Starting your shift with a coffee is one thing, but starting it with a proper look at your rig is quite another. If you are driving for a living, you already know that the HGV daily walkaround checks is a massive part of the job. It is not just a box-ticking exercise; it is a legal duty. At Commercial Transport Training, we have seen plenty of drivers come through our doors in Leighton Buzzard, and we always tell them the same thing: your vehicle is your responsibility the moment you hit the road.
If you skip your HGV daily walkaround checks, you are risking more than just a fine. You are looking at points on your licence, roadside prohibitions from the DVSA, or worse, a serious accident. Plus, if the traffic commissioner finds out you have been cutting corners, it is your livelihood on the line. Here is a down-to-earth guide on how to get it right every single time.
Why HGV daily walkaround checks matter for your safety
It is easy to get complacent when you have a long run ahead and the clock is ticking but these checks are there to protect you. And it is not just about the big stuff like brakes. Something as simple as a cracked mirror or a blown indicator bulb can get you pulled over.
The DVSA and the police can stop you at any time. If they find a defect you should have spotted, they can stop you from driving until it is fixed. That means downtime, unhappy customers, and a lot of stress for you. At Commercial Transport Training, we make sure our students understand that a good check takes about 15 minutes. It counts as working time too, so make sure you are logged onto “other work” on your tachograph before you start.
Your HGV daily walkaround checks: inside the cab
It is best to be methodical. Start inside and then work your way around the outside so you do not miss anything.
First off, check your view. The windscreen needs to be clear with no big cracks or chips that block your line of sight. Make sure your mirrors are clean and not cracked. If your truck uses cameras instead of mirrors, check that the screens are working and the view is clear.
Then you need to look at the dashboard. Turn the engine on and watch the warning lights. They should all come on and then go off. If an abs or engine light stays on, you cannot ignore it. Check the horn and the steering. The wheel should move smoothly without any weird noises or too much “play”.
Don’t forget the basics like seatbelts. Give them a tug to make sure they lock and check for any fraying. Also, check your height marker. If you have swapped trailers or changed your load, the height might have changed. Hitting a bridge is every driver’s nightmare and it is 100% avoidable if you know your measurements.
HGV daily walkaround checks: the outside inspection
Now you need to get out and walk around the whole vehicle.
Lights and indicators: Check every single one, front, back, and sides. they need to be clean and the right colour. If you are on your own, you can use a wall or another parked trailer to see the reflection of your brake lights.
Tyres and wheels: This is a big one for the DVSA. Check the tread depth (at least 1mm) and look for any cuts or bulges in the sidewalls. Make sure all the wheel nuts are tight. If you have wheel nut indicators, check they haven’t moved.
Brake lines and couplings: Listen for any air leaks. Check the hoses are not worn or tangled and that the couplings are secure.
Fuel and oil leaks: Look under the engine and the fuel tank. If you see a puddle, you need to find out where it is coming from before you leave.
Security of the load: If you are pulling a curtain-sider, make sure the straps are tight and the curtains are fastened. If it is a flatbed, check your chains or straps are secure. A moving load is a recipe for disaster.
Reflectors and markings: Check your reflectors and conspicuity markings are clean and not peeling off. If you are carrying dangerous goods, make sure your orange plates are showing the right info and are clean.
Recording and reporting what you find
It is not enough to just do the check; you have to write it down. Whether your firm uses a paper book or a digital app, you must record the result. If everything is fine, you record a “nil” defect.
However if you find a problem, you have to report it in writing to the person in charge of maintenance. If it is a “safety critical” defect, like a bald tyre or a brake leak, you cannot drive that vehicle. It is better to be late for a delivery than to be involved in a smash because you drove a dangerous truck.
We’ve seen drivers get into trouble because they thought a minor defect wasn’t worth mentioning but small issues lead to big ones. If you report it early, it can be fixed before it becomes a real problem.
Getting the right training
At Commercial Transport Training, we help drivers stay on the right side of the law. Whether you are just starting out with your HGV training or you need to top up your driver CPC, we cover all the essentials of vehicle maintenance and road safety. Our instructors have years of experience and they know exactly what the DVSA are looking for during roadside checks.
We provide training across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and beyond. If you are based in Luton, Milton Keynes, or Aylesbury, we are just a short drive away. We pride ourselves on a high pass rate and making sure our drivers are confident when they get behind the wheel of a full-sized vehicle.
Final thoughts on staying compliant
Doing your walkaround check every day might feel like a chore when it is raining or you are running late but it is the best way to keep yourself and other road users safe. Plus, it keeps your licence clean and your boss happy.
Make it a habit. Do it the same way every time and you won’t miss anything. If you need a bit of a refresher or you are looking to upgrade your licence, give us a call at Commercial Transport Training or complete our online contact form. We are always happy to help drivers improve their skills and stay safe on the road.
Remember, once you sign that defect sheet, you are saying that vehicle is safe. Make sure you mean it. Stay safe out there and keep those wheels turning.
