Pre-Trip & Post-Trip Inspections (DVIR)
Before driving, a commercial driver must be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition. A good pre-trip inspection catches brake, tire, light and coupling problems in the yard instead of on the highway, and it protects you at roadside inspections.
- Truck drivers
- Bus drivers
- Work vehicles
Video: walk-around pre-trip inspection on a tractor-trailer
A systematic order
Use the same order every time so nothing gets skipped. A common sequence:
- Review the last vehicle inspection report and confirm defects were repaired.
- Approach the vehicle: look for leaks, leaning, damage and anything under or around it.
- Check the engine compartment: fluid levels, belts, hoses, wiring and leaks.
- Start the engine and check gauges, air pressure build-up, warning lights, horn, wipers, mirrors and heater/defroster.
- Turn on lights and flashers, then walk around and check every light and reflector.
- Walk-around: tires, wheels, brakes, suspension, frame, fuel tanks, coupling, cargo and doors.
- Check the brake system (see Air Brakes): leak tests, low-air warning, spring brakes, parking brake and service brake.
- Check emergency equipment: fire extinguisher, warning triangles and spare fuses if required.
What to look for
| Area | Check |
|---|---|
| Tires | Inflation (use a gauge), tread depth, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, mismatched duals, objects between duals. See Tires & Blowouts |
| Wheels | Loose or missing lug nuts, rust streaks, cracks, leaking hub seals |
| Brakes | Pushrod travel, slack adjusters, cracked drums, worn linings, air leaks |
| Steering | Excessive play, loose or damaged parts, leaks |
| Suspension | Cracked or missing leaves, leaking air bags, broken mounts |
| Coupling | Fifth wheel locked around the kingpin, no gap, air lines and electrical connected and not chafing. See Coupling |
| Lights | All headlights, marker, clearance, turn, brake and tail lights; reflective tape |
| Cargo | Secured and within weight limits; doors and tarps closed and fastened. See Cargo Securement |
En-route checks
- Watch gauges and mirrors constantly.
- Check cargo and securement within the first 50 miles, then every 3 hours or 150 miles, and when you change duty status.
- At every stop, walk around: feel hubs for heat (carefully), look at tires and listen for air leaks.
Post-trip and the DVIR
- At the end of each day, the driver must prepare a driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) listing any defects or deficiencies that could affect safety.
- Property-carrying drivers don’t have to submit a DVIR when no defects are found, but passenger carriers still do. Many companies require one every day anyway.
- The carrier must repair listed defects (or certify that repair isn’t needed) before the vehicle is driven again, and the next driver must review and sign the report.
Don’t drive it if it isn’t safe. Bad brakes, flat or cut tires, steering problems, broken lights at night or an insecure load can put the vehicle out of service. You have the right to refuse to drive a vehicle that violates safety rules. Report it and get it fixed.
Standards & references
- 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13: Driver vehicle inspection reports and driver inspection
- 49 CFR 392.9: Inspection of cargo and cargo securement
- CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria
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