Daily Driver Walkaround Checks: A Simple Guide

What Is a Daily Driver Walkaround Check?

A daily driver walkaround check is a thorough inspection of a vehicle and trailer by the driver before starting their driving shift. It’s a legal requirement and safety-critical task that helps make sure that the vehicle is roadworthy before it goes anywhere.

This check covers both the inside and outside of the vehicle, including the cab, trailer, tyres, lights, brakes, and load security. Any defects found should be recorded and reported so they can be dealt with properly.

The check must be carried out at the beginning of every shift and whenever changing vehicle or trailer during a shift.

Why Are Daily Driver Walkaround Checks So Important?

Daily walkaround checks play an important role in road safety. They help identify faults before the vehicle leaves the yard, reducing the risk of breakdowns, enforcement action, or accidents on the road.

Identifying defects early gives the transport team the chance to fix problems before they become dangerous. It also protects the driver, other road users, and the operator’s licence. Even small issues can turn into serious risks if they’re missed, which is why these checks should never be rushed or skipped.

How to Carry Out a Daily Driver Walkaround Check

A proper daily walkaround check should take around 15 minutes. Before starting, put the tachograph into ‘Other Work’ mode (the crossed hammers symbol). This ensures that the time spent carrying out the check is correctly recorded.

The check should always be done in a consistent order so nothing gets missed. Many drivers start inside the cab and then work their way around the outside of the vehicle and trailer.

Inside the Vehicle Checks

Front View, Mirrors, Cameras, and Glass

Make sure nothing blocks your view of the road. As a general rule, there should be nothing in the sweep area of the windscreen wipers. Some official stickers are allowed, such as an operator licence disc, as long as they don’t seriously obstruct visibility.

Check that the windscreen and front side windows are not cracked, scratched, discoloured, or excessively tinted. All mirrors should be secure, clean, and free from damage. If camera systems are used instead of mirrors, confirm they are working and providing a clear, correct view.

Windscreen Wipers and Washers

Check that the windscreen wipers are present, not damaged or worn, and working correctly. Make sure the washer system operates properly and provides enough fluid to clear the screen.

Dashboard Warning Lights and Gauges

Ensure all instruments, gauges, and warning lights are working correctly. This includes engine warning lights, emissions systems, ABS, and EBS. Warning lights should illuminate and then go out as expected.

Steering

Check that the steering wheel moves smoothly, does not jam, and has no excessive play. Power steering should work correctly, and there should be no excessive movement or lift in the steering column.

Horn

Make sure the horn works properly and can be used easily from the driver’s seat.

Brakes and Air Build-Up

Check that air pressure builds up correctly and that warning systems work. Listen for air leaks and make sure the footwell is clear. Test that the service brake operates both tractor and trailer brakes, and that the tractor parking brake works. The brake pedal should be secure and not excessively worn.

Height Marker

Confirm that the correct vehicle height is displayed in the cab. Remember that height can change if the fifth wheel is adjusted or if the trailer is loaded or unloaded.

Seatbelts

Seatbelts should be free from cuts, fraying, or damage. They must latch securely, retract properly when worn, and fully retract when released.

Cab, Doors, and Steps

Check that cab mountings and tilt devices are secure. Body panels should be firmly attached and not at risk of falling off. Doors should open and close properly, and steps should be secure and safe to use.

Outside the Vehicle Checks

Lights and Indicators

Check that all lights and indicators work correctly and that lenses are clean, secure, and the correct colour. Brake lights should come on when the brake is applied and go off when released. Marker lights should also be fitted and working.

Fuel and Oil Leaks

Make sure the fuel filler cap is correctly fitted. With the engine running, check underneath the vehicle for any signs of fuel or oil leaks.

Body, Wings, and Guards

Ensure all fastening devices work correctly. Cab and trailer doors should be secure when closed. Body panels, landing legs, sideguards, and rear under-run guards must be fitted, secure, and not damaged.

Battery Condition and Security

Check that the battery is secure, in good condition, and not leaking.

AdBlue Levels

Make sure there is enough diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue) and top up if needed.

Exhaust Smoke

Check that the vehicle is not producing excessive exhaust smoke.

High Voltage Emergency Cut-Off Switch

Confirm you know where the high voltage emergency cut-off switch is located, that it operates correctly, and that all high voltage components are secure and undamaged.

Alternative Fuel Systems

If the vehicle uses an alternative fuel system, check that you know where the fuel isolation switch is, that there are no leaks, and that all visible components are in good condition.

Spray Suppression

If required, spray suppression flaps should be fitted, secure, undamaged, and free from mud or debris.

Tyres and Wheel Fixings

Check that tyres are secure, correctly inflated, and are above the minimum tread depth required. The legal minimum is 1mm, however many operators adopt a 3mm minimum.  Look for deep cuts, bulges, tread separation, or exposed cord. Wheel nuts should be tight, and wheel nut indicators should not have moved. Make sure nothing is trapped between twin wheels.

Brake Lines and Trailer Parking Brake

Check couplings are clean and correctly positioned. Brake lines should be free from damage, wear, or leaks. Test that the trailer parking brake works. After the initial brake test, leave the engine running so air pressure builds and leaks are easier to hear.

Electrical Connections

Make sure all wiring is insulated, secure, and not likely to get caught or damaged. Electrical trailer couplings should be connected properly, and all switches should work as intended.

Coupling Security

Confirm that the trailer is correctly located in the fifth wheel or coupling and that secondary locking devices are in the correct position.

Load Security

Check that the load is stable and properly secured using the correct restraints. If anything doesn’t look right, report it and have it assessed, reloaded, or resecured before driving.

Number Plates, Reflectors, and Markings

Number plates should be clean, correct, and clearly visible. Reflectors must be the right colour, secure, and unobstructed. Vehicle markings and warning plates should be visible, securely fitted, and not obscured by dirt. For dangerous goods, hazard panels must show the correct information.

Other Equipment

Some vehicles have specialist or additional equipment. These items should also be checked as part of the daily walkaround.

How to Record a Daily Driver Walkaround Check

Daily walkaround checks are recorded either in a paper defect book or using a digital defect app.

In a paper defect book, the driver fills in vehicle details such as registration number, odometer reading, and trailer number. Each item on the checklist is ticked as it’s inspected. Any defects must be described clearly, dated, and signed by the driver.

On a digital defect app, each item on the checklist is marked off as it’s inspected. Any defects can be recorded, photographed and sent straight to the transport office and maintenance provider.

If defects are found, they must be reported to the transport manager immediately. Some issues will need to be fixed before the vehicle goes out, while others can be scheduled for repair later. Drivers can also fix minor defects themselves such as topping up fluids and changing wipers or bulbs. Always follow your transport office’s instructions before leaving the yard.

If no defects are found, a NIL defects report must be completed.

What Happens to Defect Reports After Submission

Once a defect report is submitted, either on paper or through an app, the transport office links it to any maintenance or repair work carried out. This proves that defects have been properly rectified.

All defect reports and proof of rectification will be kept on file for a minimum of 15 months and may be checked during audits or inspections.

Why NIL Defect Reports Still Matter

NIL defect reports are essential because they prove the walkaround check was completed, even when no faults were found. Without a NIL report, there’s no evidence that the check took place.

Keeping these records protects both the driver and the operator and shows consistent compliance with safety and legal requirements.

The Benefits of Using a Digital Defect App

A defect app allows drivers to submit reports instantly, without waiting to return to the yard. This reduces delays and removes the risk of paperwork being lost.

Apps can automatically record the time spent on the walkaround check and allow drivers to upload photos of defects. This makes it easier for transport teams and fitters to understand issues quickly and take action.

What are the most common problems found in roadside inspections?

Lighting faults are one of the most common reasons vehicles are stopped at the roadside. This includes lights not working, broken indicators, or missing or damaged reflectors. Even small lighting issues can lead to enforcement action.

Tyre problems are frequently found during roadside inspections. Common issues include low tread depth, damaged tyres, and incorrect tyre pressure. These defects can be dangerous and may result in the vehicle being taken off the road.

Brake and mechanical faults are also regularly identified at roadside checks. These can include air leaks, brake defects, or system warning lights. These issues can affect vehicle control and are taken seriously during inspections.

Walkaround Checks for Other Machinery Like Forklifts

Daily walkaround checks aren’t just for HGVs. Any machinery, including forklifts, should be checked before use and defects recorded in the same way.

The CTS Analysis defect app can also be used for forklifts, helping businesses keep consistent safety records across all vehicles and equipment.

Further Training & Tools

Driver CPC training focused on walkaround checks and defect reporting helps drivers understand their responsibilities and spot issues early. Check out our next Driver CPC covering Vehicle Checks & Defects here.

Tools like the CTS Analysis Defect App make recording and reporting defects quicker and more reliable, while dedicated walkaround check training gives drivers the confidence to carry out checks properly every day.

Or if you prefer paper defect books, CTS Shop has you covered.