Free driver induction checklist

• The MapTrack driver induction checklist contains 24 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: A. Licence verification (complete first), B. Policies and handbook acknowledged, C. Vehicle familiarisation, D. Pre-start and vehicle care, E. Fatigue and distraction, F. Incident process and fuel cards, G. Authorisation.
• A driver induction checklist confirms a new driver completed every onboarding step before being authorised to drive.
• It is driver specific: licence verification, vehicle familiarisation, fatigue and the incident process, not site access.
• A signed checklist is evidence the WHS duty to inform and instruct, and Chain of Responsibility duties, were met.
• Licence verification gates the induction; driving should not begin until the checklist is signed off.
• Reverify licence currency periodically and re-induct after a change of vehicle type or a serious incident.

Learn more about GPS and fleet tracking in MapTrack.

• Authorised drivers only: a completed induction confirms licence currency and vehicle familiarisation before anyone is cleared to drive a company vehicle.
• Duty of care evidence: a signed checklist shows the employer provided the information and instruction the WHS Act requires before a driver took to the road.
• Fewer early incidents: walking a new driver through pre-start, fatigue and distraction rules cuts the avoidable crashes that happen in the first weeks.
• Consistent onboarding: every driver is taken through the same steps, so standards do not depend on who happened to hand over the keys that day.
• Clear accountability: a dated, signed record names who inducted the driver and confirms each step was actually completed, not assumed.
• Chain of Responsibility support: documenting that drivers were informed of roadworthiness, fatigue and loading duties strengthens the fleet compliance position.

• Driver and induction details: name, start date, inductor, vehicle assigned and date
• Licence verification: licence sighted, correct class, currency and any conditions recorded
• Driver handbook and policies: handbook issued and acknowledged, code of conduct signed
• Vehicle familiarisation: controls, features, towing or load limits and where documents are kept
• Pre-start check process: how to complete and record the daily vehicle pre-start
• Fatigue management: work and rest expectations, and heavy vehicle fatigue duties where relevant
• Mobile phone and distraction rules, including hands free and device mounting
• Incident, accident and breakdown procedure: who to call and what to record
• Fuel card and expenses: authorised use, PIN security, receipts and prohibited purchases
• Authorisation to drive: final sign off by the manager and acknowledgement by the driver

1. Verify the licence before anything else

   Sight the physical licence, confirm it is current and the correct class for the vehicle, and record any conditions such as corrective lenses. A driver should never be cleared to operate a vehicle on an assumed or unverified licence, so this step gates the rest of the induction.

2. Issue the handbook and walk through the policies

   Give the driver the driver handbook and take them through the key sections rather than leaving them to read it alone. Cover the code of conduct, fatigue, distraction and consequences, then capture their written acknowledgement that they have received and understood it.

3. Familiarise the driver with the actual vehicle

   Walk around the assigned vehicle and show the controls, features, any towing or load limits, and where the registration, insurance and pre-start records are kept. Demonstrate how to complete the daily pre-start check so it is done correctly from the first shift.

4. Confirm the incident, fatigue and fuel procedures

   Explain what to do after an accident, near miss or breakdown, including who to call and what to record, and confirm the driver understands the fatigue and rest expectations. Cover fuel card use, PIN security and what may not be purchased before authorising the card.

5. Authorise the driver and file the record

   Once every step is complete, the manager signs the authorisation to drive and the driver acknowledges the induction. File the signed checklist against the driver record so there is dated proof the induction happened, and schedule any follow up or probation review.

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.

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011, duty to provide information, training and instruction
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and the Chain of Responsibility
• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) fatigue management requirements
• Australian Road Rules and state and territory driver licensing requirements

• Model Work Health and Safety Act (Safe Work Australia)
• Heavy Vehicle National Law and Regulations (NHVR)

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

• Driver handbook template
• Vehicle pre-start checklist
• Driver daily log sheet
• Journey management plan
• Fleet vehicle handover form
• Fleet policy template
• Asset tracking
• Reporting and dashboards
• Pricing