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Truck Pre-Start Checklist

Daily pre-trip inspection | Rigid, articulated and B-double trucks

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PAGE 1 OF 2

Truck & Driver Details

Inspection Items – Page 1 of 2

Mark: P = Pass  |  F = Fail  |  N/A = Not applicable. Record notes for any F. Do not drive if any F is present until rectified and signed off.

# Check Item P F N/A Notes / Action
A – Cab Exterior
1Windscreen: no cracks, wipers functional, washers operationalN/A
2Mirrors: no damage, correctly adjustedN/A
3Headlights: operationalN/A
4Indicators (front and rear): operationalN/A
5Brake lights: operationalN/A
6Tail lights and clearance lights: operationalN/A
7Hazard lights: operationalN/A
8Cab body and doors: no significant damage, doors secureN/A
9Steps and grab handles: secure, no damageN/A
10Number plates: present, legible, securedN/A
11Reflectors and reflective tape: present, in good conditionN/A
B – Engine and Mechanical
12Engine oil level: within range, no visible leaksN/A
13Coolant level: within range, no leaksN/A
14Power steering fluid: within rangeN/A
15Brake fluid level (or air pressure if air brakes): within specificationN/A
16Fan belts: no cracks, correct tensionN/A
17Coolant hoses: no cracks, secure, no leaksN/A
18Battery: terminals clean and secureN/A
19Fuel level: adequate for planned routeN/A
20Under-truck inspection: no fuel, oil or coolant leaksN/A
21Exhaust system: no visible damage, no excessive smokeN/A
22Air dryer (air brake systems): operationalN/A
C – Tyres and Wheels
23Steer tyres: tread depth adequate, no cuts or bulges, pressure correctN/A
24Drive tyres (all axles): tread depth adequate, no cuts or bulges, pressure correctN/A
25Trailer tyres (if applicable): tread depth adequate, condition, pressureN/A
26Wheel nuts: none loose or missing on all axlesN/A
27Spare tyre (if carried): condition and pressureN/A
28Mudflaps: present and secureN/A
Truck Pre-Start Checklist – Page 2 of 2
Fleet #
Date
Driver

Mark: P = Pass  |  F = Fail  |  N/A = Not applicable. Record notes for any F.

# Check Item P F N/A Notes / Action
D – Brakes and Steering
29Service brake: pedal firm, adequate stopping powerN/A
30Parking / handbrake: holds on gradientN/A
31Exhaust brake / engine brake (if fitted): operationalN/A
32Air brake build-up time (if applicable): within specificationN/A
33ABS warning light: extinguishes on start-upN/A
34Steering: no excessive free play, no vibrationN/A
E – Interior and Controls
35Seatbelt: functional, not frayed or damagedN/A
36Seat adjustment: secure, functionalN/A
37Horn: operationalN/A
38Dashboard gauges: all reading normallyN/A
39Warning lights: no active warningsN/A
40Air conditioning / heating: functionalN/A
41Reversing alarm: operationalN/A
42Reversing camera (if fitted): operationalN/A
43Two-way radio (if required): operational and chargedN/A
F – Safety and Compliance
44Fire extinguisher: present, charged, in date, accessibleN/A
45First aid kit: present, stockedN/A
46Warning triangles / flares: presentN/A
47Load restraint equipment (chains, straps, ratchets): present, in good conditionN/A
48Speed limiter: operationalN/A
49Fatigue management documentation: currentN/A
50Registration: currentN/A
51Roadworthy / inspection certificate: currentN/A
G – Trailer Checks (if applicable)
52Coupling: kingpin / turntable or pin / ring secureN/A
53Safety chains / cables: attached and correct lengthN/A
54Trailer electrical connection: lights functioningN/A
55Trailer brakes: operationalN/A
56Trailer tyres and wheels: (covered in Section C above)N/A
57Load securing points: undamaged, adequate for loadN/A
58Doors / tailgate: secure, latches functionalN/A
Overall Result
PASS: fit to drive ACTION REQUIRED: see defects FAIL: do not drive
Defects & Actions
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No N/A

Declaration

I declare that I have completed this pre-start inspection of the above truck. I have reported all defects and will not drive the truck if any defect affects safe operation. I confirm I hold a current and valid licence for this vehicle class.

Driver Sign-off
Driver signature
Print name
Date & time