The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), Part 396 and the Michigan Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1963, require that all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) pass a periodic (annual) inspection. The  inspection must be performed by a qualified individual. Although the State of Michigan requires some mechanics to be state certified, this does not mean they are qualified to perform a periodic (annual) inspection.

To assist maintenance personnel in understanding the requirements for the inspection, the Michigan Center for Truck Safety offers a three-day Periodic Inspection Training course. This program has been developed to meet the requirements of FMCSR 396.19 and is open to qualified maintenance personnel.

Course requirements

Participants should have:

• Prior basic knowledge of commercial motor vehicles and their components, and

• At least one year of experience as a mechanic

Course objectives

• Discuss the inspection criteria for required parts and accessories specified in 49 CFR, Part 393
• Discuss the minimum periodic inspection standards specified in 49 CFR, Appendix G
• Familiarization with and comparison of the North American Uniform Vehicle Inspection Procedures and the inspection procedures contained in 49 CFR, Appendix G
• Familiarization with the differences between Out-of-Service-Criteria and the FHWA Annual Inspection
• Familiarization with identifying defective parts
• Familiarization with the requirements for the periodic inspection (including proper documentation) contained in 49 CFR, 396.17
• Familiarization with the tools necessary to perform a safe and effective inspection
  Provide participants with a systematic inspection procedure