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Pre-trip inspection checklist

A daily walk-around for vans, pickups and work trucks. Print a stack for your glovebox, or save it as a PDF. Each driver ticks OK or Problem before the first job and writes down anything that needs fixing.

Tip: choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog to keep a copy.

Vehicle pre-trip inspection

Free from getmilebook.com

Driver
Vehicle / plate
Date
Odometer
Walk-around
ItemOKProblem
Tires: pressure looks right, tread OK, no cuts or bulges
Wheels and lug nuts: none missing or loose
No fluid leaking under the vehicle
Body: no new damage; doors and latches close
Windshield and windows: no new cracks
Mirrors clean, adjusted, not cracked
License plate on and readable
Lights
ItemOKProblem
Headlights, low and high beam
Brake lights
Turn signals and hazards
Reverse and marker lights
Under the hood
ItemOKProblem
Engine oil level
Coolant level
Brake fluid level
Washer fluid
In the driver's seat
ItemOKProblem
Brakes: pedal feels firm, parking brake holds
Steering: no unusual play or noise
Horn works
Wipers work
Seat belts work
No warning lights on the dash after start
Fuel level for the day
Cargo and equipment
ItemOKProblem
Cargo and tools secured, nothing loose
Ladders and roof rack tied down
Doors lock
Fire extinguisher charged
First-aid kit
Reflective triangles
Paperwork
ItemOKProblem
Registration in the vehicle
Insurance card in the vehicle
Last inspection report reviewed and signed (if required)

Problems found / notes

Driver signature

Repaired by / date (if a problem was found)

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Skip the paper. Do it on the driver's phone.

Drivers tick each item OK or Problem in Milebook, with a note and a photo for anything wrong. You see every problem across your vans the same day, and every inspection is kept with the date, driver and odometer. Edit the checklist to match your vehicles.

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A pre-trip inspection in Milebook with a brake problem flagged and a note

When is an inspection required?

  • Federal rules cover commercial motor vehicles used in interstate commerce and rated (or weighing) 10,001 pounds or more, or carrying 9 or more passengers for pay (16 or more unpaid), or placarded hazardous materials. See the definition in 49 CFR 390.5.
  • Before driving, the driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition, and review and sign the last report if it listed defects (49 CFR 396.13).
  • At the end of the day, the driver writes a report of any defects found or reported. No report is needed if nothing was found (49 CFR 396.11).
  • Lighter vans and pickups used only within one state are usually outside the federal rule, but states have their own rules. A daily check is good practice either way: it's how you catch a soft brake pedal or a bald tire before it becomes a breakdown.

Sources: 49 CFR 390.5, 49 CFR Part 396. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Questions

Is a pre-trip inspection required for my van?

Under federal rules (FMCSA), a commercial motor vehicle is one used in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating (or combined rating, or actual weight) of 10,001 pounds or more, among other cases. For those, the driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving (49 CFR 396.13). Many cargo vans and pickups are rated under 10,001 pounds and aren't covered by that rule, but towing a trailer can push the combined rating over the line. The rating is on the sticker in the driver's door jamb. States set their own rules for driving within the state, so check yours.

What is a DVIR?

A driver vehicle inspection report. For federally covered commercial vehicles, the driver writes one at the end of each day listing any defects found or reported in the brakes, parking brake, steering, lights and reflectors, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment (49 CFR 396.11). Carriers that run only one commercial vehicle are exempt from the written report.

Do I need a report if nothing is wrong?

Under the current federal rule, no: drivers only have to prepare the report when a defect or deficiency is found or reported. Defects that affect safety must be repaired, and the repair certified, before the vehicle is driven again.

How long do I keep inspection reports?

For federally covered vehicles, the carrier keeps the report, the repair certification and the driver's review for three months from the date the report was prepared.

Is this checklist legal advice?

No. It's a practical daily check for vans, pickups and light trucks. If your vehicles are federally regulated commercial motor vehicles, follow 49 CFR Part 396 and your state's rules, and ask your insurer or a compliance adviser if you're unsure.