Free canadian CVIP inspection checklist

• The MapTrack canadian CVIP inspection checklist contains 40 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Power Train, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, Wheels & Hubs, Lamps, Electrical & Body, Coupling & Fuel System.
• Vehicle identification: unit number, licence plate, province of registration, VIN, make, model, year, odometer reading, GVWR.
• Inspection details: inspection date, inspection station or facility name, licensed mechanic name, mechanic licence number, inspection type (annual, semi-annual, re-inspection).
• Steering system: steering gear play, linkage (tie rods, drag link, pitman arm, idler arm) condition and fasteners, steering column and universal joints, power steering fluid level and hoses, wheel bearings.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

• Provincial compliance: documented CVIP inspections satisfy the mechanical fitness requirements administered by your province under the National Safety Code Standard 11 framework.
• Roadside enforcement readiness: a current CVIP certificate and documented inspection history demonstrate compliance during roadside enforcement inspections conducted by provincial officers.
• Defect identification: systematic inspections catch brake wear, steering play, suspension failures, lighting deficiencies and frame cracks before they cause breakdowns or collisions on the road.
• Fleet safety: regular CVIP inspections reduce the risk of mechanical failures that contribute to commercial vehicle collisions, protecting drivers, other road users and cargo.
• Insurance and audit support: maintained CVIP inspection records support insurance renewals, carrier safety rating audits and due diligence obligations under chain-of-responsibility frameworks.
• Maintenance planning: inspection findings feed directly into preventive maintenance programs, helping fleet managers prioritize repairs, order parts and schedule downtime efficiently.

• Vehicle identification: unit number, licence plate, province of registration, VIN, make, model, year, odometer reading, GVWR.
• Inspection details: inspection date, inspection station or facility name, licensed mechanic name, mechanic licence number, inspection type (annual, semi-annual, re-inspection).
• Steering system: steering gear play, linkage (tie rods, drag link, pitman arm, idler arm) condition and fasteners, steering column and universal joints, power steering fluid level and hoses, wheel bearings.
• Braking system: air compressor output and governor cut-in/cut-out pressures, air tank drain and moisture, service brake application and stopping performance, parking brake hold test, slack adjuster travel, brake chamber condition, hoses and fittings, drums and rotors thickness and condition, brake linings and pads wear, ABS indicator lamp check.
• Suspension: leaf springs (cracked, broken, shifted), U-bolts and spring hangers, air suspension bags and leveling valves, shock absorbers, torque rods and bushings, axle alignment.
• Wheels and tires: tire tread depth (minimum per provincial standard), tire condition (cuts, bulges, sidewall damage), matching tire sizes on same axle, rim condition, lug nuts torqued, valve stems, hub seals and oil level.
• Lights and electrical: headlights (high and low beam), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard flashers, clearance and marker lights, reflectors and conspicuity tape, cab and instrument lights, wiring condition, battery hold-down.
• Exhaust system: leaks at manifold, pipe joints and muffler, mounting brackets and hangers, proximity to wiring or fuel lines, condition of catalytic converter or DPF.
• Frame and body: frame rails for cracks, bends or corrosion, cross members, cab mounts, body panel attachment, mud flaps, fenders.
• Coupling devices (combination vehicles): fifth wheel mounting and locking mechanism, kingpin condition, pintle hook or drawbar, safety chains or cables, air and electrical connections to trailer.
• Cargo securement: tie-down anchor points, rub rails, stake pockets, winches and straps condition.
• Defect register: item number, component, defect description, NSC 11 reference, severity (minor, major, out-of-service), corrective action.
• Sign-off: licensed mechanic signature, mechanic licence number, CVIP certificate number issued (if passed), vehicle owner or fleet manager acknowledgment.

1. Record the vehicle identification, odometer reading, inspection date, facility name and your mechanic licence number before beginning the inspection.

   Enter the vehicle unit number, licence plate and province of registration, VIN, make, model, year, GVWR and current odometer reading. Record the inspection facility name and address, your name and provincial mechanic licence number, and the inspection type (annual, semi-annual or re-inspection). This header ties the inspection to a specific vehicle and qualified inspector for provincial audit purposes.

2. Inspect the steering system. Check steering gear play, all linkage components, power steering fluid and hoses, and wheel bearings.

   With the engine running and wheels on the ground, have an assistant turn the steering wheel while you observe the linkage underneath. Check for excessive play at the steering gear (worm gear lash), worn or loose tie rod ends, drag link, pitman arm and idler arm. Verify that all castellated nuts have cotter pins and all clamp bolts are tight. Check the steering column and U-joints for play. Inspect power steering fluid level, hoses and pump for leaks. Check front wheel bearings for play by lifting each axle end.

3. Inspect the complete braking system. Test air compressor output, governor pressures, service brake performance, parking brake hold, slack adjuster travel, and all brake hardware.

   Start with the air system: check compressor build-up time (should reach governor cut-out within manufacturer limits), verify cut-in and cut-out pressures, drain moisture from air tanks, check the air dryer, and inspect all hoses and fittings for leaks. Apply the service brake with the vehicle in a safe area and confirm adequate stopping ability. Test the parking brake on a grade. Under the vehicle, measure pushrod stroke on each brake chamber against the maximum adjustment limits in NSC 11. Inspect drums or rotors for minimum thickness, cracks and heat checks. Check linings and pads for minimum thickness and contamination. Verify ABS warning lamp cycles correctly at key-on.

4. Inspect suspension, wheels, tires, lights, exhaust system, frame and body. Check coupling devices if the vehicle operates as a combination unit.

   For suspension, check each leaf spring for cracks, broken leaves and shifted packs. Inspect U-bolts, spring hangers, shackles and pins. On air suspension, check bags for leaks, leveling valves and ride height. Test each shock absorber. Inspect tires for tread depth (minimum varies by province but typically 3/32" steer, 2/32" drive and trailer), cuts, bulges and matching sizes on each axle. Verify lug nuts are torqued. Test all exterior lights and check reflectors and conspicuity tape. Inspect the exhaust system from manifold to tailpipe for leaks and secure mounting. Walk the frame rails checking for cracks, corrosion and cross member integrity. For combination vehicles, inspect the fifth wheel, kingpin, pintle hook or drawbar, safety chains, and air and electrical connections to the trailer.

5. Record all findings on the checklist. Document defects with the applicable NSC 11 component reference, severity classification and corrective action. Issue or withhold the CVIP certificate based on results.

   For each defect found, record the component, a clear description of the condition, the NSC 11 reference section, and classify the defect as minor, major or out-of-service per provincial criteria. Minor defects allow the vehicle to pass with a repair notice. Major defects require repair before a certificate can be issued. Out-of-service defects mean the vehicle cannot be driven until repaired. Sign the checklist with your name, mechanic licence number and date. If the vehicle passes, issue the CVIP certificate with the applicable sticker and record the certificate number. If the vehicle fails, document the required repairs and schedule a re-inspection. In MapTrack, you can attach CVIP records to each vehicle, set certificate expiry reminders, and track defect resolution through work orders.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• National Safety Code Standard 11 (NSC 11) - Periodic Commercial Vehicle Inspections
• National Safety Code Standard 13 (NSC 13) - Trip Inspection Requirements
• Provincial CVIP Regulations (Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

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