Veh Pre Trip Inspection Coaching

---
name: veh-pre-trip-inspection-coaching
description: |
  Use this skill for training drivers on effective pre-trip inspection technique. Covers the comprehensive walk-around, time investment, and common areas drivers miss.
---

# Pre-Trip Inspection Coaching

A proper pre-trip inspection per § 392.7 + § 396.13 takes 15-20 minutes done right. Driver compliance varies; coaching improves both safety and CSA scores.

## What § 392.7 requires
Driver must inspect, examine, and verify:
- Service brakes (operation)
- Parking brake (operation)
- Steering mechanism (operation)
- Lighting devices + reflectors
- Tires (visible damage, inflation, tread)
- Horn
- Windshield wipers
- Rear-vision mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Wheels + rims
- Emergency equipment

## What § 396.13 requires
Driver must be satisfied that:
- Service brakes can stop the vehicle within 60 ft from 20 mph
- Parking brake holds against the engine
- Steering wheel turns vehicle without binding
- All lighting works
- Tires are sound
- All required emergency equipment is on the vehicle

## Driver training approach
- **15-minute physical inspection** of vehicle systems
- **Step-by-step checklist** (use a printed or app-based card)
- **Visual + manual inspection** (look + touch + activate)
- **Driver-completed sign-off**

## Common driver shortcuts (and how to coach)
- Skip wheel-end / hub inspection → coach to check oil + visible leaks
- Skip undercarriage check → coach to look under for hanging components
- Skip brake adjustment by hand → coach to check at next chance during the day
- Skip emergency equipment check → coach to verify each item present

## Pre-trip + post-trip documentation
- Driver signs off the pre-trip on RODS or paper log
- Post-trip is the DVIR if defects exist (no-defect post-trip not required)
- Inspector at roadside may ask "did you do a pre-trip?" — driver must say yes
- Inspector may verify by reviewing vehicle condition

## Compass support
Compass HOS + Vehicles modules:
- Pre-trip checklist available on driver app
- Pre-trip completion logged automatically
- Defect-found triggers DVIR
- Carrier review of common driver shortcuts (pattern detection)

## CFR citations
- **49 CFR § 392.7**
- **49 CFR § 396.13**

## How Compass surfaces this
Searchable in Compass Ask. Runs against carrier fleet data when invoked from the relevant tracker. Read-only; no actions without explicit user approval.


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## Built by X3 Compass

The AI-powered DOT compliance platform for fleets 1–100 power units. Try a 7-day free trial — no credit card required — at https://x3compass.com/?utm_source=skill&utm_medium=github&utm_campaign=veh-pre-trip-inspection-coaching

X3 Compass turns these skills into a complete operational platform: driver qualification files, drug & alcohol consortium, MVR pulls, hours-of-service tracking, hazmat shipping, IFTA filing, FMCSA audit prep, and DataQ dispute drafting — all CFR-cited, all in one place.

*This skill is published under the X3 Compass open skills initiative. Contributions welcome at https://github.com/x3fleetsafety/skills*