A DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) is a formal document that records the results of a pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspection for commercial motor vehicles. In the United States, DVIRs are required under FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13) for drivers of commercial motor vehicles. The report covers critical safety components including brakes, tyres and wheels, steering, lights, mirrors, windshield and wipers, coupling devices, and emergency equipment. The driver completes the inspection and certifies whether the vehicle is safe to operate. If defects are found, a mechanic must verify that corrections have been made before the vehicle returns to service. DVIRs are also relevant to Australian NHVR heavy vehicle requirements for daily inspections.

When is a DVIR required under FMCSA rules?

Under FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 396.11, a driver must prepare a written DVIR at the end of each day for any commercial motor vehicle they have operated. The report must cover the condition of specific parts and accessories. Under 49 CFR 396.13, before driving a commercial motor vehicle, the driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition and must review the most recent DVIR if one was prepared. If the previous driver listed defects, the current driver must confirm the defects were corrected or that correction is unnecessary before operating the vehicle.

What must a DVIR include?

A DVIR must cover the following vehicle components at a minimum: service brakes and trailer brake connections, parking brake, steering mechanism, lighting devices and reflectors, tyres, horn, windshield wipers, rear-view mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, warning triangles or flares). The driver must also record the vehicle identification details (unit number, licence plate, odometer), date, trip type (pre-trip or post-trip), any defects found with descriptions and severity, and a signed certification that the vehicle has been inspected. If defects are corrected, a mechanic must sign the verification section.

Is the template free to use without MapTrack?

Yes. You can download and use the DVIR template for free. Open the file and use your browser's Print → Save as PDF to keep a copy. No MapTrack account required. If you later want digital DVIRs with GPS location stamps, photo evidence and automatic defect alerts, we'd be happy to show you MapTrack.

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Free DVIR — driver vehicle inspection report

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A DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) is a formal document used to record pre-trip and post-trip inspections of commercial motor vehicles. Required under FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 396.11/396.13) in the US and aligned with Australian NHVR heavy vehicle daily inspection requirements. This page explains what to include, how to complete the report, and offers a free PDF-ready template you can download and use straight away. No sign-up required.

Last updated: 2026-04-10 · MapTrack

Lachlan McRitchie

GM of Operations

Updated 10 April 2026

How to use: Complete vehicle details → pre-trip exterior inspection → pre-trip cab inspection → safety equipment check → record post-trip defects → sign certification → save as PDF.

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✓ Covers pre-trip exterior, cab, safety equipment and post-trip defect reporting
✓ Free to use with or without MapTrack

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What is a DVIR?

A DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) is a written record of a pre-trip and post-trip inspection of a commercial motor vehicle. In the United States, DVIRs are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13. Drivers must inspect their vehicle before and after each trip and document the condition of safety-critical components including air brakes, service brakes, tyres and wheels, steering, lights and reflectors, horn, mirrors, windshield and wipers, coupling devices, and emergency equipment. In Australia, similar daily inspection requirements apply under the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for heavy vehicles. The DVIR creates an audit trail of vehicle condition, defect identification and correction.

Benefits of using a DVIR

Regulatory compliance: meet FMCSA 49 CFR 396.11/396.13 requirements and Australian NHVR daily inspection obligations.
Early defect detection: systematic pre-trip inspections catch brake, tyre, lighting and steering issues before they cause breakdowns or accidents.
Driver accountability: the signed report confirms the driver has personally inspected the vehicle and certified its condition.
Mechanic verification: when defects are corrected, the mechanic sign-off creates a clear chain of responsibility.
Audit trail: completed DVIRs provide documented evidence for DOT audits, safety investigations and insurance claims.
Reduced downtime: identifying and correcting minor defects early prevents costly roadside breakdowns and out-of-service orders.

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When you move from paper or static PDFs to digital forms in MapTrack, you get:

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Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).

Book a demo to see digital DVIRs with GPS location and defect tracking in MapTrack.

What to include in a DVIR

Our free DVIR template includes:

Vehicle details: date, driver name, vehicle/unit number, licence plate, odometer reading, trip type (pre-trip or post-trip).
Pre-trip exterior (P/F): tyres/wheels condition and pressure, lights (headlights, tail, brake, turn), mirrors, windshield/wipers, fuel/fluid leaks, body damage, reflectors/reflective tape, coupling devices.
Pre-trip cab (P/F): gauges and warning lights, horn, seat belt, steering play, service brakes, parking/emergency brake, air brake system pressure and build-up.
Safety equipment (P/F): fire extinguisher, warning triangles/flares, first aid kit, spare tyre/jack/wrench, load securement.
Post-trip defects table: item number, description of defect, severity (minor/major).
Defect certification: driver statement that defects need not be corrected or have been corrected.
Mechanic verification: mechanic name, signature and date confirming corrections.
Driver declaration and sign-off: certification that the vehicle has been inspected and is/is not safe to operate.

How to complete the DVIR

Complete the vehicle details section - date, driver name, vehicle/unit number, licence plate, odometer and trip type.
Conduct the pre-trip exterior walk-around. Inspect tyres, lights, mirrors, windshield, body and coupling devices. Mark Pass or Fail for each item.
Complete the pre-trip cab inspection. Check gauges, horn, seat belt, steering, brakes (service, parking, air system). Mark Pass or Fail.
Verify safety equipment - fire extinguisher, warning devices, first aid kit, spare tyre and load securement.
After the trip, record any defects noted during operation in the post-trip defects table with severity ratings.
Complete the defect certification - confirm whether defects need correction or have been corrected. If corrected, the mechanic must sign.
Sign the driver declaration certifying the inspection has been completed and the vehicle is or is not safe to operate.

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When to complete a DVIR

Under FMCSA regulations, a DVIR must be completed at the end of each day's work for every commercial motor vehicle operated. The pre-trip inspection must be completed before the vehicle is driven. If a previous driver reported defects, the current driver must verify that corrections have been made (or are not needed) before departing. In Australia, NHVR requires daily inspections of heavy vehicles before first use each day. Best practice is to complete both a pre-trip and post-trip inspection, even if only one is legally required, to catch defects early and maintain a continuous record of vehicle condition.

Frequently asked questions

What is a DVIR?: A DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) is a formal document that records the results of a pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspection for commercial motor vehicles. In the United States, DVIRs are required under FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13) for drivers of commercial motor vehicles. The report covers critical safety components including brakes, tyres and wheels, steering, lights, mirrors, windshield and wipers, coupling devices, and emergency equipment. The driver completes the inspection and certifies whether the vehicle is safe to operate. If defects are found, a mechanic must verify that corrections have been made before the vehicle returns to service. DVIRs are also relevant to Australian NHVR heavy vehicle requirements for daily inspections.
When is a DVIR required under FMCSA rules?: Under FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 396.11, a driver must prepare a written DVIR at the end of each day for any commercial motor vehicle they have operated. The report must cover the condition of specific parts and accessories. Under 49 CFR 396.13, before driving a commercial motor vehicle, the driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition and must review the most recent DVIR if one was prepared. If the previous driver listed defects, the current driver must confirm the defects were corrected or that correction is unnecessary before operating the vehicle.
What must a DVIR include?: A DVIR must cover the following vehicle components at a minimum: service brakes and trailer brake connections, parking brake, steering mechanism, lighting devices and reflectors, tyres, horn, windshield wipers, rear-view mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, warning triangles or flares). The driver must also record the vehicle identification details (unit number, licence plate, odometer), date, trip type (pre-trip or post-trip), any defects found with descriptions and severity, and a signed certification that the vehicle has been inspected. If defects are corrected, a mechanic must sign the verification section.
Is the template free to use without MapTrack?: Yes. You can download and use the DVIR template for free. Open the file and use your browser's Print → Save as PDF to keep a copy. No MapTrack account required. If you later want digital DVIRs with GPS location stamps, photo evidence and automatic defect alerts, we'd be happy to show you MapTrack.

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