Permis PrêtHeavy-vehicle safety walk-around: the exam and the 24-hour rule
The safety walk-around is the vehicle check before departure; it is also the first practical exam.
Short answer: At the practical exam, the safety walk-around takes 20 minutes for class 1 and 15 minutes for classes 2 and 3; the pass mark is 75%. According to the guide, every heavy vehicle must have been checked in the last 24 hours, otherwise a new walk-around is required.
At the practical exam
The brochure describes a walk-around of 19 or 20 components, 20 minutes for a class 1 vehicle and 15 minutes for class 2 or 3, with a 75% pass mark (brochure, pp. 14 to 16; class 1 page). After a fail you retake only the failed exam, after at least 7 days.
What the guide says (chapter 6, p. 248)
- Mechanical defects (brakes, tires, wheels, hitch) would be a determining factor in more than 10% of accidents involving heavy vehicles; most could be found by an inspection before use.
- The driver or a person designated by the operator does the check.
- The Highway Safety Code states that every heavy vehicle must have been checked in the last 24 hours, otherwise a new walk-around must be done.
- Purpose: main components in good condition, owner and operator informed of repairs, no vehicle with a major defect on the road.
The detailed list of items to check is not in the chapter text: the guide refers to the SAAQ document “La ronde de sécurité” (see the SAAQ website).
The driver’s duties (chapter 3)
- Do the visual and auditory check and record minor or major defects in the walk-around report.
- Keep the report up to date and on board the vehicle.
- Do not drive a vehicle with a major defect.
To remember for the test
- Exam: 20 minutes (class 1), 15 minutes (classes 2 and 3); 75%.
- A check is valid 24 hours; otherwise a new walk-around.
- Walk-around report on board; no driving with a major defect.
Original heavy-vehicle questions with an explanation and a source: 10 free.
Practise for free
Official sources
- SAAQ, guide “Conduire un véhicule lourd” (French)
- SAAQ, brochure “Bientôt conducteur d’un véhicule lourd” (2021, French)
- SAAQ, class 1 combination of road vehicles (official page, French)
General information, current as of 2026-11-01. When in doubt, the official text prevails. Rules and fees can change: check saaq.gouv.qc.ca.