Driver daily walkaround check: the list that keeps a van legal
What a driver checks before the first drive of the day, how to record a defect, and why the nil-defect record matters as much as the faults.
4 min read
Before the first drive, every day
The check belongs to whoever is driving, before the first journey — not to the workshop, and not weekly. It takes five minutes done properly.
Outside the vehicle
Lights and indicators. Tyres for tread, damage and pressure, including the spare. Wheel nuts and any indicators. Mirrors and glass. Body and doors. Number plates. Reflectors and markings. Load security, straps and the tail lift. Leaks under the vehicle. Fuel or charging cap.
Inside the cab
Brakes and brake warning. Steering. Horn. Washers and wipers. Warning lamps. Seatbelts. Height marker if fitted. Tachograph or telematics working. First aid kit, fire extinguisher and spill kit present.
Record a nil defect too
A signed record saying nothing was wrong is the evidence that the check happened. Only recording faults leaves you unable to show the clean days.
Defect to repair, in writing
A defect gets reported the same day, assessed as roadworthy or not, and the vehicle is taken off the run if it is not. Keep the repair note and the sign-off with the original defect so the trail is complete.
Copy this table
| Date | Vehicle reg | Driver | Odometer | Lights | Tyres | Brakes | Mirrors & glass | Load security | Leaks | Warning lamps | Nil defect | Defect found | Roadworthy | Reported to | Repaired on | Signed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Keep these records without the paperwork — Unity & Utility logs drills, inspections and incidents, and flags what is overdue on its own.
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