Vehicle pre-start checklist

A practical daily pre-start for light and heavy vehicles: walk-around, in-cab, and the defect rule that makes the whole thing worth doing.

How to use it: Adapt the items to each vehicle class, then run it digitally so checks are timestamped and failures escalate automatically. The one rule that matters: a failed item must stop the vehicle or raise a defect, every time, or the checklist is theatre.

Before you approach

• Licence current for this vehicle class, and you are fit to drive (rested, unimpaired).
• Load plan known: what is being carried, and is it within this vehicle's limits?

Walk-around

• Tyres: inflation looks right, tread legal, no visible damage; wheel nuts present (indicators aligned if fitted).
• Lights and indicators: headlights, brake lights, indicators, clearance lights all work.
• Leaks: no fresh oil, coolant or fuel on the ground.
• Body and glass: mirrors intact and adjusted, windscreen undamaged in the driver's view, doors and panels secure.
• Load and restraint: load secured to the restraint standard, gates and curtains fastened, nothing loose on trays.
• Couplings (if towing): coupled, pinned and safety chains attached; trailer lights connected and working.

In the cab

• Brakes: pedal feel firm; park brake holds. Air brakes: pressure builds and holds, low-pressure warning works.
• Steering: no excessive free play.
• Seatbelt: latches and retracts.
• Horn, wipers and washers work.
• Warning lights: no active faults after start.
• Emergency kit present where required (extinguisher, triangles, first aid).

Log and act

• Log the completed check with the time and odometer reading.
• Any failed item: do not drive if it is safety-critical; otherwise report the defect before departure.
• Defects reported here must appear in the maintenance system, visible until repaired.

Driver: [name] · Vehicle: [rego] · Odometer: [km] · Date and time: [....]

Last updated 10 July 2026. General information, not tax or legal advice.