Driver Evaluation

Service brakes, including trailer brake connections (Brake airline hoses, compressor belts, tractor protection valve, low air warning device). Parking brake

Leaks, belts, liquids, steering mechanism, missing bolts/nuts

Inflation, tread wear, cuts in sidewalls, mating, lugs or studs, grease leaks around hubs, mud flaps, valve caps, spare tire.

Headlights - high and low beam, clearance and identification lights, taillights, stop lights, turn signals, reflectors, side markers, four-way flasher, cab lights; horn, windshield wiper(s), windows, cleans & adjusts mirrors.

Spare fuses, emergency triangles, fire extinguisher, yellow vest

Fifth wheel, jaws, release lever on pintle hook, landing gear, air lines/e-cable

Oil and coolant levels, all (3) belts, missing links, nuts/bolts, leaks?

Apron, kingpin, body, suspension, tires, breaks, air connections, leaks, tandem pins, tandem position, doors & hinges, load locks, padlock, lights, mud flaps

Finds safe parking slip, aligns tractor and trailer, engages the parking break (yellow and red); performs proper disconnect sequence (1) hoses unlinked and stowed away, (2) landing gear lowered (3) releases handle (4) double checks steps 1-3 before pulling out; uses rear suspension air dump if needed

Lines up units, checks trailer/5th-wheel height, uses rear suspension air dump as required, backs slowly, tests hook-up; checks release handle position, makes sure locking jaw is securely locked, connects brake and electric lines, pushes the air into trailer tank to listen for air leaks, retracts landing gear, performs trailer post-coupling walkaround inspections.

Starts the engine with proper delay to allow for system test, checks air pressure and instruments, warms up the engine, rolls smoothly avoiding excessive clutch wear, checks surrounding and traffic, tests brakes, tests trailer wheels rolling.

Gets out and checks, avoids backing to blind side, backs slowly, uses guide if possible, parks legally, secures unit properly, parks confidently, ensures safety in all blind spots.

Blends smoothly in traffic, uses optimal lane, speed control, smoothness of operation, anticipates traffic problems, obeys traffic laws, signals properly, passes with sufficient space and smoothly, uses mirrors

Signals in advance, turns from proper lane, checks traffic before turning, turns at reasonable speed into proper lane, yields right-of-way.

Uses engine break smoothly to reduce speed as needed.

Has good attitude, yields right of way, maintains good space cushion, slows down at intersections, checks cross traffic at intersections, plans the next moves well in advance, respectful of other drivers on the road.