Arkansas CDL Arkansas Vehicle Inspection Test and State Checklist Addendum

Use the official checklist without added notes or prewritten markings. Name, point to or touch, and fully explain what each required safety-critical item is checked for. Set the parking brake and transmission before leaving the seat, use three points of contact, use wheel chocks, and do not crawl under the vehicle.

When checking steering components, Arkansas applicants must name the steering shaft, steering gear box, Pittman arm, drag link, steering arm, tie rod, castle nut, and cotter pins. These items appear in the Arkansas addendum on printed page 11-11 of the official manual.

For a Class A vehicle, Arkansas requires the frame to be checked in the engine compartment, behind the cab or at the coupling system, and on the trailer at the rear axle. Treat these as separate inspection locations.

For Class B and Class C vehicles, including passenger and school buses, Arkansas requires the frame to be checked in the engine compartment and at the rear of the vehicle near the rear axle.

Failure to follow examiner directions or an unsafe act can terminate the test. Any manufacturer-external labels placed on components are prohibited, and the driver must keep the vehicle secured whenever leaving the operating position.

Apply the rule to the exact Arkansas vehicle, credential, date, trip, test stage, and operating facts. The current DFA and State Police pages, current controlling law, federal requirements, and the current official manual govern when an older publication conflicts.