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Free FMCSA commercial vehicle inspection report
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.
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47 checks · 6 sections · Sign-off
47 checks
The fields in the printable form, in a view that fits your screen.
- Vehicle number
- Registration
- VIN
- Date
- Driver
- Odometer reading
Air System
Brakes and Coupling
Engine and Drivetrain
Electrical and Lighting
Steering Suspension and Running Gear
Cab Body and Safety Equipment
Declaration & Sign-Off
I confirm that all items have been inspected/completed as indicated above. Any defects or concerns have been noted and reported.
Completed By
Printed name · Signature · Date
Reviewed / Approved By
Printed name · Signature · Date
The MapTrack FMCSA commercial vehicle inspection report contains 47 checks across 6 sections.
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Short answer
An FMCSA driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) records defects affecting safe operation, or risking breakdown, that a commercial motor vehicle driver finds or is told about after the day's work, plus the motor carrier's repair certification and the next driver's review. 49 CFR 396.11 requires it when such a defect is found or reported, except for one-vehicle carriers and driveaway-towaway operations.
Checked against 49 CFR 396 (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 FMCSA commercial vehicle inspection report contains 47 checks across 6 sections. Sections covered: Air System, Brakes and Coupling, Engine and Drivetrain, Electrical and Lighting, Steering Suspension and Running Gear, Cab Body and Safety Equipment.
- No DVIR is required when no defect or deficiency is found or reported (49 CFR 396.11); many carriers still complete one daily as practice.
- Before driving, 49 CFR 396.13 requires the driver to check the vehicle is safe, review any required last report and sign it, unless defects concern a detached towed unit.
- Carriers keep each report, repair certification and driver review for three months from the date the report was prepared.
- The annual periodic inspection under 49 CFR 396.17 is separate; under 396.21 its report is kept for 14 months.
- 49 CFR 393.75 requires at least 4/32 inch tread on front tires of buses, trucks and tractors, and 2/32 inch on other tires.
What is an 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).
Under 49 CFR 396.11 the driver must prepare a written report at the end of each working day on each vehicle operated that identifies the vehicle and lists any defect or deficiency found in, or reported on, specific components; no report is required if none is found. Under 49 CFR 396.13 the next driver must review the last report, if one was required, before operating the vehicle and sign it to acknowledge the review and the certification that required repairs were performed. 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. Beyond the daily driver reports, 49 CFR 396.17 requires an annual periodic inspection of every commercial motor vehicle by a qualified inspector, covering a more thorough mechanical examination than the daily report. The annual inspection report must be retained for 14 months. Under 49 CFR 393 (Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation), the vehicle must meet specific equipment standards for brakes, lighting, tyres, mirrors, emergency equipment and coupling devices, and the daily inspection report is the front-line tool for confirming ongoing compliance with those standards between annual inspections.
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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
What to include in an FMCSA commercial vehicle inspection report
- 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. Record the vehicle unit number, date, odometer reading and note the condition of each item, marking any defects found with a clear description and location.
Report defects
If any defect is identified that could affect safe operation or would result in a breakdown, describe the defect clearly in the defect section. Report it to the motor carrier or fleet manager immediately so repairs can be scheduled before the next dispatch.
Motor carrier review
The motor carrier or their designated agent must review the completed report and certify that any reported defects have been repaired or that no repair is necessary. This certification must be completed before the vehicle is dispatched for the next trip.
Pre-trip review (49 CFR 396.13)
The next driver must locate and review the previous driver vehicle condition report before operating the vehicle. Verify that every defect has a mechanic sign-off confirming correction or a notation that the defect does not require repair before operation.
Sign and acknowledge
The reviewing driver signs the previous report to confirm they have read it, reviewed all defect entries and their resolutions, and are satisfied the vehicle is in a safe condition for the upcoming trip. Date the acknowledgement signature.
Conduct your own pre-trip inspection
In addition to reviewing the previous report, perform your own walk-around pre-trip inspection before driving. Check all components on the form to verify the vehicle is in safe operating condition, as road conditions and overnight events may have introduced new issues.
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. Under 49 CFR 396.11(a)(4), reports, repair certifications and the driver review must be kept for three months from the date the report was prepared. Best practice is 12 months for audit support.
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How often should you complete this report?
A driver vehicle condition report must be prepared at the end of each working day on each vehicle operated when a defect or deficiency is found or reported (49 CFR 396.11). No report is required if none is found, although completing one every day the vehicle is operated is good practice. The pre-trip review under 49 CFR 396.13 must be completed before the vehicle is driven on the next trip.
In 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 programme to supplement the daily driver reports.
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Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.
49 CFR 396.11 requires every driver of a commercial motor vehicle to prepare a written report at the end of each working day on each vehicle operated. The report must identify the vehicle and list any defect or deficiency found in, or reported on, specific components including brakes, coupling devices, lighting, steering, tyres, wheels, and emergency equipment. If no defect or deficiency is found or reported, no report is required.
Link to this answerThe post-trip report (49 CFR 396.11) is completed by the driver at the end of each working day when a defect or deficiency is found or reported, and lists it. The pre-trip review (49 CFR 396.13) is completed by the next driver before operating the vehicle, if a report was required. The reviewing driver reads the previous report, confirms any defects have been addressed, and signs to acknowledge the review.
Link to this answerUnder 49 CFR 396.11(a)(4) the motor carrier must keep driver vehicle inspection reports, repair certifications and the driver review for three months from the date the report was prepared. Annual inspection reports must be retained for 14 months under 49 CFR 396.21. Best practice is to retain daily reports for at least 12 months to support compliance audits.
Link to this answerNo. 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.
Link to this answerYes. This FMCSA commercial vehicle inspection report is completely free to download and use. It downloads as a ready-to-print PDF. No MapTrack account is required. Use it for any commercial motor vehicle in your fleet. If you later want digital inspection reports with photo capture, automatic defect workflows, mechanic sign-off tracking and integration with your maintenance schedule, MapTrack can help you move from paper to a fully digital compliance process.
Link to this answerApplicable regulatory standards
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.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 CFR Part 396, Inspection, Repair, and MaintenanceSets the end-of-day defect report, the pre-trip review, the annual periodic inspection and the 14-month periodic inspection record. | Current eCFR text, up to date as of 2026-10-22 (read 2026-10-26) |
| US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (text via eCFR) |
| 49 CFR Part 392, Driving of Commercial Motor VehiclesLists the parts a driver must be satisfied are in good working order before driving. | Current eCFR text, up to date as of 2026-10-22 (read 2026-10-26) |
| US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (text via eCFR) |
| 49 CFR Part 393, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe OperationEquipment standards the report's components are judged against, including tire condition and minimum tread depth. | Current eCFR text, up to date as of 2026-10-22 (read 2026-10-26) |
| 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)
Sets the end-of-day defect report, the pre-trip review, the annual periodic inspection and the 14-month periodic inspection record.
- 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.
- 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.
- 396.17: Each vehicle must pass a periodic inspection of the Appendix A components at least every 12 months, with proof carried on the vehicle.
- 396.21: The periodic inspection report identifies the inspector, carrier, date, vehicle and results, and is kept 14 months where the vehicle is housed or maintained.
US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (text via eCFR)
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.
- 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 393, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation
Edition: Current eCFR text, up to date as of 2026-10-22 (read 2026-10-26)
Equipment standards the report's components are judged against, including tire condition and minimum tread depth.
- 393.75: Tyre rules: no exposed ply or belt, separation, flats or audible leaks; 4/32 inch tread on front wheels of buses, trucks and tractors, 2/32 inch elsewhere.
US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (text via eCFR)
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.
The numbers behind this FMCSA commercial vehicle inspection report
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The MapTrack FMCSA commercial vehicle inspection report contains 47 checks across 6 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack FMCSA Commercial Vehicle Inspection Report, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/fmcsa-commercial-vehicle-inspection-report
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). FMCSA Commercial Vehicle Inspection Report [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/fmcsa-commercial-vehicle-inspection-report
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/fmcsa-commercial-vehicle-inspection-report.
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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;">FMCSA Commercial Vehicle Inspection Report</p>
<ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Air compressor: check operation and governor cut-in and cut-out pressure</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Air lines: inspect all air lines and fittings for leaks cracks and secure connections</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Battery: inspect battery condition terminals and mounting</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Brakes and brake accessories: check brake adjustment pad or lining condition brake drums or rotors and all brake accessories</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Coupling devices: inspect fifth wheel kingpin glad hands safety chains and pintle hook as applicable</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Drivetrain and engine: check for leaks unusual noise vibration and verify gauges read within normal range</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/fmcsa-commercial-vehicle-inspection-report" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">FMCSA Commercial Vehicle Inspection Report</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>Free to reuse, including commercially. This template is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Copy it, adapt it, put it on your own site or in your own docs. All we ask is that you credit MapTrack with a link back to this page. The snippet above already includes that credit, so if you use it as-is you’re covered.
About the author
Co-Founder & Commercial Director
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