Cab and controls
- Windscreen clean and undamaged, wipers and washers working
- Mirrors and cameras clean and correctly adjusted
- Horn, steering and handbrake working
- Seat belt and seat secure
- No dashboard warning lights after starting
Lights and signals
- Headlights, dipped and main beam
- Indicators and hazard lights
- Brake lights and reverse light
- Reflectors, side markers and number plate light
Wheels and tyres
- Tyre condition, tread and pressure by sight
- No cuts, bulges or exposed cords
- Wheel nuts tight, with no rust trails or missing indicators
- Spare wheel secure if carried
Body and security
- Doors, tailgate and curtains secure
- Mudguards and spray suppression fitted and undamaged
- Number plates clean and legible
- Load secure and within the weight limit
Fluids and leaks
- Engine oil, coolant and screen wash topped up
- Fuel and AdBlue caps fitted
- No oil, fuel, coolant or air leaks under the vehicle
Trailer and coupling
- Coupling secure, air lines and electrical connection fitted
- Landing legs fully raised
- Trailer lights, tyres and body checked
Paperwork
- Driver licence, and CPC card if applicable
- Tachograph card and enough paper, if used
- Insurance and any permits
Put it in Kovi
You can build this as a Kovi template in a few minutes. Kovi's default check already covers the cab, lights, tyres, leaks, body, load and trailer sections.
This list is a guide, not an official or exhaustive standard. Adapt it to your vehicles and check the latest DVSA guidance.
Questions
Is there an official checklist I must use?
There is no single mandatory form. DVSA publishes guidance on what to check. Your system must cover the points relevant to your vehicles.
Related
HGV walkaround check guideWhat to check on an HGV before every journey: cab, tyres, lights, leaks, load and trailer. A step by step walkaround with what to record and report.Van daily check checklistA quick daily check list for vans: lights, tyres, fluids, load and documents. Takes two minutes. Copy it or use it as a Kovi template.Custom checklistsBuild the checks your vehicles need. Tick items, number readings, photo items and different checks for different vehicle types.