Vehicle Inspection Checklist

A pre-trip inspection checklist for vehicles and fleets.

Published July 9, 2026

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Tires and wheels

Check tire tread depth meets the legal minimum.
Insert a coin or gauge into the tread groove; uneven wear often indicates alignment issues.
Inspect tires for cuts, bulges, cracks or embedded objects.
Verify tire pressure matches the recommended setting.
Check cold tires using the PSI specification listed on the driver door jamb, not the tire sidewall.
Confirm wheel nuts are present and tight.
Check the spare tire, jack and tools are present where required.
Inspect rims for cracks or damage.

Lights and signals

Confirm headlights, high beams and fog lights work.
Check brake lights illuminate when the pedal is pressed.
Verify turn signals and hazard lights flash correctly.
Confirm reverse lights work when in reverse.
Check marker, clearance and license plate lights.
Verify all lenses are intact and clean.

Brakes and steering

Confirm the brake pedal is firm with normal travel.
Check the parking brake holds the vehicle.
Any brake or steering fault makes the vehicle unsafe to drive until repaired.
Verify steering responds smoothly with no excess play.
Listen for unusual noise when braking or steering.
On air-brake vehicles, check pressure build-up and warnings.
Confirm no warning lights remain on for brakes or ABS.

Fluids and engine

Check engine oil level and condition.
Verify coolant level when the engine is cool.
Never open a hot radiator cap; check the expansion tank level against the cold fill marker.
Check brake and power steering fluid levels.
Confirm windshield washer fluid is topped up.
Inspect under the vehicle for leaks or drips.
Fresh puddles can indicate oil, coolant, or transmission fluid leaks that require immediate repair.
Check belts and hoses for wear or looseness.

Mirrors and cab

Confirm mirrors are clean, intact and adjusted.
Check the windshield and wipers are clear and functional.
Replace wiper blades if they leave streaks or chatter, and check the glass for growing rock chips.
Verify the horn works.
Confirm seatbelts latch and retract for all seats.
Check dashboard warning lights clear after startup.
Verify the defroster and ventilation operate.

Documents and safety

Confirm registration and insurance documents are present and current.
Check the driver's license is valid for the vehicle class.
Verify the first aid kit and warning triangles where required.
Confirm the fire extinguisher is charged where fitted.
Ensure the pressure gauge needle rests in the green zone and the safety pin seal remains unbroken.
Record any defects and report them before driving.
Sign, date and file the completed pre-trip inspection.

Driver sign-off (DVIR)

Odometer reading: ________________
Result (No defects / Defects found): ____
Defects reported to (supervisor): ________________
Signature: ________________

0 / 40 done

Before hitting the road, run through this vehicle inspection checklist to make sure your vehicle is safe and completely roadworthy. It covers tires, lights, brakes, fluids, mirrors and required documents, with a clear pass or fail standard for each item, supporting safe operation and DOT compliance for commercial fleets.

Most roadside breakdowns and many crashes trace back to issues a quick check would catch. A worn tire, a dead brake light or low brake fluid is easy to spot before driving and dangerous to discover at speed.

Use this checklist as a daily pre-trip routine for drivers and fleet operators, and as the basis for a driver vehicle inspection report where one is required. Mark each item, report defects before driving, and do not operate a vehicle with a safety fault.

Print the checklist for the glovebox or logbook, or download the PDF to complete on a phone or tablet and keep with your fleet records. Pre-trip inspections supplement, and do not replace, DOT/FMCSA requirements, the owner's manual and inspection by a qualified mechanic.

Regulatory basis (commercial vehicles): under FMCSA 49 CFR 396.13 a driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving and review the last driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR). 49 CFR 396.11 covers the post-trip DVIR, which motor carriers must keep for three months. For personal vehicles the same routine is simply good practice. Rules change and vary by jurisdiction — confirm against the current regulation text, your employer's procedures and the manufacturer's manual.

FAQ

What is a vehicle inspection checklist?

It's a pre-trip list used to confirm a vehicle is safe before driving, covering tires, lights, brakes, fluids, mirrors and documents. Each item is marked pass or fail so defects are caught before the vehicle is on the road.

Are pre-trip inspections required by law?

For commercial motor vehicles, the DOT and FMCSA require pre-trip inspections and a driver vehicle inspection report. For personal vehicles they are best practice rather than mandatory, but still strongly recommended.

How often should a vehicle be inspected?

Perform a pre-trip inspection before each trip or shift, and a post-trip inspection for commercial vehicles. Add scheduled servicing at the mileage or time intervals in the owner's manual.

What if a vehicle fails inspection?

Do not drive it if the fault affects safety, such as brakes, tires, steering or lights. Report the defect, take the vehicle out of service, and have it repaired by a qualified mechanic before use.

How long must a DVIR be kept?

Under 49 CFR 396.11, motor carriers keep the original driver vehicle inspection report, the certification of repairs and the driver's review for three months from the date the report was prepared.

What is the difference between a basic walk-around checklist and a multi-point inspection?

A basic walk-around inspection verifies essential daily roadworthiness, focusing on visible items like lights, tire pressure, fluid levels, and mirrors before driving. A multi-point vehicle inspection is typically performed periodically during scheduled servicing or pre-purchase evaluations. It involves detailed mechanical evaluations, including suspension components, brake pad thickness measurements, battery state of health, and underbody structural checks that often require raising the vehicle on a lift.

Can this inspection checklist be used for company cars and fleet vehicles?

Yes. Routine pre-trip checks help fleet managers maintain duty-of-care standards, prevent avoidable breakdowns, and ensure company drivers operate safe vehicles. Documenting tire condition, fluid levels, and defect reporting creates an auditable maintenance record. Regularly completing these inspections supports internal safety policies, reduces unexpected repair downtime, and helps businesses verify compliance with general workplace transport safety guidelines and commercial vehicle insurance expectations.

Built from public guidance and kept up to date — how we write our checklists. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.