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Free DOT pre-trip inspection checklist

Free DOT pre-trip inspection checklist (printable 51-point PDF). FMCSA 49 CFR 392.7 and 396.11 items for commercial vehicles. Download and print free.

Updated 20 Oct 2026

DOT Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Pre-trip inspection record referencing FMCSA 49 CFR 392.7 and 396.13

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0 of 51 checks

Engine Compartment

1Engine oil level within operating range
2Coolant level satisfactory, no leaks
3Power steering fluid level adequate
4Belts free from cracks, fraying, and proper tension
5Hoses secure, no bulging or leaks
6Windshield washer fluid level adequate
7No visible fluid leaks under engine

Brakes and Air System

8Air pressure builds to governor cut-out
9Low air pressure warning activates correctly
10Air leakage rate within limits (static and applied)
11Service brakes stop vehicle in straight line
12Parking brake holds on grade
13Brake hoses and lines free from damage and leaks
14Slack adjusters within travel limits

Steering and Suspension

15Steering wheel free play within specification
16Power steering operates without noise or binding
17Tie rods and drag links secure, no excessive play
18Leaf springs intact, no cracked or missing leaves
19Air bags inflated evenly (if equipped)
20Shock absorbers secure, no leaks

Lights and Electrical

21Headlights (low and high beam) operational
22Tail lights and brake lights operational
23Turn signals front and rear operational
24Hazard flashers operational
25Clearance and marker lights operational
26Licence plate light operational
27Reflectors clean and undamaged
28ABS indicator lamp cycles correctly at start-up

Tyres and Wheels

29Tyre tread depth meets minimum (steer 4/32", drive 2/32")
30Tyre pressure within specification
31No cuts, bulges, or exposed cords on sidewalls
32Valve stems intact with caps fitted
33Lug nuts tight, none missing or cracked
34Wheels free from cracks and distortion
35Hub seals not leaking oil

Cab and Safety Equipment

36Windshield free from cracks obstructing view
37Wipers operate on all speeds
38Mirrors adjusted and undamaged
39Horn operational
40Seatbelt present and functional
41Fire extinguisher present, charged, and accessible
42Warning triangles / flares on board
43Defroster and heater operational

Coupling and Cargo

44Fifth wheel plate greased and jaws locked
45Kingpin engagement verified (tug test)
46Air and electrical lines connected and secure
47Safety chains / cables crossed under tongue
48Landing gear fully raised and handle secured
49Trailer brakes tested via hand valve
50Cargo secured per load securement rules
51Doors, tarps, and tail gate secure

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Jarrod Milford

Co-Founder & Commercial Director

Updated 20 October 2026
Also see:GPS and fleet tracking →Best fleet management software (AU) →MapTrack vs Fleetio →

Short answer

A DOT pre-trip inspection checklist records a driver's walk-around of a commercial motor vehicle before driving: brakes, steering, lights, tyres, coupling devices and emergency equipment. Under 49 CFR 392.7 the driver must be satisfied those parts are in good working order, though no written pre-trip report is required. 49 CFR 396.13 adds reviewing the last required DVIR and signing it, except listed defects on a towed unit no longer attached.

Checked against 49 CFR 392 (Current eCFR text, up to date as of 2026-10-22 (read 2026-10-26)) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates

Key takeaways

  • The MapTrack DOT pre-trip inspection checklist contains 51 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Engine Compartment, Brakes and Air System, Steering and Suspension, Lights and Electrical, Tyres and Wheels, Cab and Safety Equipment, Coupling and Cargo.
  • 49 CFR 392.7 lists what a driver must be satisfied of before driving, including service brakes, steering, lights, tyres, horn, wipers, mirrors and coupling devices.
  • Neither 392.7 nor 396.13 requires a written pre-trip report. A DVIR under 396.11 is required only when a defect is found or reported.
  • Under 396.13 the driver reviews the last required DVIR and signs it to acknowledge repair certification, except for listed defects on a towed unit no longer attached.
  • Motor carriers keep each DVIR and its repair certification for three months from the date it was prepared (49 CFR 396.11).

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What is a DOT pre-trip inspection checklist?

A DOT pre-trip inspection checklist is a structured form used by commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to document the pre-trip inspection required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under 49 CFR 396.13. The regulation requires that before driving a CMV, the driver must be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition and, if the last DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) listed defects, review it and sign it to acknowledge the certification by the motor carrier that the defects were repaired or that repair is unnecessary. The pre-trip inspection covers the engine compartment (oil, coolant, belts, hoses, leaks), cab and controls (steering, mirrors, gauges, horn, wipers, heater/defroster, seatbelt), lights and reflectors (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, clearance lights, reflective tape), tyres and wheels (tread depth, inflation, lug nuts, hub seals), brakes (service brakes, parking brake, air brake system including governor, air compressor, air tanks, slack adjusters, brake drums and linings), coupling devices (fifth wheel, kingpin, glad hands, safety chains), cargo securement (straps, chains, edge protectors, load distribution), and emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, warning triangles, spare fuses). Its 51 items include every part and accessory that 49 CFR 392.7(a) says a driver must be satisfied is in good working order before driving, from the service brakes and trailer brake connections to the emergency equipment, and working through it before each trip helps drivers and carriers prepare for a roadside inspection.

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Benefits of using this DOT pre-trip inspection checklist

  • FMCSA compliance: support the 49 CFR 392.7 and 396.13 pre-trip duties and DVIR review with a documented checklist for each trip.
  • Roadside inspection readiness: the checklist covers the same items inspected during CVSA Level I and Level II roadside inspections, reducing out-of-service rates.
  • Air brake safety: dedicated air brake system checks (governor cut-in/cut-out, air leakage, low air warning, slack adjuster stroke) help prevent brake-related violations and accidents.
  • Driver accountability: the signed checklist confirms the driver has personally inspected the vehicle and reviewed the previous DVIR before departing.
  • Reduced CSA scores: consistent pre-trip inspections and defect correction improve your carrier Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores.
  • Maintenance feedback loop: defects documented during pre-trip inspections feed directly into the maintenance schedule, helping shops plan parts and labor before failures occur on the road.

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What to include in a DOT pre-trip inspection checklist

This DOT pre-trip inspection checklist covers 11 key areas:

  • Vehicle details: unit number, VIN, registration, carrier name, date, odometer.
  • Driver details: name, CDL number, date, trip origin and destination.
  • Engine compartment: oil level, coolant level, belts, hoses, steering fluid, wiper fluid, leaks.
  • Cab and controls: steering play, mirrors, gauges, horn, wipers, heater/defroster, seatbelt, seat adjustment.
  • Lights and reflectors: headlights (high and low beam), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights, marker lights, reflective tape.
  • Tyres and wheels: tread depth (minimum 4/32" steer, 2/32" drive and trailer), inflation, lug nuts, hub seals, matching, sidewall condition.
  • Brakes: service brake operation, parking brake, air brake system (governor cut-in/cut-out, air leakage, low air warning buzzer, air brake valves, slack adjuster stroke, brake drums/linings).
  • Coupling devices: fifth wheel, kingpin, locking jaws, release handle, glad hands, air and electrical lines, safety chains.
  • Cargo securement: number and condition of straps/chains, edge protectors, headboard, load distribution.
  • Emergency equipment: fire extinguisher (charged, accessible), warning triangles (3), spare fuses.
  • Previous DVIR review: review last DVIR, confirm defects corrected or noted as non-safety, driver signature.

How to use this DOT pre-trip inspection checklist

  1. Record the vehicle and driver details. Review the previous DVIR and confirm any noted defects have been corrected or documented as not requiring correction.: Enter the unit number, VIN, odometer, carrier name, driver name and CDL number. Locate the previous DVIR and check each listed defect carries the motor carrier's certification that it was repaired or that repair was unnecessary.
  2. Conduct the engine compartment inspection with the engine off: check oil, coolant, belts, hoses and look for leaks under the vehicle.: Pull the oil dipstick and verify the level is between the minimum and maximum marks. Check coolant in the overflow reservoir. Inspect belts for cracks, fraying and proper tension. Look underneath for drips of oil, coolant or fuel.
  3. Enter the cab, start the engine and check all gauges, controls, steering, mirrors, horn, wipers and lights.: Confirm oil pressure, coolant temperature and voltage gauges read within normal range after startup. Turn the steering wheel to check for excessive free play. Test the horn, windshield wipers, washers and heater/defroster operation.
  4. Perform the air brake check: build air pressure to governor cut-out, check cut-out pressure, perform the applied leakage test and verify the low air warning activates.: Build air to governor cut-out (typically 120 to 145 psi). With brakes applied, the pressure drop must not exceed 3 psi per minute for a single vehicle or 4 psi for a combination. Drain air and confirm the low air warning activates below 60 psi.
  5. Walk around the vehicle and check tyres, wheels, lights, reflectors, coupling devices and cargo securement.: Check each tire for minimum tread depth (4/32 inch steer, 2/32 inch drive and trailer), proper inflation and sidewall damage. Verify all lug nuts are present and tight. Confirm coupling devices are locked and air and electrical lines are secure.
  6. Record any defects and determine whether the vehicle is safe to operate. If not, do not drive until repairs are made. Sign and date the checklist.: Document each defect with a description and severity. If any defect affects safe operation, the vehicle must not be driven until repaired. Sign the checklist to certify the inspection is complete and the vehicle is or is not safe to operate.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

Before driving, FMCSA 49 CFR 396.13 requires the driver to be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition, and 49 CFR 392.7 lists the parts that must be in good working order. The driver must be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving. If the last report listed defects, the driver reviews it and signs to acknowledge the carrier's repair certification before driving (49 CFR 396.13); either way, best practice is to perform a full walk-around inspection before each trip. For multi-day trips, perform the pre-trip inspection at the start of each driving day. At the end of each day's work, the driver also prepares a written DVIR (49 CFR 396.11) for each vehicle driven if a defect or deficiency was found or reported; no report is required when none was. In MapTrack, you can schedule pre-trip and post-trip inspections per vehicle and automatically log them against the asset record.

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Frequently asked questions

Before driving a commercial motor vehicle, FMCSA rule 49 CFR 396.13 requires the driver to be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition. If the last driver vehicle inspection report listed a defect or deficiency, the driver must also review that report and sign it to acknowledge the review and the motor carrier's certification that the required repairs were made. When no defect was found or reported, no report was required, so there is nothing to review or sign. The signature rule doesn't apply to defects listed on a towed unit that is no longer part of the combination.

A pre-trip inspection is the physical walk-around check a driver performs before each trip to verify the vehicle is safe. A DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) is the written report the driver prepares at the end of each day's work (49 CFR 396.11) listing any defect or deficiency found in, or reported on, the parts the rule lists; no report is required when none is found. When the last report listed defects, the pre-trip process under 49 CFR 396.13 includes reviewing that report and signing it to acknowledge the repair certification. The two work together to create a continuous record of vehicle condition.

A pre-trip inspection must be done before every trip. For drivers on multi-day routes, this means at the start of each driving day. In addition, at the end of each day's work the driver prepares a written DVIR for each vehicle driven if a defect or deficiency was found or reported (49 CFR 396.11). Together, the pre-trip check and any report at the end of the day keep a continuous record of vehicle condition.

If a defect is found that could affect safe operation, the vehicle must not be driven until the defect is corrected. The defect should be documented on the DVIR and reported to the carrier. If the defect does not affect safe operation (for example, a minor interior cosmetic issue), it may be noted on the DVIR for future repair but the vehicle may still be operated. The driver has ultimate responsibility for deciding whether the vehicle is safe to drive.

Yes, this DOT pre-trip inspection checklist is completely free to download as a PDF. No account or signup is required. For teams wanting to move beyond paper-based inspections, MapTrack offers a digital version that schedules each inspection, emails the assigned person in the week before it falls due, and stores completed records in the cloud for instant retrieval during DOT audits.

Section 392.7(a) says no commercial motor vehicle may be driven unless the driver is satisfied that these parts and accessories are in good working order: service brakes, including trailer brake connections; parking (hand) brake; steering mechanism; lighting devices and reflectors; tires; horn; windshield wiper or wipers; rear-vision mirror or mirrors; coupling devices; wheels and rims; and emergency equipment. Drivers preparing to transport intermodal equipment have their own list under 392.7(b). This checklist's 51 items include every part on the 392.7(a) list.

No. Under 49 CFR 396.11(a)(2)(i), drivers are not required to prepare a report if no defect or deficiency is discovered by or reported to them. When one is found, the driver prepares a written report at the end of the day's work for each vehicle operated, identifying the vehicle and listing the defect, and signs it. The motor carrier or its agent must then repair anything likely to affect safe operation and certify the repair, or that repair is unnecessary, before the vehicle is operated again.

Under 49 CFR 393.75, tires on the front wheels of a bus, truck or truck tractor need a tread groove depth of at least 4/32 of an inch, measured at any point on a major tread groove. Other tires need at least 2/32 of an inch in a major tread groove. Don't measure where tie bars, humps or fillets sit. No vehicle may be operated on a tire that has ply or belt material exposed, tread or sidewall separation, is flat or has an audible leak, or has a cut that exposes the ply or belt.

Applicable regulatory standards

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

  • 49 CFR Part 392, Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

    Edition: Current eCFR text, up to date as of 2026-10-22 (read 2026-10-26)

    Lists the parts a driver must be satisfied are in good working order before driving. It requires no written report.

    • 392.7: A driver must not drive unless satisfied that brakes, steering, lights, tyres, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and emergency equipment work.

    US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (text via eCFR)

  • 49 CFR Part 396, Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

    Edition: Current eCFR text, up to date as of 2026-10-22 (read 2026-10-26)

    396.13 sets the pre-drive DVIR review; 396.11 requires a post-trip DVIR only when a defect is found or reported.

    • 396.13: Before driving, the driver must be satisfied the vehicle is safe, review the last report if one was required, and sign it acknowledging the repair certification.
    • 396.11: After each day, drivers report in writing defects affecting safety or risking breakdown; carriers repair safety defects, certify repair or that none is needed, keep 3 months. One-vehicle carriers excepted.

    US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (text via eCFR)

  • North American Standard Inspection Program

    Edition: CVSA inspection procedures current at 2026-10-26 (eight inspection levels)

    Roadside inspection procedures used by inspectors across North America. CVSA is a non-profit alliance, not a regulator.

    Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)

Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.

DOT Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist preview

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The numbers behind this DOT pre-trip inspection checklist

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  <p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
  <p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">DOT Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist</p>
  <ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Vehicle details: unit number, VIN, registration, carrier name, date, odometer.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Driver details: name, CDL number, date, trip origin and destination.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Engine compartment: oil level, coolant level, belts, hoses, steering fluid, wiper fluid, leaks.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Cab and controls: steering play, mirrors, gauges, horn, wipers, heater/defroster, seatbelt, seat adjustment.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Lights and reflectors: headlights (high and low beam), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights, marker lights, reflective tape.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Tyres and wheels: tread depth (minimum 4/32&quot; steer, 2/32&quot; drive and trailer), inflation, lug nuts, hub seals, matching, sidewall condition.</li>
  </ul>
  <p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/dot-pre-trip-inspection-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">DOT Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
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The MapTrack DOT pre-trip inspection checklist contains 51 checks across 7 sections.

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MapTrack DOT Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/dot-pre-trip-inspection-checklist
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MapTrack. (2026). DOT Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/dot-pre-trip-inspection-checklist

Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/dot-pre-trip-inspection-checklist.

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