through or otherwise be dislodged
Main Floor, Twin Atria Building                          from the vehicle
4999 – 98 Avenue                                     ·· shift upon or within the vehicle to
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2XB                                such an extent that the vehicle’s
780–427–8901

CHAPTER TWO                                                          NATIONAL SAFETY CODE   23
stability or ability to move is adversely
       affected.
    If cargo is not properly secured, the
driver, carrier, or shipper could face fines
and penalties.
   The North American Cargo Securement
Standard can be viewed on the Canadian
Council of Motor Transport Administrators
website at; https://ccmta.ca/en/

A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
3
Trip Inspections
Purpose of daily                                               Vehicles that require
vehicle inspections                                            inspections
The purpose of a daily vehicle inspection is                   Provincially regulated carriers (those
to ensure the early identification of a vehicle                that operate solely within Alberta) must
problem and defects before the vehicle                         complete trip inspection reports on:
is operated on the highway. Inspections                        • Trucks registered for a weight of 11,794
prevent the operation of a vehicle with                           kilograms and greater; and
conditions that are likely to cause or                         • Commercial passenger vehicles with a
contribute to the severity of a collision.                        designed seating capacity of 11 or more
    The trip inspection process is part of                        persons, including the driver.
a carrier’s legal requirement to have and
implement a written maintenance program.                          Federally regulated carriers (those that
It also ensures there is clear communication                   operate one or more vehicles outside the
within the company about the vehicle’s day-                    province of Alberta) must complete trip
to-day safety.                                                 inspection reports on:
    Inspection reports serve as                                • Trucks registered for a weight of 4,500
communication between drivers, the carrier                        kilograms and greater; and
and the carrier’s maintenance department.                      • Commercial passenger vehicles with a
Reports are used to verify inspections,                           designed seating capacity of 11 or more
record defects, report defects and may be                         persons, including the driver.
used to verify repairs. Reports are completed
immediately following an inspection.                              A “commercial vehicle” is defined as
    A brief overview of the daily inspection                   a vehicle operated on a highway by or
program includes:                                              on behalf of a person for the purpose
• The driver conducts an inspection on a                       of providing transportation but does not
    vehicle or combination of vehicles.                        include a private passenger vehicle.
• The inspection is conducted with the
    use of a schedule which lists the vehicle
    components and systems that require                        Vehicle defects
    inspection.
• The driver completes a report                                Recording defects
    of the inspection.
• The inspection and report are                                The driver is required to record a defect
    valid for 24 hours.                                        on the report immediately after the initial
• The driver is to carry the schedule and                      inspection or upon discovery of a defect
    report in the vehicle.                                     while travelling or when discovered at the
• The driver records any defects found                         end of a trip or day.
    during the inspection, while en route
    and at the end of the trip or day.
• The driver reports defects to the carrier.

26   A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
Reporting defects                             vehicle(s) within the previous 24 hours.
                                                 In addition to the initial inspection,
For the purposes of reporting defects to      whether conducted by the driver or
the carrier, the carrier may designate an     not, the driver is required to monitor the
employee to receive reports of defects.       condition of the vehicle(s) for defects while
    Minor and major defects, which are        en route.
listed in a schedule, must be reported           In addition to drivers, other persons
immediately by the driver or inspection       such as maintenance or yard staff are
person to the carrier upon discovery          also permitted to conduct inspections and
  of the defect.                              complete and sign reports.
    Depending on the driver’s situation,         Where a trip inspection report has been
reporting defects to the carrier may be       completed, the trip inspection is valid for
done in person, by phone, via written         a maximum of 24 hours. This means a trip
report or by electronic means.                inspection conducted by a person may be
                                              used by another person provided it was
Driving with defects                          completed within 24 hours.
                                                 A person other than the driver who
A driver may continue to drive with a         conducts an inspection and signs the
minor defect that is listed on an inspection report is responsible under law for the
schedule if the driver has immediately        inspection and the information contained in
entered the defect on the daily               the inspection report. The driver may rely
inspection report and reported                on such an inspection and produce the
the defect to the carrier.                    report to an officer, unless the driver has
                                              reason to believe the inspection and report
Vehicle not to be operated                    do not meet the requirements, or the driver
with a major defect                           is aware or ought to be aware that the
                                              vehicle has a defect.
No carrier shall permit a person, and no         Any number of trailers may be inspected
person shall, drive a commercial vehicle      and added to a single report if the report
on a highway when a major defect that is      contains additional lines for additional
listed on an inspection schedule is present trailers.
on the vehicle.                                  All information required to be on a report
                                              must be accurately completed in full.
                                                 On the demand of a peace officer,
Driver inspection                             a driver must produce the inspection

required                                      schedule and the written trip inspection
                                              report. Alberta’s trip inspection legislation
The driver is required to complete and sign is contained in sections 9 through
a report upon completion of the inspection. 16 of the Commercial Vehicle Safety
Drivers are not permitted to drive a truck    Regulation 121/2009 and can be viewed
or tow a trailer unless the driver or another on the Queen’s Printer web site at: www.
person has conducted an inspection of the qp.alberta.ca

CHAPTER THREE                                                         TRIP INSPECTIONS   27
There are vehicle inspectors throughout                     associations and organizations also
the province who conduct commercial                            produce and sell schedules and
vehicle inspections. Vehicles that do not                      report forms.
meet the requirements can be taken
out-of-service until the repairs are made.
This can also result in fines and points                       Trip inspections
assessed on the Carrier Profile or the
driver’s Commercial Driver Abstract.                           Inspection procedures

                                                               NOTE: Only the driver is referenced as
Trip inspection                                                the inspection person throughout the

schedule                                                       remainder of this chapter.

Application of inspection                                          Drivers may choose an inspection
schedule                                                       procedure (circle procedure) that
                                                               best suits the vehicle and its location.
• A truck, a tractor and towed trailer                         However, whichever procedure is used,
  are inspected using Schedule 1. A                            each regulated inspection item must
  converter dolly is inspected as part of                      be inspected and where a defect is
  the trailer it is carrying. The dolly is to                  discovered the defect must be recorded
  be inspected again when carrying a                           on the report and reported to the carrier.
  different trailer.                                               The following detailed trip inspection
• Carriers are required to supply drivers                      is for reference only. Check with your
  with a copy of the inspection schedule.                      employer to determine if the company
• Drivers are required to carry and                            has its own forms for recording vehicle
  produce the inspection schedule                              condition.
  to an officer.
• A schedule and an inspection report                          NOTE: A vehicle trip inspection is required
  may be combined on the same                                  as part of the road test when applying for
  document.                                                    a Class 1, 2 and 3 driver’s licence.

Where to get inspection
schedules                                                      Before beginning the
                                                               inspection
Schedule 1 - 4 of National Safety Code
Standard 13, which is published by                              Choose terrain that is as level as
the Canadian Council of Transport                                possible and park the vehicle safely
Administrators (CCMTA), is acceptable in                         away from traffic.
Alberta, including when produced by the                         Set parking/spring brake. Place the
driver of an Alberta plated commercial                           transmission in low gear for a
vehicle. These schedules may be viewed                           manual transmission.
at: www.ccmta.ca. Some companies,                               Shut off the engine.

28   A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
 Chock the wheels and ensure the
        chocks will keep the vehicle from moving
        especially for vehicles equipped with air
                                                     Start
        brakes when they are released later. The
        minimum size for square blocks should
        be 15 by 15 centimetres.

Circle check

The drawings below illustrate one way to
make a full circle check. Do a walk-around
check before starting any trip. The circle
                                                     Start

check may be done in any order, but
make sure that you check everything and
always make a complete circle around the
vehicle. Much of the pre-trip information
                                                     Ambulance
listed below is common to all commercial
vehicles. Where there are extra items for
specific vehicle types, it is indicated under
its own heading.                                    Daily walk-around procedure
                                                    – items to check:
NOTE: The categories for a bus includes;
commercial, school and private buses.               Starting at the front of the vehicle and
Unique school bus items, if applicable              going down the driver’s side of the vehicle,
are noted.                                          from the front to the back, check the
                                                    following:

                                                    OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE
                                                    Under the hood
 Start                                              All vehicle types

                                                     radiator has no leaks, has adequate
                                                        coolant level and proper fitting cap
Truck-tractor and semi-trailer                       fan has no bent, cracked, missing
                                                      blades or loose mountings
                                                     all belts have correct tension and do not
                                                      show signs of wear
                                                     oil and other fluid levels are adequate
Start                                                air filter for condition
                                                     battery has no cracks, excessive corrosion
                                                      or leaks, terminal connections are secure,
School bus                                            battery is securely mounted (battery
                                                      location varies on different vehicles)
CHAPTER THREE                                                                TRIP INSPECTIONS   29
 steering mechanism has no bent,                               right and left turn signals work, lenses
  broken or missing parts, power steering                             are clean and not cracked
  pump and hose for leaks and adequate                          clearance and marker lights work,
  fluid level, steering mechanism has no                         lenses are clean and not cracked,
  wear or excessive play                                         and reflectors are clean
 all hose connections are secure,                              windshield is clean and free of
  have no leaks, kinks, cuts, abrasions                          major cracks
  or cracks
 shock absorbers are not loose or                             Truck-tractor
  leaking (if visible on the vehicle)
 suspension has no cracked, missing or                         licence plate is valid, clean and secure
  broken leaf springs, or U-bolts that are
  loose, broken or missing (if visible on                      Bus
  the vehicle)
                                                                alternating amber and red flashing lights
Vehicles with Air Brakes                                         work, lenses are clean and not cracked
                                                                 (school bus only)
 air compressor is securely mounted,                           pedestrian-student safety crossing arm
  condition of lines, fittings, hoses                            is secure, not damaged and works
  and couplers                                                   (school bus only)
 brake chambers for condition                                  clearance and marker lights work,
  and security                                                   lenses are clean and not cracked,
 slack adjuster angle, push rod travel,                         reflectors are clean
  mechanical condition and wear                                 crossover mirror is secure, clean and
 air lines have no leaks, kinks, cuts,                          not cracked (school bus only)
  abrasions or cracks
                                                               Ambulance
NOTE: During the pre-trip inspection,
return to the driver’s compartment as                           emergency lights work, lenses are clean
required to turn the lights on and off to                             and not cracked
check that they are working properly.
                                                               DRIVER’S SIDE
                                                               OF THE VEHICLE
FRONT OF VEHICLE                                               All Vehicle Types
All Vehicle types
                                                                steering axle tire has adequate tread
 no traces of leaking fluids on the                             depth (not less than 3.2 mm), proper
  ground under the vehicle                                       inflation, no bulges, sidewall separation,
 high and low beam headlights work,                             cuts or uneven wear
  lenses are clean and not cracked                              steering axle rim has no cracks, missing
 hazard warning lights work, lenses are                         pieces, bends or rust streaks, wheel
  clean and not cracked                                          fasteners are secure and not missing,
                                                                 broken or loose
30   A Commercial Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing
 oil level in steering axle wheel bearing,      tires are not touching and nothing is
  if equipped                                    trapped between them
 inspection decal is present, valid and in     second drive axle wheel rims have no
  the proper location (if required for the       cracks, missing pieces, bends or rust
  specific vehicle)                              streaks, wheel fasteners are secure and
 mirrors are attached securely                  not missing, broken or loose
  and not cracked                               fifth wheel coupler bolt is secure, slider
 driver’s door operates properly (does          is locked and secure, plate shows no
  not apply to a bus)                            damage, cracks or weld separations,
 windows are clean                              plate is flush to the apron (no daylight is
 fuel cap is present and secure (fuel cap       visible between them)
  location may vary on each vehicle)            fifth wheel locking jaws are closed,
                                                 plate sits flat on the underside of trailer,
Truck-tractor and                                kingpin is enclosed
three axle vehicles                             kingpin and pintle hitch eyehook (if
                                                 equipped) is not worn, damaged,
 handrail is secure                             cracked or broken
 steps are secure and in good condition        hitches (if equipped), pintle hitch or
 fuel tank has no leaks, tank is secure,        ball hitch is not worn and locking
  the air vent is not plugged and that the       mechanism is closed
  proper fitting cap is secure                  chains, cables (if equipped) have no
 fuel system lines are secure and               stress cracks or weld breaks and are
  have no leaks                                  securely attached
 exhaust system is in good condition, has      drive shaft is in good condition and
  no leaks, muffler is securely attached,        there are no obstructions
  and the heat shield (if present) is secure    suspension has no cracked, missing or
 storage compartment doors open and             broken springs, torsion bars or walking
  close properly and contents are secure         beams are secure and not damaged,
 first drive axle tires have adequate tread     no loose, missing, or broken U-bolts,
  depth (not less than 1.6 mm), proper           shock absorbers are securely mounted
  inflation, no bulges, sidewall separation,     and not leaking. If a vehicle has air
  cuts or uneven wear, dual tires are not        suspension, check for damaged, worn
  touching and nothing is trapped                or inoperative air bags
  between them                                  axle assembly has no breaks, cracks,
 first drive axle wheel rims have no            holes, broken seals or bends
  cracks, missing pieces, bends or rust         signal lights work, lenses are clean
  streaks, wheel fasteners are secure and        and not cracked
  not missing or broken                         brake lights work, lenses are clean and
 second drive axle tires have adequate          not cracked (whenever possible, have
  tread depth (not less than 1.6 mm),            another person activate the brakes
  proper inflation, no bulges, sidewall          while you check for proper operation)
  separation, cuts or uneven wear, dual         backing and docking lights work, lenses
                                                 are clean and not cracked (whenever
CHAPTER THREE                                                           TRIP INSPECTIONS   31
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