A good pre-trip inspection catches the burnt-out brake light or soft tire in the yard instead of at a roadside inspection. This checklist is organized the way an experienced driver actually walks a vehicle, so it becomes habit rather than paperwork. For the end-of-day report, see our guide to DVIR requirements under 396.11.
Adapt the list to your vehicles and any state or company rules. This is practical guidance, not legal advice.
Want it on paper? Print the free DVIR & pre-trip checklist.
What the rule asks before a trip
Section 396.13 says that before driving, a driver must:
- be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition;
- review the last driver vehicle inspection report;
- sign that report if defects were noted and a repair certification was made.
The walk-around below is how drivers get to “satisfied” in a consistent, defensible way.
Walk-around order that saves time
- In the cab: last report, gauges, warning lights.
- Engine compartment (if accessible): fluids and belts.
- Front of the vehicle, then the driver’s side front to back.
- Rear and coupling.
- Passenger side back to front.
- Back in the cab: brakes test, lights and horn with a quick walk-around.
The checklist, system by system
In the cab
- Previous DVIR reviewed; any certified defects signed off.
- Warning lights and gauges (oil pressure, temperature, air pressure where fitted) normal after start-up.
- Horn works; wipers and washers work.
- Mirrors present, clean, adjusted and not cracked.
- Seat belt works; emergency equipment on board — fire extinguisher, warning triangles.
Brakes
- Parking brake holds the vehicle.
- Service brakes stop the vehicle without pulling; no unusual pedal travel.
- Air systems: no audible leaks; trailer brake connections secure.
Steering and suspension
- No excessive play in the steering wheel.
- No leaking power-steering fluid; springs and mounts intact.
Tires, wheels and rims
- Adequate tread, proper inflation, no cuts, bulges or exposed cords.
- No cracked rims; no missing or loose lug nuts (look for rust streaks).
Lights and reflectors
- Headlights (low and high), turn signals, hazards, brake lights, marker and clearance lights.
- Reflectors and reflective tape clean and in place.
Coupling (combination vehicles)
- Fifth wheel locked, jaws closed around the kingpin, no gap.
- Safety chains and electrical/air lines connected and not chafing.
Body and load
- Doors close and latch; no new body damage (photograph anything you find).
- Cargo secured.
What counts as a defect
Anything that would affect safe operation or could lead to a breakdown belongs on the report. If in doubt, write it up with a photo and let maintenance decide — that’s exactly what the repair certification step is for. Cosmetic damage is worth recording too: it settles “who did that?” questions later.
Paper vs app
Paper checklists work until you need to find one. An inspection app guides the driver through the same steps every time, requires a photo where it matters, works offline in the yard and sends defects straight to the shop. WW Inspectionsruns pre-trip and post-trip DVIRs this way on iPhone, iPad and Android, with certified repairs and the next driver’s review built in.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a pre-trip inspection take?
For a box truck or van, a thorough walk-around usually takes 10–15 minutes once drivers follow the same order every time. Combination vehicles take longer because of coupling and trailer checks.
Is a pre-trip inspection required by FMCSA?
Under 49 CFR 396.13, before driving a driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition, review the last DVIR and sign it when defects were noted and certified. A written pre-trip form is not separately required by that section, but many fleets require one as policy.
What should a driver do if they find a defect before the trip?
Report it, photograph it and don’t drive the vehicle until the defect is repaired or a qualified person decides a repair isn’t needed for safe operation.