How to Pass a CVSA Test

Safety is paramount in the trucking industry, and that means subjecting your rig to frequent inspections to ensure it’s in prime condition. One of those inspections is the CVSA test, administered by the nonprofit Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, a group of industry representatives and government safety officials who work together to save lives and reduce crashes. Knowing how to pass a CVSA test is simply a matter of keeping your equipment well-maintained and your records well-organized. 

CVSA tests take place annually during a multi-day period when truckers must visit inspection locations. When you know what the inspectors want to see and take steps to get everything in order, including acquiring custom decal stickers for trucks to demonstrate compliance, acing CVSA tests is a breeze. 

What to Expect From a CVSA Test

The CVSA administers eight levels of inspections, with a Level I inspection being the most comprehensive check on the vehicle and the driver. Level II through VIII inspections focus on specific concerns; for example, a Level IV inspection focuses on vehicles carrying radioactive materials. 

Most drivers, therefore, should focus their efforts on how to pass a CVSA test that’s a Level I inspection. These inspections are a 37-step process that includes checking on the driver’s documentation as well as looking at the condition of critical truck parts and systems. 

As a driver, you must show the inspector your:

• Driver’s license
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Skills Performance Evaluation certificate
• Record of duty status 
• Hours of service 

The inspector will also check your vehicle for evidence of alcohol or drugs.

In addition to producing your driver documentation, passing CVSA tests also means providing maintenance records. Keeping on top of required maintenance is one of the best CVSA test strategies. Knowing what the inspectors will check ensures you can schedule service well before the annual inspection period. 

In general, you can expect the officials to look at:

• The brake, fuel, and exhaust systems
• Tires, wheels, and hubs
• Cargo securement 
• Steering and suspension
• Drive shaft
• Coupling devices 
• Lights and windshield wipers

While inspectors perform a comprehensive evaluation of your truck during the visit, they often prioritize specific systems or concerns for each inspection period. For example, in 2024, the inspections prioritized looking for drivers with a history of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as ensuring that specific valves on trailers aligned with safety standards. Pay attention to each year’s testing priority and the inspection procedures outlined in the CVSA test guide during your CVSA test preparation period to ensure the inspectors don’t uncover any cause for concern.

What Happens After the CVSA Test?

If you pass the CVSA test, the inspector will issue a decal that’s valid for three months. During that period, you will only need to submit to an additional inspection under very specific (and unlikely) circumstances. 

If you don’t pass the inspection, officials can put you and/or your truck out of service until you correct the deficiencies.

CVSA Test Tips to Keep You Out on the Road 

The absolute best advice for anyone wondering how to pass a CVSA test is to keep up with maintenance and documentation. While it might be tempting to push your rig past the recommended time frames for certain services as a way to save time and money, a failed inspection will quickly wipe away any advantages you gain. Even if you aren’t up against an inspection period, it’s always better to maintain your equipment so it doesn’t break down while you're on the road, putting you off schedule and leaving you with an astronomical emergency repair bill.

Scheduling maintenance when you’re at home or during downtime is a great way to ensure your truck stays in great shape and you don’t miss out on loads due to a mechanical issue. Other tips to ensure a smooth inspection process include:

• Conducting pre-inspections before each trip to catch problems early on
• Keeping your driver information documentation well-organized and easily accessible
• Complying with all applicable rules and regulations regarding hours of service, drug and alcohol use, and documentation
• Auditing your paperwork before each trip to ensure it’s in order; this includes your daily and periodic inspection reports, record of duty, and applicable permits
• Confirming that you have all the required equipment in your truck and that it’s in good working condition 

Let FMCSA Filings Help Keep You Compliant 

Keeping up with the ever-growing list of required permits and truck driver decals is one of the biggest challenges in staying compliant with the rules governing the trucking industry. If you stay on top of the paperwork and maintain your truck meticulously, you won’t need to worry about how to pass a CVSA test — you’ll get through the inspection station with flying colors, knowing that your truck is safe. FMCA Filings is here to help, so visit today to see how easy it can be to stay compliant and keep your business moving forward.