What drivers actually check on a daily walkaround

The daily walkaround check is one of the most important things a driver does before getting behind the wheel of an HGV. It's a legal requirement, it's DVSA-scrutinised, and when it's done properly it genuinely catches problems before they become dangerous or expensive.

But what does a proper walkaround check actually involve? Here's a practical breakdown.

In the Cab

Before you've even walked around the outside of the truck, there are checks to do from the driver's seat.

• Horn — does it work?
• Mirrors — are they adjusted correctly and undamaged?
• Wipers and washers — working and have fluid?
• Lights — indicators, hazards, brake lights, headlights
• Dashboard warning lights — any that shouldn't be on?
• Steering — excessive play?
• Brakes — park brake and footbrake functioning correctly
• Seatbelt — present and functioning
• Fire extinguisher — present and in date
• First aid kit — present
• Tachograph — disc inserted correctly (or driver card for digital tacho)

This isn't a tick-box exercise. If something isn't right in the cab, it needs reporting before the vehicle moves.

The Front of the Vehicle

Once you're walking around, start at the front.

• Headlights and fog lights — clean and working
• Indicators — functioning correctly on both sides
• Windscreen — no cracks or chips in the driver's line of vision
• Wipers — blades in good condition
• Number plate — present, secure, and legible
• Tyres — condition, tread depth (minimum 1mm for HGVs, though 2mm is strongly recommended), and inflation where visible

Nearside (Left Side)

Work your way down the left side of the vehicle.

• Side marker lights — all present and working
• Tyres — check all axles on this side
• Fuel cap — secure
• Steps and handholds — secure and not damaged
• Battery compartment — secure
• Air tanks — drain if required

The Rear of the Vehicle

• Tail lights and brake lights — working
• Reversing lights — working
• Rear marker boards — present and correctly displayed
• Number plate light — working
• Towbar or fifth wheel coupling — secure and lubricated where applicable
• Trailer connection — if coupled, all electrical and air connections secure

Offside (Right Side)

Mirror the nearside checks on the right side of the vehicle.

The Trailer (If Applicable)

If you're pulling a trailer, it gets its own set of checks:

• Coupling — properly connected and locked
• Safety chains or cables — connected
• Lights — all trailer lights working correctly via the vehicle
• Tyres — condition and visible inflation across all axles
• Bodywork — no obvious damage that could create a hazard
• Load security — if loaded, is the load secure and within the trailer's capacity?

Documenting It Properly

Checking these items is only half the job. The check needs to be recorded — clearly, accurately, and at the time it's done.

A vague entry that says "all okay" doesn't demonstrate that each item was actually checked. A structured record that goes through each item individually, with specific results and any defects noted, is what builds a defensible compliance record.

Systems like TruckCheck guide drivers through each item step by step, capture photos of any defects, and timestamp the whole thing automatically. The completed record is immediately available to the transport manager without anyone having to chase a paper book.

When You Find Something

If you find a defect during the walkaround, the vehicle should not move until that defect has been assessed. Minor advisories might be acceptable with management sign-off. Anything affecting roadworthiness needs to be addressed first.

Drivers who flag defects are doing exactly the right thing — and operators need systems that make it easy to report defects, track them, and resolve them properly.

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