Is this the same as a DVIR?

A DVIR is the driver vehicle inspection report that commercial drivers complete to document defects. This checklist covers the same walkaround. For commercial motor vehicles, FMCSA rules set what the report must contain, so check those rules and add any required lines.

How long should a pre-trip inspection take?

It depends on the vehicle and whether it tows a trailer. The point isn't speed. It's that every item gets looked at. A rushed check and a skipped check look the same on paper, which is why many teams record the walkaround on a phone.

Who should keep the completed sheets?

Your company decides, based on its policy and the rules that apply to your vehicles. Keep them somewhere you can find them later, and keep the ones that show a defect and its repair.

Free template

A pre-trip checklist for trucks and fleet vehicles.

Walk around the vehicle, then check it from the cab. Write down every defect before the wheels turn. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF.

Also calledPre-trip inspection form, DVIR checklist, Daily vehicle inspection report, Truck walkaround checklist

See the sheet All free tools

Free to print, copy and change. It’s a starting point. Add the lines your equipment and your rules need.

Edit it in the builder

Vehicle pre-trip checklist

Date

Time

Driver name

Vehicle or unit number

Odometer

Trailer number (if any)

Walk around the outside

PassFailN/A

Tires and wheels: tread, inflation, damage, lug nuts
Headlights, brake lights, turn signals and marker lights work
Reflectors and reflective tape are clean and in place
Mirrors and glass are clean, secure and not cracked
Doors, bumpers and body panels are secure
No fluid leaks under the vehicle
Coupling, hitch or fifth wheel is secure, if towing
Cargo and load are secured

Inside the cab

PassFailN/A

Service brake pedal is firm
Parking brake holds
Steering has no excess play
Horn works
Windshield wipers and washers work
Gauges and warning lights work, none stay on
Seat belt works
Heater and defroster work
Emergency equipment is on board: warning triangles or flares, fire extinguisher, first aid kit

Defects found and action taken

Taken out of service? Yes NoReported to

Inspector signature

Date

Supervisor review

Date

A starting point. Adapt it to your equipment, your procedures and the rules that apply to you.Free template from portalbaseai.com

How to use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Step 1
Do it every time
Do the walkaround before the first trip of the day, and again whenever a different driver takes the vehicle.
Step 2
Write down every defect
A defect is anything that could make the vehicle unsafe or break down. Note it even if you think it's small.
Step 3
Hold it until it's fixed
If a safety item fails, the vehicle shouldn't go out. Report it and note who repaired it.

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Run this check on a phone, with a photo on any failed step, no signal needed. A failed step opens a repair and the record is kept for you.

Book a walkthrough See Inspections

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Common questions

Is this the same as a DVIR?: A DVIR is the driver vehicle inspection report that commercial drivers complete to document defects. This checklist covers the same walkaround. For commercial motor vehicles, FMCSA rules set what the report must contain, so check those rules and add any required lines.
How long should a pre-trip inspection take?: It depends on the vehicle and whether it tows a trailer. The point isn't speed. It's that every item gets looked at. A rushed check and a skipped check look the same on paper, which is why many teams record the walkaround on a phone.
Who should keep the completed sheets?: Your company decides, based on its policy and the rules that apply to your vehicles. Keep them somewhere you can find them later, and keep the ones that show a defect and its repair.

Related and more free tools

Free tool

A pre-trip checklist for trucks and fleet vehicles.

Vehicle pre-trip checklist

Walk around the outside

Inside the cab

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Do it every time

Write down every defect

Hold it until it's fixed

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Get new free tools by email.

Common questions

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