Pre-Trip Inspection: Driver Duty
5 questions in the bank cover this topic. Everything below is drawn from the sources those questions cite.
Sources: 49 CFR 392.7, 49 CFR 396.11, 49 CFR 396.13, 49 CFR 396.7
What you need to know
392.7(a) puts it on the driver and the words are 'the driver is satisfied'.
Someone else's inspection is evidence, but the duty does not transfer with it.
Service brakes, including trailer brake connections. Parking (hand) brake. Steering mechanism.
49 CFR 392.7
396.13 requires you to review it and sign.
The signature is your record that you knew what the previous driver found, which is the whole point of the report existing.
Be satisfied that the motor vehicle is in safe operating condition
Review the last driver vehicle inspection report
49 CFR 396.13
396.11(a)(2) ends by saying drivers need not prepare a report if no defect was discovered.
The INSPECTION is still required, so the absence of paperwork is not the absence of a duty.
The report must identify the vehicle and list any defect or deficiency discovered by or reported to the driver which would affect the safety of operation of the vehicle or result in its mechanical breakdown.
49 CFR 396.11
396.7(b) allows movement only to the nearest place repairs can safely be effected, and only when that is less hazardous than staying where you are.
It is an exception for getting off the road, not for completing the job.
A motor vehicle shall not be operated in such a condition as to likely cause an accident or a breakdown of the vehicle.
49 CFR 396.7
All twelve items on the 392.7(a) list, grouped here into three.
The list is short enough to memorise and is the backbone of any pre-trip you will be asked to perform.
Service brakes, including trailer brake connections. Parking (hand) brake. Steering mechanism.
Tires. Horn. Windshield wiper or wipers. Rear-vision mirror or mirrors.
Coupling devices. Wheels and rims. Emergency equipment.
49 CFR 392.7
Check yourself
- Whose job is it to be satisfied the listed parts are in good working order?
- How do you deal with the last driver vehicle inspection report before driving?
- Must you prepare a written report on a day with no defects found?
- What may you do when you find a fault mid-trip?
- What must you satisfy yourself about before driving?
Answers are in the practice test for this topic.