Free fmcsa commercial vehicle inspection report
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Free FMCSA driver vehicle inspection report (PDF-ready). Covers 49 CFR 396.11 post-trip and 396.13 pre-trip review for commercial vehicles. Download now.
Last updated: 2026-04-20
Commercial Director
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See the first part of the fmcsa commercial vehicle inspection report below. Download the full version above.
What is a fmcsa commercial vehicle inspection report?
An FMCSA commercial vehicle inspection report is a regulatory document used by commercial motor vehicle drivers to record the condition of their vehicle at the end of each driving day and to verify the vehicle condition before the next trip. MapTrack helps fleet operators digitise this process so every inspection report is stored against the vehicle record with timestamps and driver details. The report covers all components specified in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations under 49 CFR 396.11 (driver vehicle condition report) and 49 CFR 396.13 (driver inspection of vehicle before driving).\n\nUnder 49 CFR 396.11 the driver must prepare a written report at the end of each day of driving that identifies the vehicle and lists the condition of specific components. Under 49 CFR 396.13 the next driver must review the previous report before operating the vehicle and sign it to acknowledge the review. If defects were reported the motor carrier must certify that repairs were made or that no repairs were necessary before the vehicle is dispatched. These reports form a critical part of the carrier compliance record and are subject to FMCSA roadside inspection and audit.
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Benefits of using this fmcsa commercial vehicle inspection report
- Regulatory compliance: properly completed reports satisfy 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13 requirements and reduce the risk of FMCSA violations during audits or roadside inspections
- Driver accountability: each report is signed by the driver creating a clear record of who inspected the vehicle and what was found
- Defect tracking: documenting defects at the end of each trip creates a repair pipeline that prevents vehicles with known issues from being dispatched
- Fleet visibility: digital inspection reports give fleet managers real-time visibility into the condition of every vehicle across the operation
- Maintenance planning: trending defect data from inspection reports helps maintenance teams schedule preventive repairs before failures occur on the road
- Reduced CSA scores: consistent vehicle inspections reduce the likelihood of roadside violations which directly impacts the carrier CSA safety scores
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise commercial vehicle reports in MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
- Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
- Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
- Ability to share forms digitally.
- 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).
- Monitor odometer and service-interval triggers across your entire fleet.
- Capture fuel receipts and trip logs alongside vehicle inspection data.
- Compare vehicle downtime and repair costs to inform replacement decisions.
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What to include in a fmcsa commercial vehicle inspection report
This fmcsa commercial vehicle inspection report covers 13 key areas:
- Air compressor: check operation and governor cut-in and cut-out pressure
- Air lines: inspect all air lines and fittings for leaks cracks and secure connections
- Battery: inspect battery condition terminals and mounting
- Brakes and brake accessories: check brake adjustment pad or lining condition brake drums or rotors and all brake accessories
- Coupling devices: inspect fifth wheel kingpin glad hands safety chains and pintle hook as applicable
- Drivetrain and engine: check for leaks unusual noise vibration and verify gauges read within normal range
- Exhaust system: inspect for leaks damage and secure mounting throughout
- Fuel system: check fuel tank caps lines and fittings for leaks and damage
- Lighting: verify operation of all headlights tail lights brake lights turn signals clearance lights and reflectors
- Steering and suspension: check steering play and response and inspect suspension components including springs hangers U-bolts and air bags
- Tyres wheels and rims: inspect tread depth sidewall condition inflation and wheel fastener tightness and check rims for cracks
- Windows wipers and mirrors: check windshield condition wiper operation and mirror adjustment
- Emergency equipment: verify presence and condition of fire extinguisher warning triangles and spare fuses
How to use this fmcsa commercial vehicle inspection report
- Complete the post-trip report (49 CFR 396.11): at the end of each day of driving walk around the vehicle and inspect every component listed on the form then record the vehicle number date and note the condition of each item marking any defects found
- Report defects: if any defect is identified that could affect safe operation or would result in a breakdown describe the defect clearly and report it to the motor carrier immediately
- Motor carrier review: the motor carrier or their agent must review the report and certify that any reported defects have been repaired or that no repair is necessary before the vehicle is dispatched
- Pre-trip review (49 CFR 396.13): the next driver must review the previous driver vehicle condition report before operating the vehicle and satisfy themselves that any defects have been corrected or certified
- Sign and acknowledge: the reviewing driver signs the previous report to confirm they have reviewed it and are satisfied with the vehicle condition
- Conduct your own pre-trip inspection: in addition to reviewing the previous report perform your own walk-around pre-trip inspection before driving to verify the vehicle is in safe operating condition
- File the reports: retain all driver vehicle condition reports and the corresponding repair certifications at the carrier principal place of business or where the vehicle is garaged for at least 90 days as required by 49 CFR 396.11(c)
In MapTrack, you can track your fleet with gps and digital pre-starts. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.
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Back to download formHow often should you complete this report?
A driver vehicle condition report must be prepared at the end of each day the vehicle is driven as required by 49 CFR 396.11. This is a daily requirement for any day the commercial motor vehicle is operated. The pre-trip review under 49 CFR 396.13 must be completed before the vehicle is driven on the next trip.\n\nIn addition to daily driver reports FMCSA requires an annual inspection under 49 CFR 396.17 performed by a qualified inspector. The annual inspection is a thorough mechanical examination that goes beyond the daily driver report. Carriers must retain the annual inspection report for 14 months after the inspection date. Many carriers also perform intermediate periodic inspections (monthly or quarterly) as part of their preventive maintenance program to supplement the daily driver reports.
Frequently asked questions
- What does 49 CFR 396.11 require from drivers?
- 49 CFR 396.11 requires every driver of a commercial motor vehicle to prepare a written report at the end of each driving day. The report must identify the vehicle and list the condition of specific components including brakes, coupling devices, lighting, steering, tyres, wheels, and emergency equipment. If no defects are found the driver must still complete and sign the report.
- What is the difference between the post-trip report and the pre-trip review?
- The post-trip report (49 CFR 396.11) is completed by the driver at the end of each driving day and documents the vehicle condition. The pre-trip review (49 CFR 396.13) is completed by the next driver before operating the vehicle. The reviewing driver reads the previous report, confirms any defects have been addressed, and signs to acknowledge the review.
- How long must FMCSA vehicle inspection reports be retained?
- Under 49 CFR 396.11(c) the motor carrier must retain driver vehicle condition reports at the principal place of business or where the vehicle is garaged for at least 90 days. Annual inspection reports under 49 CFR 396.17 must be retained for 14 months. Best practice is to retain daily reports for at least 12 months to support compliance audits.
- Does this template replace the DOT annual vehicle inspection?
- No. This template covers the daily driver vehicle inspection report under 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13. The DOT annual vehicle inspection under 49 CFR 396.17 is a separate thorough examination performed by a qualified inspector. Both are required, and you should use the dedicated DOT annual inspection checklist for that purpose.
- Is the template free to use without MapTrack?
- Yes. Download and use the FMCSA commercial vehicle inspection report for free. Open the file and use your browser Print to Save as PDF. No MapTrack account required.
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