Perform efficient truck inspections and prove the roadworthiness of your heavy vehicles with a truck inspection checklist on your mobile.
This heavy vehicle inspection checklist, also called a DOT truck inspection checklist template, can be used by certified technicians to identify problems and mechanical issues of heavy vehicles. When used in SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor), this checklist also helps you do the following:
Truck inspection checklists or heavy vehicle inspection checklists are tools used to check trucks for roadworthiness and ensure that all parts of your truck fleet are equipped to pass annual regulatory and DOT inspections.
A truck inspection, also known as DOT inspection or DOT truck inspection, is conducted by the Department of Transportation, requiring all commercial motor vehicles (CMV) weighing more than 10,000 pounds to be evaluated in order to ensure that vehicle parts and accessories are safe and in good working condition. All CMV owners can prepare for and ace DOT inspections by performing regular checks with the use of heavy inspection checklists.
Meeting the truck inspection requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and similar agencies maintains the excellent performance of these heavy vehicles. It also contributes to the prevention of road accidents and other costly problems resulting from failure to catch issues that could have been addressed during regular truck inspections.
The following items and areas are checked using a DOT inspection checklist during routine truck inspections:
More details on this truck inspection checklist that you can view and download for free. Also available in PDF.
Truck inspection checklists not only help businesses prepare for the annual DOT inspection but also encourages regular heavy vehicles check-up to ensure driver, customer, and public safety. Taking advantage of a comprehensive checklist while conducting multiple inspections allows industries to streamline their process, standardize their approach, and help them avoid missing areas of inspection. Modify and use flexible heavy vehicle inspection checklists to reflect any regulatory changes from governing bodies, organizations, or industries.
Follow the steps outlined to effectively use a truck inspection form:
Most commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) weighing over 10,000 pounds have to undergo an annual DOT inspection. These inspections are carried out by qualified DOT inspectors who check all CMVs on the road are safe and in good working condition and that the business has proper recordkeeping processes in place. A DOT inspection consists of 6 levels which are:
During level 1, the inspector checks important documents such as:
The inspector will also check if the vehicle operator is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other hazardous material. Lastly, the following elements of the vehicle will be checked: seatbelt, exhaust system, brakes, turn signals, tail lamps, headlamps, wheels and rims, windshield wipers, steering wheel, and fuel system.
This level involves getting under the vehicle to check other parts of the vehicle that weren’t examined during the first level.
During this inspection, the inspector takes a closer examination of the vehicle operator’s credentials, such as:
Other inspection items include seatbelt usage and signs of drug and/or alcohol use.
Level 4 is a one-time inspection that examines a specific item. It is scheduled to validate or invalidate a claim about a vehicle.
This level of inspection inspects vehicle parts that were specified under level 1. Its difference with level 1 is that this is conducted without the presence of the driver.
This level is for vehicles hauling radioactive freight. The vehicle, cargo, and driver must pass the inspection before leaving for delivery. Once all criteria are met, a special decal is given as verification of passing the inspection. The decal, however, is only valid for one trip and will be removed upon reaching the delivery point.
Requirements for inspecting heavy vehicles may vary between states and countries, but the underlying principle remains the same: ensure the roadworthiness of these vehicles. Here’s a quick overview of the truck inspection requirements in select countries:
Operators of lorries, trailers, and other heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are mandated by law to perform regular checks for roadworthiness. These inspections should be carried out in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the HGV inspection manual.
The UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requires 2 types of inspections:
Roadworthiness inspections are also needed for heavy vehicles being operated in the EU. Similar to the UK, the region’s Road Safety Policy calls for 2 mandatory heavy vehicle inspections:
In Australia, the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) has set the minimum requirements for safety, emissions, and anti-theft systems on a national level through the Australian Design Rules and the Heavy Vehicle National Regulation. These standards apply to all trailers and heavy vehicles weighing more than 4.5 tons.
Qualified inspectors can refer to the National Heavy Inspection Manual when inspecting trucks, trailers, and other heavy vehicles. They can also verify additional requirements (if any) from their local authorities.
The person responsible for truck inspections may depend on the type of inspection to be conducted. For example, daily heavy vehicle inspections fall under the care of drivers and safety officers. Meanwhile, roadside checks require the expertise of qualified inspectors from the governing bodies in the country, region, or locality.
Trucks, lorries, trailers, and other heavy vehicles must be inspected regularly to keep them in tip-top condition for driving. The time frame can change based on the type of inspection and regulations in your area.
For example, the DVSA in the UK recommends daily routine checks and comprehensive inspections every 4-13 weeks, depending on the age and type of vehicle. Meanwhile, the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires vehicle checks at the end of each drive and inspections on a yearly basis.
Yes, many jurisdictions have specific regulatory requirements for truck and heavy vehicle inspections. The nitty-gritty details may vary for each area, but these laws generally include specifications about periodic inspections, adherence to specific procedures, and maintenance of inspection records.
A good truck inspection sheet should be easy to use and accessible offline and on the road to record defects and corrective actions. SafetyCulture is a powerful vehicle inspection app that does all this and more to transform your truck inspection process, making it more efficient and systematic. With your truck inspection checklist on the SafetyCulture app, you can:
This truck inspection form should be used before commencing long commercial trips to ensure your truck or heavy vehicle is roadworthy. This tool can also be used as semi-truck inspection checklist. Conduct a walk-around of the vehicle making sure to inspect the general condition of the vehicle, exterior, in-cab and engine compartment. Conclude by rating the overall condition and roadworthiness of the vehicle. Once done, generate and export a digital truck inspection report in PDF, Excel, or Web formats.
Inspection template Powered byA DOT truck inspection checklist includes a series of tests that checks motor vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition. Download and customize this checklist to prepare for a DOT inspection. Some of the sections that this checklist contains are the following:
Use this truck checklist before driving and when conducting regular driver training assessments for commercial vehicle drivers. Regular training and ride-alongs can help recognize best practice behaviours and identify and remedy bad driving practices. This mobile checklist can be used by an assessor while as a passenger and be used offline. Begin by capturing basic information of the driver and ensure pre-start checks are done correctly. During the drive, monitor engine management, driving technique and professionalism. Complete the report by assessing shut-down procedures, grade the overall outcome and get the driver to sign off. Prepare a final PDF copy of the report without even leaving the vehicle.
Inspection template Powered byUse this vehicle accident report to generate and maintain accurate register logs of accidents. Keeping up to date accident records can help improve safety performance of the vehicle during operation. Start by detailing the root cause of the accident, documenting physical damage of the vehicle vehicle and record witness statements. The inspector can also capture photo evidence of the injuries and environment and track the exact location of the accident being reported.
Inspection template Powered byAll commercial vehicle drivers are required to pass regular drug and alcohol tests to prevent road problems, ensure quality work operations and improve safety. Use this template when conducting drug and alcohol testing for your drivers. Record the driver’s consent via signature and document the alcohol and drug testing results. Generate a completed report for future reference and record keeping for future audits.
Jona Tarlengco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. She usually writes about safety and quality topics, contributing to the creation of well-researched articles. Her years of experience in one of the world’s leading business news organisations helps enrich the quality of the information in her work.
This truck inspection form should be used before commencing long commercial trips to ensure your truck or heavy vehicle is roadworthy. This tool can also be used as semi-truck inspection checklist. Conduct a walk-around of the vehicle making sure to inspect the general condition of the vehicle, exterior, in-cab and engine compartment. Conclude by rating the overall condition and roadworthiness of the vehicle. Once done, generate and export a digital truck inspection report in PDF, Excel, or Web formats.
A DOT truck inspection checklist includes a series of tests that checks motor vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition. Download and customize this checklist to prepare for a DOT inspection. Some of the sections that this checklist contains are the following: Log files DVIR CMV Driver Information Straight Trucks Truck Tractors Trailers Total Inspections (Roadside/Terminal) Recordable accidents
Use this truck checklist before driving and when conducting regular driver training assessments for commercial vehicle drivers. Regular training and ride-alongs can help recognize best practice behaviours and identify and remedy bad driving practices. This mobile checklist can be used by an assessor while as a passenger and be used offline. Begin by capturing basic information of the driver and ensure pre-start checks are done correctly. During the drive, monitor engine management, driving technique and professionalism. Complete the report by assessing shut-down procedures, grade the overall outcome and get the driver to sign off. Prepare a final PDF copy of the report without even leaving the vehicle.
Use this vehicle accident report to generate and maintain accurate register logs of accidents. Keeping up to date accident records can help improve safety performance of the vehicle during operation. Start by detailing the root cause of the accident, documenting physical damage of the vehicle vehicle and record witness statements. The inspector can also capture photo evidence of the injuries and environment and track the exact location of the accident being reported.
All commercial vehicle drivers are required to pass regular drug and alcohol tests to prevent road problems, ensure quality work operations and improve safety. Use this template when conducting drug and alcohol testing for your drivers. Record the driver’s consent via signature and document the alcohol and drug testing results. Generate a completed report for future reference and record keeping for future audits.
