CVSA Level I Inspection: The Complete 37-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose the Inspection Site

• Select a safe location — paved, level, away from traffic
• Must be able to support the weight of the vehicle
• Avoid hills, curves, soft shoulders, and construction sites

Step 2: Approach the Vehicle

• Observe the driver
• Adhere to inspector safety policies
• Be alert for leaks and unsecured cargo

Step 3: Greet and Prepare the Driver

• Identify yourself and explain the inspection procedure
• Ensure engine is off
• Check seat belt usage and condition
• Observe driver's overall condition for illness, fatigue, or impairment
• Check for illegal presence of alcohol, drugs, weapons, or contraband

Step 4: Interview the Driver

• Ask about starting location, final destination, load description, time traveled
• Most recent stop and fueling location(s)
• Ask what other jobs the driver has worked in the past week

Step 5: Collect the Driver's Documents

• Medical Examiner's Certificate and SPE Certificate (if applicable)
• Driver's license or CDL and record of duty status
• Shipping papers
• Periodic inspection certificates, CVIP
• Bills of lading, receipts, trip envelope

Step 6: Check for Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods

• Check shipping papers, markings, labels, and placards
• Check for any leaking material or unsecured cargo

Step 7: Identify the Carrier

Use vehicle identification, vehicle registration, insurance, operating authority, and driver interview.

Step 8: Examine Driver's License or CDL

Check expiration date, class, endorsements, restrictions, and status.

Step 9: Check Medical Examiner's Certificate and SPE Certificate

• Certificate date (may be valid for up to 24 months)
• Corrective lens requirement
• Hearing aid requirement
• Physical limitations

Step 10: Check Record of Duty Status

• Verify hours of service
• If driver claims to be exempt, verify all criteria are met
• Check accuracy of record

Step 11: Review Driver's Daily Vehicle Inspection Report

Review the required vehicle inspection report to verify that listed safety defects have been repaired.

Step 12: Review Periodic Inspection Report(s)

Ensure vehicle has passed the required periodic inspection and has the required documents and decals.

Step 13: Prepare Driver for Vehicle Inspection

• Explain the vehicle inspection procedure
• Advise the driver of the use of hand signals
• Have the driver put the vehicle transmission in neutral, release all the brakes, ensure the air pressure is at maximum, turn engine off, and ensure the key is in the "on" position
• Instruct the driver to remain at the controls
• Inspect the driver's seat

Step 14: Inspect Front of Tractor

• Check headlamps, turn signals (do not use four-way flashers to check turn signals) and all other required lamps for improper color, operation, mounting, and visibility
• Check windshield wipers and washers for proper operation
• Check the function of the horn

Step 15: Inspect Left Front Side of Tractor

Check front wheel, rim, hub, and tire.

Step 16: Inspect Left Saddle Tank Area

• Check fuel tank area
• Check exhaust system

Step 17: Inspect Trailer Front

• Check air and electrical lines
• Check driveline/driveshaft

Step 18: Inspect Left Rear Tractor Area

• Caution: Never place yourself between tires of tandem axles
• Check wheels, rims, hubs, and tires
• Check the lower, upper, and slider components of the fifth wheel assembly
• Check all required lamps

Step 19: Inspect Left Side of Trailer

• Check frame and body
• Check condition of hoses
• Check van and open-top trailer bodies
• Check cargo securement

Step 20: Inspect Left Rear Trailer Wheels

• Check wheels, rims, hubs, and tires
• Check sliding tandem

Step 21: Inspect Rear of Trailer

• Check tail, stop, turn signals, all other required lights and lamps/flags on projecting loads
• Check external ABS malfunction lamp
• Check cargo securement
• Inspect the rear impact guard (if applicable)

Step 22: Inspect Double, Triple, and Full Trailers

• Check safety devices on full trailers/converter dollies
• Check safety devices (chains/wire rope) for improper repairs or missing components
• Inspect pintle hook, eye, and drawbar for cracks, excessive movement, and improper repairs

Steps 23-27: Right Side Walk-Around

• Step 23: Inspect right rear trailer wheels (same as step 20)
• Step 24: Inspect right side of trailer (same as step 19)
• Step 25: Inspect right rear tractor area (same as step 18)
• Step 26: Inspect right saddle tank area (same as step 16)
• Step 27: Inspect right front side of tractor (same as step 15)

Step 28: Inspect Steering Axle(s)

• Inform the driver that you are going under the vehicle
• Enter the undercarriage in view of the driver — at front of power unit, rear of power unit, and in front of trailer axle(s)
• Check both sides of the steering system, front suspension, and front brake components
• Check the front axle and frame components
• Mark pushrods on both sides (if applicable)

Step 29: Inspect Axles 2 and/or 3

• Check driveline/driveshaft
• Check frame components
• Check the suspension and brake components on both sides
• Identify the size and type of the brake chambers and mark pushrods on both sides (if applicable)

Step 30: Inspect Axles 4 and/or 5

Same as step 29.

Step 31: Prepare the Vehicle and Check Brake Adjustment

• Ensure air pressure is 90-100 psi (620-690 kPa)
• Have driver fully apply brakes and hold
• Measure and record the pushrod travel and ensure brake lining to drum contact
• Listen for air leaks

Step 32: Inspect Tractor Protection System

• This procedure tests both the tractor protection system and the emergency brakes
• Ensure the emergency brakes are still released and have the driver disconnect both brake lines
• Ensure the air stops leaking from the supply line
• Have the driver give a full brake application
• Listen for air leaks
• Have the driver reconnect the lines

Step 33: Inspect Required Brake System Warning Devices

• Inspect the dash panel with the key in the "on" position for the function of the ABS malfunction lamp(s) (if applicable)
• Ensure that the low air pressure warning device activates with the key "on" and the driver pumping the foot valve to exhaust air
• Inspect the brake pedal

Step 34: Test Air Loss Rate

• With the engine running, the spring brakes released, and the air pressure between 80-90 psi (551-620 kPa), have the driver apply the service brakes
• Air pressure should maintain or build

Step 35: Check Steering Wheel Lash

With the engine running, measure steering wheel lash while wheels are straight.

Step 36: Check Fifth Wheel Movement

• Caution: If conducted improperly, this method of checking for fifth wheel movement can result in serious damage to the vehicle. Use caution and instruct the driver carefully.
• Remove the chock blocks and have the driver apply the spring brakes on the trailer
• Check for excessive movement
• Ensure the spring brakes are operational on the trailer

Step 37: Complete the Inspection

• Complete documentation
• Conclude with driver
• Follow correct and current out-of-service procedures (if applicable)
• Issue CVSA decal(s) (if applicable)