Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist —
free & printable
Every point drivers must check before a trip, ready to print. Plus how to log each inspection by QR code with a free vehicle inspection app — no app to install.
What is a pre-trip inspection?
A pre-trip inspection is the check a driver performs before operating a vehicle to confirm it is safe and roadworthy. The driver inspects the vehicle before each trip and must record any defect found. The carrier is responsible for making sure inspections happen and that defects are documented and repaired — this is the basis of the DVIR (driver vehicle inspection report) and DOT compliance.
Any safety-critical defect means the vehicle should not roll until it is fixed. See also our DVIR & defect reporting guide.
Pre-trip inspection checklist (printable)
Copy or print the checklist below — or check it off digitally by QR code.
1. Brakes
- ☐ Service brakes: response & pressure
- ☐ Parking brake holds securely
- ☐ Air brake system: no audible leaks
2. Tires & Wheels
- ☐ Tread depth adequate, no cuts or bulges
- ☐ Inflation pressure correct
- ☐ Lug nuts tight, no rust streaks
3. Lights & Reflectors
- ☐ Headlights (low/high), marker & clearance lights
- ☐ Turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights
- ☐ Hazard flashers & license plate light
4. Steering, Fluids & Visibility
- ☐ Steering: no excessive play
- ☐ Engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, DEF
- ☐ No leaks under the vehicle
- ☐ Windshield, mirrors & wipers clean/intact
5. Coupling, Trailer & Cargo
- ☐ Fifth wheel / kingpin secure, air & electrical lines connected
- ☐ Landing gear raised, doors & latches
- ☐ Cargo securement & straps
6. Safety Equipment & Documents
- ☐ Fire extinguisher, warning triangles, spare fuses
- ☐ Horn, gauges & emergency equipment
- ☐ License, registration, insurance, ELD / logbook
Defects found: ____________________________________________
Driver: ____________________ Date: ____________ Unit #: ____________
Paper gets lost and is hard to prove later. With FleetFault the driver checks off the inspection by QR code on the vehicle — every defect logged with photo, GPS and timestamp, as a complete DVIR record.
Log every pre-trip inspection as a DVIR
No login, no app store, no typed plate — in three steps.
1. Scan the QR code. The driver points their phone camera at the QR code on the vehicle. The vehicle is identified automatically.
2. Report the defect. Pick the item, add a short note, optionally attach a photo. GPS is captured if the vehicle is out of service.
3. Instantly in the dashboard. The fleet manager gets an email and sees the report with a timestamp — a complete, searchable DVIR record. It doubles as a vehicle inspection app for every vehicle.
Pre-trip inspection: FAQ
What is on a pre-trip inspection checklist?
Brakes, tires and wheels, lights and reflectors, steering and suspension, fluids and leaks, mirrors and windshield, coupling and trailer, cargo securement, safety equipment and documents. The full printable checklist is above on this page.
Who is responsible for the pre-trip inspection?
The driver performs it before operating the vehicle and must record any defect found. The carrier ensures inspections happen and that defects are documented and repaired — the basis of the DVIR.
How often is a pre-trip inspection required?
Before each trip and at the start of each driver's shift. It is a daily visual and functional check by the driver and supports DOT compliance.
Is there a free app to log pre-trip inspections?
Yes. FleetFault is free to start and works as a free vehicle inspection app: the driver scans a QR code on the vehicle and logs each inspection or defect with photo, GPS and timestamp — no app to download.
Log DVIRs digitally — free
Start free, no credit card. Your first vehicle is QR-ready in five minutes.
Get started — free