Every HGV needs a walkaround check before it is driven. DVSA is clear that drivers are legally responsible for the condition of the vehicle they are driving, and operators need a system that shows checks are done and defects are fixed. A missed check can mean a roadside prohibition, a fine, or a problem for the operator licence.
When should an HGV walkaround check be done?
A walkaround check should be done at least once every 24 hours, usually before the vehicle's first journey of the day. If the vehicle changes driver during the day, the new driver should also satisfy themselves that it is safe. DVSA's official guidance and video show what to check and are available in several languages.
What does a walkaround check cover?
DVSA's guide splits the check into items inside the cab and outside the vehicle. Typical items include:
- Mirrors, glass, windscreen, wipers and washers
- Dashboard warning lights and gauges, steering and brakes (including air pressure build-up)
- Horn, seatbelts and tachograph
- Lights, indicators, reflectors and markers
- Tyres and wheel fixings - tread, damage, inflation, loose nuts
- Fuel, oil and fluid leaks; AdBlue
- Bodywork, wings and spray suppression
- Coupling security, air and electrical lines on artics and drawbars
- Load security and vehicle height - to help avoid bridge strikes
- Number plates and markings
Vehicle-specific equipment, such as tail lifts or loading cranes, may need extra checks.
Recording and reporting defects
Drivers must record and report any defects they find during the check, and any that appear during the journey. DVSA can ask to see a record of the walkaround check at a roadside stop. If a defect affects roadworthiness, the vehicle must not be used until it has been repaired.
Many operators also use 'nil defect' reporting, where the driver records a completed check even when nothing is wrong. It is the only way to tell the difference between 'no defects found' and 'no check done'.
Proving walkaround checks are really done
The weak spot of paper defect sheets is that they can be completed without walking round the vehicle at all. With Checkmate, a smart device is fitted to the vehicle and the driver taps it with their phone to start the check. They work through the checklist, photograph any defect, and the report is created and stored instantly - with the time, the driver and the result. Transport managers can see which vehicles have been checked today without chasing paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Is an HGV walkaround check a legal requirement?
Drivers are legally responsible for the roadworthiness of the vehicle they drive, and DVSA expects a daily walkaround check before use. Operators must have a system for drivers to report defects.
How long should an HGV walkaround check take?
Long enough to check every item properly - typically 10 to 15 minutes for a rigid or articulated vehicle, depending on its equipment.
Can DVSA ask for walkaround check records?
Yes. DVSA can ask for a record of the walkaround check at a roadside check.
What is a nil defect report?
A record that the check was completed and no defects were found. It proves the check was done, rather than leaving a gap in the records.