Roadside English: Truck and trailer condition questions officers ask truck drivers
The officer asks about your pre-trip inspection, brakes, tires, lights and any problems. Say what you checked and what is wrong, if anything.
Practice this out loudDid you do a pre-trip inspection today?
Your answer should include: Yes or no, What you checked
Good sample answers:
- Yes, I did my pre-trip at 5 AM.
- Yes. I checked tires, brakes, lights and air lines.
Are there any problems with the truck?
Your answer should include: Yes or no, What problem
Good sample answers:
- No, the truck is running good.
- Yes, the check engine light came on yesterday.
When were the brakes adjusted last?
Your answer should include: When or how
Good sample answers:
- The brakes were checked at the shop two weeks ago.
- They are automatic slack adjusters. I checked them this morning.
Do all your lights work?
Your answer should include: Yes or no
Good sample answers:
- Yes, all lights work. I checked them this morning.
- I think one marker light on the trailer is out.
How are your tires?
Your answer should include: Condition of tires
Good sample answers:
- The tires are good. I checked the air pressure today.
- One trailer tire is low. I am going to the shop.
Do you have an air leak?
Your answer should include: Yes or no
Good sample answers:
- No, I did not hear any air leak.
- Yes, there is a small leak. I will fix it at the next shop.
Where is your fire extinguisher?
Your answer should include: Location
Good sample answers:
- It is behind the driver seat.
- Right here, next to the door. It is charged.
Do you have warning triangles?
Your answer should include: Yes or no, Where
Good sample answers:
- Yes, I have three triangles in the side box.
- Yes, they are under the bunk.
When was the truck last serviced?
Your answer should include: When
Good sample answers:
- Last month in our company shop.
- About 10,000 miles ago. The oil was changed.
Did you write any defects on your inspection report?
Your answer should include: Yes or no, What defect
Good sample answers:
- No defects today.
- Yes, I wrote that the left mirror is cracked.
Is your windshield cracked?
Your answer should include: Yes or no
Good sample answers:
- No, the windshield is fine.
- Yes, there is a small crack on the passenger side.
Do your wipers and horn work?
Your answer should include: Yes or no
Good sample answers:
- Yes, both work.
- The horn works. The wipers are slow on low speed.
How often do you check your load straps?
Your answer should include: How often
Good sample answers:
- I check them every 150 miles or three hours.
- At every stop. I checked them one hour ago.
Is your fifth wheel locked?
Your answer should include: Yes or no, How you checked
Good sample answers:
- Yes, I checked the lock and did a tug test.
- Yes, the jaws are locked on the kingpin.
Have you had any breakdowns this week?
Your answer should include: Yes or no, What happened
Good sample answers:
- No breakdowns.
- Yes, a tire blew on Tuesday. Road service changed it.
This tire is flat. Did you know that?
Your answer should include: Yes or no, What you will do
Good sample answers:
- No, I did not know. I will call road service now.
- I saw it was low. I was going to the next shop.