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Pre-trip inspection checklist

A printable checklist for the inspection a driver does before every trip, in walk-around order, with OK and Defect boxes, a defects box and signature lines. Fill it in here and print it, or print it blank. Free, no sign-up.

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Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Inspection
 
Before you start
  • Reviewed the last inspection report (DVIR); listed defects repaired or not needing repair
Engine compartment (engine off)
  • Oil, coolant and power steering fluid at the right level; no leaks
  • Belts tight, not frayed; hoses not cracked or leaking
  • Steering box, linkage and hoses secure; nothing missing or leaking
Cab and controls
  • Gauges work: oil pressure, coolant temperature, air pressure builds
  • Air brake check: leakage, low-air warning and spring brakes work as they should
  • Parking brake holds
  • Service brakes stop the vehicle; trailer brakes respond
  • Steering wheel has no excessive play
  • Horn works
  • Windshield wipers and washers work; windshield clear in the driver's view
  • Mirrors clean, secure and adjusted
  • Heater and defroster work
  • Seat belt latches and releases
  • Fire extinguisher charged and secured; three reflective warning triangles on board
Lights and reflectors
  • Headlights, low and high beam
  • Turn signals and four-way flashers
  • Brake lights and tail lights
  • Clearance and marker lights, reflectors and reflective tape
Wheels, tires and brakes (every axle)
  • Tires inflated, no cuts or bulges; tread at least 4/32 in on steer tires, 2/32 in on others
  • Wheels and rims not cracked or bent; no loose or missing lug nuts
  • Hub and axle seals not leaking
  • Brake chambers, slack adjusters, hoses and linings intact
  • Springs, mounts and air bags not broken or leaking
Coupling
  • Fifth wheel locked: jaws closed around the kingpin, no gap, release handle locked
  • Air and electrical lines connected; not chafed, tangled or dragging
  • Landing gear fully raised; crank handle secured
Trailer and cargo
  • Frame and cross members intact; tandem slider pins locked
  • Doors closed and latched; cargo loaded and secured
Result
Driver signature
Mechanic signature (if repairs made)

49 CFR 396.13 requires a driver to be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition and to review the last inspection report before driving; 49 CFR 392.7 lists the parts that must be in good working order. Follow your carrier's procedure and your state's rules.

Free template from Yolda · yolda.ai

How to use the checklist

  1. Start with the last report

    Before driving, read the last driver vehicle inspection report for the truck. If it listed defects, check that a mechanic signed off the repair or noted that none was needed.

  2. Walk the truck in the same order every time

    Engine compartment, cab and controls, lights, then each axle's wheels, tires and brakes, the coupling and the trailer. A fixed order is how nothing gets skipped.

  3. Mark every item

    Tick OK or Defect for each line. Write each defect in the box at the bottom, with where it is, so the shop can find it.

  4. Decide and sign

    If anything affects safe operation, the truck does not move until it is fixed. Sign the sheet and keep it with your carrier's records.

Questions

Is a pre-trip inspection required by law?

Yes. Under 49 CFR 396.13, before driving a driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition and must review the last driver vehicle inspection report. 49 CFR 392.7 lists the parts that must be in good working order, from the service and parking brakes to the tires, lights, mirrors, coupling devices and emergency equipment.

What is the difference between a pre-trip inspection and a DVIR?

The pre-trip inspection is the check a driver does before driving. The driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) under 49 CFR 396.11 is written at the end of the day's driving; for trucks hauling property it is required when the driver finds or is told of a defect. The next driver reviews the last report as part of their pre-trip.

What tread depth do truck tires need?

Under 49 CFR 393.75, at least 4/32 inch on the steering axle tires and at least 2/32 inch on the other tires, measured in a major tread groove.

What emergency equipment must be on the truck?

Under 49 CFR 393.95, a properly mounted fire extinguisher and warning devices for stopped vehicles: three bidirectional reflective triangles.

Can I print it blank?

Yes. Press Print or save as PDF without filling anything in and you get a blank checklist to fill in by hand. Anything you do type stays in your browser.

Read more in what is a DOT inspection and DVIRs explained, or see how Yolda's safety tools track driver documents and inspection reports.

Keep inspections, repairs and driver documents in one place.

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