Card 1

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1.1

Tasks before departure at the digital tachograph

• Insert the card

• Check date & time

• Make manual entry

• Enter start country (D)

• Set to "other work" ( 2 Hammer) and perform departure check

2.1

Checking the brake fluid level

Modern trucks have an air brake system, so there is no brake fluid.

Video

3.1

Checking tire size based on the registration certificate (Part I)

• Take the registration certificate to a tire

• Check whether the tire data matches the data in the certificate

• Possible examiner question: "Are tires other than those listed in the certificate allowed?" → Answer: No!

• Possible question: "What do the numbers on the tire mean?"

  • Example: 385/55 R 22.5

    • 385 mm is the width of the tread

    • 55% of the 385 mm is the height of the sidewall

    • R = radial tire

    • 22.5 inches = rim diameter

4.1

Checking brake lights, license plate lights, and reflectors

• Ask your driving instructor to sit in the truck

• Go to the rear and ask the instructor to press the brake

• Check if the brake lights work

• Ask your instructor to switch on the low beam

• Check the license plate light by holding your hand under the lamp

• (The reflector is the "cat’s eye" to the left and right of the rear lights – they have no own light source, only reflection)

• Check that the reflectors are clean and undamaged

5.1

Visual inspection of radiator and cooling lines, checking the coolant level

• Open the hood

• Show the examiner where the radiator is

• Cooling fins must be intact and free from leaves or dirt

• Look under the truck for possible coolant leaks

• Check the hoses for leaks

• If the truck is low on coolant, a warning will appear in the driver's display

• Or the truck has a visible expansion tank – the level must be between MIN and MAX

6.1

Warning light (function), warning triangle, safety vest (presence)

• Take out the warning light and set it up (must be stable)

• Look for the approval mark (wavy line)

• Switch on the blinking light

• Switch on the steady light

• Turn the switch to test mode and hold it for at least 3 seconds. The light must continue blinking.

7.1

For Class D only

This is the full version. Click here to jump to the short version.

1.1

Tasks before departure at the digital tachograph

Check first whether your training vehicle has:

• An analog tachograph (records on diagram disc), or

• A digital tachograph (records on driver card)

Analog tachograph:

Diagram discs record driving time, working time, availability, and rest time. They also document distance and speed. Correct discs must be used and properly filled in:

• Check that approval mark and speed range match the device

• Fill in the front: name, place of departure, date, license plate, odometer reading

• Insert the disc correctly

• Check clock setting

Note: If you’ve already used a disc earlier in the day, you may reuse it.

Digital tachograph:

Records are stored digitally. Procedure:

• Open card slot 1

• Insert driver card (chip up, arrow forward)

• Wait for system to read the card

• You may see "Welcome", local time, UTC time

• You may see a progress bar, hourglass, or "Reading card..."

• Your name and last card removal time will appear

• Follow the login menu

• Choose whether to enter manual activities (e.g., rest times)

• Confirm with OK or Enter

• Select and confirm start country

• The tachograph is now ready

Note: If no card is available, the task is replaced or discussed theoretically

2.1

Checking the brake fluid level

With hydraulic brake systems, the fluid level must be checked. Only with sufficient brake fluid can pressure be transferred effectively. A low level suggests wear or defects.

Procedure:

• Visually inspect reservoir level (MIN and MAX markings)

Note: The fluid level in the hydraulic clutch is not part of this check.

3.1

Checking tire size using the vehicle registration (Part I)

Only tires listed in section 15.1 to 15.3 of the registration document or sections 20/21 of the old certificate may be used.

Others require official approval.

Procedure:

• Compare certificate data with tire sidewall

• If there's a mismatch, suggest proper steps (e.g., ask manufacturer or technical authority)

Note: Check is done on one example wheel.

4.1

Check brake lights, license plate lighting, and reflectors

Other drivers must recognize when you're braking. At night, license plates must remain readable. Reflectors must define the vehicle's outline.

Procedure:

• Check function, cleanliness, and condition of:

  • Brake lights

  • License plate lighting

  • Reflectors

5.1

Visual inspection of radiator and cooling system, check coolant

Combustion produces heat that must be removed. Most engines use water cooling. Low coolant = overheating = engine failure.

Procedure:

• Show coolant level in expansion tank

• Check radiator and hoses for leaks

• Explain how low level is indicated (e.g., warning light, sound)

Note: Don’t open the radiator cap when hot!

6.1

Warning light, triangle, and safety vest (availability)

Emergency equipment is mandatory for safe vehicle operation. Safety vests are compulsory in commercial vehicles.

Procedure:

• Confirm triangle is present

• Test the warning light (including battery check, no explanation needed)

• Check that safety vests are on board

7.1

For Class D only