A Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) is a written record that documents the condition of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) at the start and end of each trip or shift. FMCSA regulations 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13 make DVIRs a federal obligation for every CMV driver operating in interstate or intrastate commerce. A thorough DVIR protects the driver, the carrier and the public by catching safety defects before the vehicle moves.
This guide covers the complete DVIR process from walkaround to sign-off, for both pre-trip and post-trip reports. Whether you complete DVIRs on paper or digitally, the steps are the same.
Before you start
Gather your DVIR template, a pen (or mobile device), a flashlight and a tire pressure gauge. If taking over from another driver, locate the previous DVIR to confirm reported defects were addressed. Park on level ground with the engine off and parking brake set. MapTrack's pre-start inspection feature guides drivers through every check in order.
Step-by-step DVIR
1. Approach and walkaround
Start at the driver's door and walk clockwise around the vehicle. Look for obvious damage, fresh fluid puddles, loose panels and anything that changed since the last inspection.
2. Exterior checks
Inspect every exterior component listed in 49 CFR 396.11:
- Lights: headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard flashers, clearance markers, reflectors
- Tires: 4/32" minimum on steer axles, 2/32" on all others, proper inflation, no cuts or bulges
- Wheels: no cracks, missing lugs or loosening
- Mirrors: clean, secure and properly adjusted
- Body: dents, cracks, missing mud flaps
3. Under-hood inspection
Open the hood (or tilt the cab) and check engine oil, coolant (never open a hot radiator cap), power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, drive belts for cracks or fraying, hoses for leaks and battery terminals for corrosion.
4. Cab and interior checks
Fasten the seatbelt, start the engine and check all gauges and warning lights. Test wipers, washers, heater, defroster and horn. Verify the fire extinguisher is charged and emergency triangles are present. For a detailed cabin procedure, see our pre-trip inspection guide.
5. Brake test and safety systems
Press the service brake firmly, confirming solid pedal feel with no drift. Test the parking brake. For air-braked vehicles, build to governor cutout (120-145 psi), verify the low-air warning activates at or above 60 psi, and run a static leak-down test (max 2 psi/min single vehicle, 3 psi/min combination).
6. Complete and sign the DVIR
Record every item on your DVIR form. Note all defects regardless of severity. Under 49 CFR 396.11, the driver must sign and date the report. If defects affect safe operation, the vehicle must not move until repairs are certified. Under 396.13, the next driver must review the previous DVIR and sign off that defects were repaired or deemed unnecessary.
Common defects and required actions
| Defect | Required Action |
|---|---|
| Brake deficiency (pad, shoe or air system) | Do not drive, report for immediate repair |
| Tire below 2/32" tread depth | Replace tire before driving |
| Inoperative headlight | Replace bulb before departure |
| Cracked windshield in driver's line of sight | Replace if it impairs vision |
| Air leak exceeding static test limit | Do not drive, locate and repair |
| Fluid leak (oil, coolant or fuel) | Identify source, repair if actively leaking |
| Excessive steering play | Do not drive, refer to qualified mechanic |
| Broken or missing mirror | Replace before driving |
DVIR vs pre-trip inspection
| Aspect | DVIR | General pre-trip inspection |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Formal written report of vehicle condition | Visual and operational check before driving |
| Legal basis | FMCSA 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13 | General safety laws and company policy |
| Who completes it | CMV drivers (vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR) | Any driver, commercial or personal |
| Vehicles covered | FMCSA-regulated commercial motor vehicles | All vehicles, no weight threshold |
| Record retention | Carrier retains for at least 3 months | Varies by policy and jurisdiction |
Every DVIR includes a pre-trip check, but not every pre-trip is a DVIR. Download the daily vehicle inspection form for a general-purpose template that works across all vehicle types.
Regulatory requirements
Section 49 CFR 396.11 requires drivers to prepare a written report at the end of each day's work covering brakes, steering, lights, tires, horn, windshield, coupling devices, wheels and emergency equipment. Section 396.13 requires the next driver to review the previous DVIR and sign off that defects were repaired or that no repair was needed.
Non-compliance carries real consequences. FMCSA CSA violations hit both driver and carrier records. Out-of-service orders for brake, tire or steering defects ground the vehicle on the spot. Carriers with poor Vehicle Maintenance BASIC scores face increased audits. For comparison, Australia's NHVR imposes similar daily vehicle condition reporting under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Going digital with MapTrack
Paper DVIR books get lost, damaged or sit unread in the cab. With MapTrack, drivers complete DVIRs on their phone using digital inspection forms that enforce every required field. Each submission is timestamped and GPS-tagged, giving your safety team a verifiable record that DOT inspectors can trust.
Complete the entire report from the cab using the MapTrack mobile app, including photo attachments for defects. When an issue is flagged, automated notifications reach fleet managers instantly so repairs start the same day, not at the end of the week. Download the DOT pre-trip inspection checklist to see the format, then switch to MapTrack for searchable digital records that make audit preparation straightforward.
