About Course

DOT Annual Inspection Training Course Online

Course Duration: Approximately 65 minutes of video instruction and 5 section quizzes + final exam (5–10 minutes each)

DOT Annual Inspection training course provides a cost-effective way for mechanics, fleet managers, and owner-operators to learn the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that qualified inspectors are required to know. Whether you operate a small shop or manage a large fleet, this course helps establish consistency across your inspection team and reduces the risk of roadside violations.

DOT Inspection Training requires that anyone performing DOT annual inspections meet specific qualification standards under 49 CFR Section 396.19. One of those requirements is a thorough understanding of Parts 393 and 396, including Appendix A to Part 396 (Formerly known as Appendix G), which defines the minimum periodic inspection standards enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

DOT Annual Inspection training online covers all of those sections in detail, including brakes, steering, suspension, tires, wheels, exhaust, lighting, cab components, fuel systems, coupling devices, frames, rear impact guards, and cargo securement.

What You Receive Upon Completion

✓ Certificate of Completion with QR Code Verification
✓ 396.19 Inspector Qualification Form (PDF Download)
✓ DOT Annual Inspection Checklist (PDF Download)
✓ 100% Quiz Pass Requirement — Ensures Mastery
✓ Unlimited Quiz Retakes — Review and Retry as Needed

After each section, you must pass a brief review quiz before advancing to the next part. A general knowledge exam at the end of the course is required to receive your certificate. The qualification form recommends at least one year of experience as a mechanic or inspector in truck maintenance at a commercial garage, fleet leasing company, or similar facility, or in a motor carrier maintenance program. Keep both the certificate and the signed qualification form on file to document your qualifications for conducting inspections.

100% Self-Paced. Log in and out as needed, revisit any section, and review material as many times as you need before moving forward. Lifetime access — no subscription, no expiration.

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What Will You Learn?

  • Identify which commercial motor vehicles fall under federal regulations
  • Understand vehicle equipment requirements in 49 CFR Part 393
  • Understand periodic inspection standards in Appendix A to Part 396
  • Identify failing conditions for brakes, steering, suspension, tires, wheels, and exhaust
  • Identify failing conditions for lighting, cab components, fuel systems, and coupling devices
  • Inspect frames, rear impact guards, and cargo securement systems
  • Understand inspector qualification requirements under Section 396.19
  • Complete inspection reports and proof of inspection documentation
  • DOT Annual Inspection Criteria

Course Content

Introduction

  • Introduction
    06:48

Lighting & Reflective Devices

Brakes

Cab Components, Fuel System & Coupling Devices

Exhaust, Wheels, Steering, Suspension

Frames, Lubrication, Cargo Securement, Rear Impact Guards & Inspection Reports

Final Annual Inspection Quiz
Final Annual Inspection Quiz

Earn a certificate

Add this certificate to your resume to demonstrate your skills & increase your chances of getting noticed.

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Student Ratings & Reviews

4.9
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JW
16 hours ago
good info and easy to follow
JH
4 days ago
Good Information!
MW
2 weeks ago
Been in trucking 15 years but never had formal inspection training. This course filled in gaps I didn't even know I had. The sections on brake adjustment and exhaust system criteria were especially useful.


— CDL Driver / Owner-Operator
JM
2 weeks ago
Our company needed documentation that our mechanics are trained on annual inspection requirements. This course covered Part 396 qualifications and gave us certificates for each technician. Easy to follow and well organized."

— Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
JB
2 weeks ago
Took this course to get our team ready before the CVSA Roadcheck. Covered everything we needed — brakes, steering, suspension, all the Appendix A criteria. Straight to the point, no fluff. Certificate was a nice addition for our compliance files."

— Safety Manager, 12-truck fleet
WT
3 weeks ago
Very Clear information and easy to understand
SR
3 weeks ago
Straightforward and easy to understand. Loved the quizzes!
Great Course! Thank you!