Final answer:
A pretrip inspection should typically take about 30 minutes, allowing the driver to conduct a thorough check of the vehicle's safety features and compliance with regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pretrip inspection for a commercial vehicle should take approximately 30 minutes. This period allows the driver to thoroughly inspect the vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate before hitting the road. The inspection should include checks on the brakes, steering, lights and reflectors, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, and emergency equipment. It’s important for drivers to be meticulous and not rush this process as it's crucial for road safety and compliance with transportation regulations.