The daily walkaround check is one of the most important safety procedures an HGV driver performs. It is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, and it is a core element of the DVSA's Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness. A thorough walkaround check takes 15–20 minutes and can prevent accidents, avoid costly prohibition notices, and protect both the driver and operator from prosecution. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what to check, how to record it correctly, and what to do if you find a defect — covering both rigid vehicles and articulated lorries in 2026.

Why Is the Walkaround Check a Legal Requirement?

The law requires that any vehicle driven on a public road is in a roadworthy condition. The driver is personally responsible for checking the vehicle before each journey. If a driver sets off knowing the vehicle has a defect — or if a defect existed that a proper check would have revealed — they can be prosecuted for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition under Section 40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The maximum penalty is an unlimited fine and disqualification.

Operators also have a legal duty to maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition. DVSA enforcement officers can stop any HGV at any time and conduct a roadside inspection. If they find a defect that should have been caught by a walkaround check, they can issue an immediate prohibition notice (preventing the vehicle from moving until the defect is fixed), report the driver and operator for prosecution, and record the incident against the operator's licence. Repeated prohibitions can trigger a Traffic Commissioner public inquiry, potentially resulting in licence suspension or revocation.

When Should the Walkaround Check Be Done?

The walkaround check must be completed before the first journey of each working day. If you change vehicles during the day, you must complete a check on the new vehicle before driving it. If you collect a trailer from a yard, you must check the trailer before coupling it. The check should be conducted in daylight or with adequate artificial lighting — never rush it in the dark or in poor visibility.

Full Walkaround Check: What to Inspect

1. Tyres and Wheels

Tyres are one of the most critical safety items on any HGV. Check the following on every tyre, including the spare:

• Tread depth: Minimum legal depth is 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width and around the entire circumference. In practice, replace tyres well before they reach the legal minimum.
• Tyre pressure: Use a calibrated pressure gauge. Refer to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressures for the load being carried. Under-inflated tyres overheat and can cause blowouts.
• Tyre condition: Look for cuts, bulges, cracks, or exposed cords on the sidewall or tread. Any of these are grounds for immediate replacement.
• Wheel nuts: All wheel nuts must be present and show no signs of looseness (rust streaks, paint cracks around the nut, or movement). Use a wheel nut indicator if fitted.
• Wheel damage: Check for cracks, distortion, or damage to the wheel rim.

2. Lights and Electrical Equipment

Walk around the entire vehicle and check every light is working correctly:

3. Mirrors and Visibility

HGV drivers have significant blind spots, making mirror condition critical. Check that all mirrors are present, securely mounted, clean, and correctly adjusted. Required mirrors include the main rear-view mirrors (both sides), wide-angle mirrors (both sides), close-proximity mirrors (both sides, mandatory since 2007), and a front-view mirror if fitted. The windscreen must be clean, free from cracks or chips in the driver's line of vision, and the wipers and washers must work correctly. Check that the cab windows and door glass are clean and unobstructed.

4. Brakes

Brake failure is one of the most dangerous defects an HGV can have. Check the following:

• Air pressure: The air pressure gauge must show sufficient pressure before moving off. Most vehicles require at least 6.5 bar (95 psi) before the low-pressure warning light extinguishes.
• Air leaks: Listen for hissing sounds from the air system. Check the trailer coupling connections for leaks.
• Parking brake: Apply the parking brake and attempt to drive off gently — the vehicle should not move. The brake should hold the vehicle on a slope.
• Service brake: During the first gentle application of the service brake, the vehicle should stop smoothly and in a straight line. Any pulling to one side suggests a brake imbalance.
• Brake chamber condition: Visually inspect brake chambers for damage or leaks where accessible.

5. Fluid Levels

Check the following fluid levels with the engine cold or after it has been switched off for at least 5 minutes:

• Engine oil: Dipstick should show between the minimum and maximum marks. Top up with the correct grade if low.
• Coolant: Expansion tank level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. Never remove the cap when the engine is hot.
• Windscreen washer fluid: Top up if low. Use a proper screen wash solution, not plain water, to prevent freezing and bacterial growth.
• AdBlue (if fitted): Check the AdBlue level. Running out of AdBlue will cause the engine to derate and eventually prevent starting.
• Power steering fluid: Check if the vehicle has hydraulic power steering.

6. Body, Chassis, and Cab

Walk around the entire vehicle and inspect the following:

• No obvious damage to the bodywork, chassis, or cab that could affect roadworthiness or create a hazard for other road users
• All doors, hatches, and panels closed and properly secured
• No loose or missing mudflaps
• No fuel or oil leaks visible beneath the vehicle
• Exhaust system intact and not blowing
• Fuel cap secure
• Steps and handrails secure and not damaged

7. Trailer Coupling (Articulated Vehicles)

For articulated lorries, the trailer coupling is a critical safety item. Check that the fifth wheel coupling is properly engaged (the trailer kingpin is fully locked in the jaw), the safety locking device is engaged, the trailer landing legs are fully raised and secured, all air lines and electrical connections are properly connected and not damaged, the trailer brake system is functioning (check the trailer brake warning light on the dashboard), and the trailer is correctly positioned on the fifth wheel with no overhang or misalignment.

8. Load Security

Before setting off, verify that the load is within the vehicle's gross vehicle weight and axle weight limits, the load is properly secured using appropriate restraints, the load does not obstruct any lights, reflectors, or the driver's view, and the load is not protruding in a way that creates a hazard. See our guide on HGV load securing rules for detailed requirements.

Recording the Walkaround Check

You must record the results of your walkaround check on a defect report form (also known as a driver defect report or vehicle inspection report). The record must include the date and time of the check, the vehicle registration number (and trailer registration if applicable), a list of any defects found (or a statement that no defects were found), and your signature. Report any defects to your transport manager or workshop immediately. If a defect makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, you must not drive it until it has been repaired and signed off by a qualified mechanic.

Many operators now use digital walkaround check apps (such as Fleetcheck, Trutac, or Fleetgo), which the DVSA accepts as evidence of compliance. Digital systems have the advantage of timestamping each check, creating an auditable record, and automatically alerting transport managers to reported defects. If your employer uses a digital system, ensure you understand how to use it correctly and that you complete every field accurately.

What to Do If You Find a Defect

If you find a defect during your walkaround check, the action you take depends on the severity of the defect:

Never allow yourself to be pressured by a transport manager or employer to drive a vehicle with a dangerous defect. You are personally responsible for the vehicle you drive, and you can be prosecuted regardless of any instructions you received. If you are told to drive an unsafe vehicle, refuse in writing and keep a record of the instruction.

DVSA Enforcement and Prohibition Notices

DVSA enforcement officers conduct roadside checks at fixed check sites and by stopping vehicles on the road. They use the DVSA's Categorisation of Defects system to classify defects found during inspection. Dangerous defects result in an immediate prohibition notice, preventing the vehicle from moving until repaired. Significant defects result in a delayed prohibition notice, requiring repair within a specified period. Minor defects are recorded but do not prevent the vehicle from continuing its journey.

If a DVSA officer finds a defect that should have been caught by a proper walkaround check, they will record this as a driver or operator failure. Repeated failures can result in prosecution and, for operators, a Traffic Commissioner public inquiry. Maintaining thorough walkaround check records is your best defence if your vehicle is stopped and a defect is found.

Walkaround Checks and Driver CPC

Vehicle inspection and defect reporting are covered in the Driver CPC periodic training curriculum. If you are due for CPC training, look for modules covering vehicle safety and roadworthiness — these will reinforce the walkaround check process and keep you up to date with any changes to DVSA guidance. See our guide on HGV medical requirements for other compliance obligations that apply to professional drivers.

Start Your HGV Training with GS Driver Training

GS Driver Training has helped thousands of drivers qualify since 1996. We offer Class 1 (C+E), Class 2 (C), C1, ADR, and CPC training from our facility in Surrey. Our instructors cover walkaround check procedures as part of all HGV training courses. View our courses or call 01252 447808.