Free truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist
Free truck and heavy vehicle pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers brakes, tyres, load restraint, signage, coupling and cab safety. Download free.
Updated 2 May 2026
Truck / Heavy Vehicle Pre-Start Checklist
Daily pre-start inspection: complete before first use each day
Tyres & Wheels
Lights
Mirrors
Body / Chassis
Engine & Fluids
Brakes
Steering & Electrical
Cab Safety
Load Restraint (if carrying)
Signage & Compliance
Coupling (if towing)
Driver Sign-off
Signature
Print name
Date & time
Supervisor Acknowledgement
Signature
Print name
Date
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Short answer
A truck pre-start checklist records the driver's daily walk-around and cab check of a heavy vehicle: tyres, wheels, lights, mirrors, brakes and air system, steering, fluids, cab safety gear, load restraint and couplings, with defects reported. Drivers complete it before the first use each day or shift. Under section 89 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, using or permitting an unsafe heavy vehicle on a road is an offence.
Checked against Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) (Current as at 1 August 2026, incorporating the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Act 2025 (Queensland)) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates
Key takeaways
- The MapTrack truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist contains 44 checks across 11 sections. Sections covered: Tyres & Wheels, Lights, Mirrors, Body / Chassis, Engine & Fluids, Brakes, Steering & Electrical, Cab Safety, Load Restraint (if carrying), Signage & Compliance, Coupling (if towing).
- A daily driver check of tyres and wheels, lights, mirrors, brakes and air pressure, steering, cab safety gear, load restraint, signage and any coupling before the truck is driven.
- Let the air pressure build, then switch the engine off and watch the gauges; a falling reading points to an air leak.
- Record every defect, and don't drive with a brake, steering, tyre, coupling or lighting fault until it is fixed.
- Under section 26C of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, which has not commenced in Western Australia or the Northern Territory, each party in the chain of responsibility must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of its transport activities.
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What is a truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist?
A truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist is a daily inspection form completed by the driver before operating a truck, prime mover, rigid, semi-trailer combination or other heavy vehicle. It is a systematic walk-around and cab check covering tyres and wheels, lights, mirrors, body and chassis, engine and fluids, brakes (including air pressure build-up and leak checks), steering, electrical systems, cab safety equipment, load restraint, signage and compliance documentation, and coupling if towing. The completed checklist provides a documented record that the vehicle was inspected and any defects reported before driving, supporting Chain of Responsibility (COR) and NHVR obligations.
Daily pre-start inspections are a cornerstone of heavy vehicle safety management and the practical way to meet the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), Chapter 3, which requires heavy vehicles to comply with the heavy vehicle standards and not be used on a road if unsafe. The Chain of Responsibility (COR) provisions in HVNL Chapter 1A put a primary safety duty on every party in the transport supply chain, including operators, schedulers, loaders and consignors. The NHVR National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual provides the technical benchmarks for each inspection item, including minimum tyre tread depths, brake performance criteria and air system leak rates. Failure to conduct and document daily pre-start inspections can result in roadside defect notices, infringement notices, and in serious cases, prosecution under HVNL Section 268 for breaching the primary safety duty. Insurance claims for heavy vehicle incidents are routinely denied where no pre-trip inspection record exists. For fleet operators managing multiple trucks across depots and projects, a standardised pre-start checklist is the most practical way to demonstrate COR compliance across the entire fleet.
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Benefits of using this truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist
- Driver and road safety: catch critical brake, tyre, steering and coupling issues before the vehicle enters traffic.
- HVNL and COR compliance: demonstrate that heavy vehicles are inspected daily, supporting Chain of Responsibility obligations and NHVR expectations.
- Reduced roadside defect notices: vehicles that are pre-checked daily are less likely to receive defect notices during roadside inspections.
- Preventive maintenance: early detection of fluid leaks, air leaks, belt wear and brake adjustment issues prevents costly breakdowns on the road.
- Fleet visibility: a consistent pre-start process across all heavy vehicles gives fleet managers visibility of vehicle condition and recurring defects.
- Audit trail: a signed daily checklist provides documented evidence for insurance claims, incident investigations and regulatory audits.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise truck checklists in MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Email the right people when a form is submitted, with an automation you set up.
- File every completed form against the asset, location or person it covers.
- Download any completed form as a PDF, with failed answers listed at the top.
- Fill in forms offline; they upload when the device is back online.
- 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.
- Set who can view, fill in or edit forms with user roles.
- Upload a paper form (PDF, Word, Excel or a photo) and MapTrack's AI builds a digital version for you to check.
- Make the pre-start form required when a machine is checked out to an operator.
- Record who did each pre-start and when, and where if you turn location capture on.
- Link each pre-start to the asset record for a complete inspection history.
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What to include in a truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist
This truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist covers 16 key areas:
- Vehicle details: registration, make/model/type, odometer, fleet number.
- Driver details: name, licence class, date.
- Tyres and wheels: condition, pressure, tread depth, wheel nuts.
- Lights: headlights, tail lights, indicators, brake lights, clearance/marker lights, work lights, beacon.
- Mirrors: side mirrors, spot mirrors, clean, secure.
- Body / chassis: no visible damage, leaks, loose components.
- Engine and fluids: oil, coolant, power steering, brake fluid, DEF/AdBlue, air filter.
- Brakes: service brake test, park brake test, air pressure build-up, air leaks, brake lines/hoses.
- Steering and electrical: steering free play, power steering, battery, horn, reversing alarm/camera.
- Cab safety: seatbelt, wipers/washers, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning triangle.
- Load restraint: tie-down points, chains/straps, headboard, load rated (if carrying).
- Signage and compliance: registration current, COR/NHVR compliance, dimension and mass placards, dangerous goods if applicable.
- Coupling (if towing): fifth wheel, turntable, kingpin, airlines, electrical connections, safety chains.
- Overall result: Pass / Action Required / Fail.
- Defects table: defect description, action taken, rectified by.
- Driver and supervisor sign-off: signature, name, date and time.
How to use this truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist
- Fill in the vehicle details (registration, make/model/type, odometer, fleet number) and driver details (name, licence class, date) at the top of the form.: Record the truck registration, make, model, vehicle type (rigid, prime mover, B-double or road train), current odometer reading and fleet number. Enter the driver name, licence class (HR, HC or MC as applicable) and the date. This links the inspection to a specific vehicle and driver for Chain of Responsibility traceability and fleet audit records.
- Walk around the vehicle. Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. Inspect wheel nuts, lights, mirrors, body and chassis. Mark Pass or Fail for each item.: Start at the front and work clockwise. Check steer and drive tyres for minimum 1.5 mm tread depth. Look for cuts, bulges, sidewall damage and signs of uneven wear. Tap wheel nuts with a hammer or use torque markers to confirm tightness. Verify all headlights, tail lights, indicators, brake lights and clearance lights illuminate. Confirm mirrors are secure, clean and positioned for adequate blind spot coverage. Inspect the body, chassis rails and cross-members for cracks, corrosion or damage.
- Check engine and fluids - oil, coolant, power steering, brake fluid, DEF/AdBlue and air filter.: With the engine off, check the engine oil dipstick, coolant expansion tank, power steering reservoir and brake fluid level (for hydraulic-braked vehicles). Inspect the DEF/AdBlue level gauge or tank sight glass. Check the air filter restriction indicator and replace the element if it reads in the red zone. Look for oil, coolant or fuel leaks around hoses, gaskets, turbocharger connections and injector lines.
- Test brakes - service brake, park brake, air pressure build-up and check for air leaks. Inspect brake lines and hoses.: Start the engine and allow air pressure to build. Observe the rate of pressure build-up, which should reach the governor cut-out (typically 800-850 kPa) within the time specified in the NHVR Inspection Manual. With the engine off, monitor the gauges for pressure drop, which indicates air leaks. Apply the service brake and confirm a solid pedal with adequate stopping force. Engage the park brake and verify the truck holds on a slight grade. Visually inspect air lines, brake hoses and gladhand connections for chafing, cracks or leaks.
- Check steering (free play, power steering), electrical (battery, horn, reversing alarm/camera) and cab safety (seatbelt, wipers, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning triangle).: With the engine running, turn the steering wheel and check for excessive free play (typically no more than 75 mm at the rim for heavy vehicles). Confirm power steering assist is smooth with no groaning or hesitation. Check the battery terminals are tight and free of corrosion. Sound the horn, test the reversing alarm and camera display. Fasten the seatbelt and tug sharply. Test wipers on both speeds and confirm washer fluid sprays. Verify the fire extinguisher is charged, the first aid kit is stocked and in date, and the warning triangle is accessible.
- If carrying a load, check load restraint - tie-down points, chains/straps, headboard, and confirm the load is within rated limits.: Inspect each tie-down point for cracks, deformation or corrosion. Check chains and ratchet straps for wear, correct rating and secure tensioning. Confirm the headboard is securely mounted if carrying loads that could shift forward. Verify the total lashing capacity meets the requirements of the National Transport Commission Load Restraint Guide for the load weight and type. Check that the load does not exceed the vehicle rated GVM and individual axle mass limits.
- Verify signage and compliance - registration, COR/NHVR documentation, dimension and mass placards, dangerous goods signage if applicable.: Confirm the registration is current and displayed. Check that all required compliance documentation is in the cab, including the maintenance diary, work diary (for fatigue-managed operations), permit documentation if oversized, and any COR-related records. Inspect dimension and mass placards for legibility. If transporting dangerous goods, verify correct placards, emergency information holders and compatibility of the load with the vehicle class.
- If towing, check coupling - fifth wheel/turntable/kingpin secure and locked, airlines connected (no leaks), electrical connections, safety chains crossed and secure.: Inspect the fifth wheel jaws for correct engagement around the kingpin by pulling forward gently and visually confirming the locking mechanism is closed. Check the fifth wheel plate for cracks, grease level and mounting bolts. Connect both air lines (service and emergency) and check for leaks at the gladhands. Connect the electrical susie cable and verify trailer lights and ABS function. If safety chains are required, confirm they are correctly crossed under the coupling and rated for the trailer mass.
- If any item fails, record it in the defects table with a description and action taken. Do not drive the vehicle until critical defects are rectified.: Write a clear description of each defect and the action taken or required. Safety-critical defects such as brake failure, steering faults, tyre blowouts, coupling failures or non-functional lights must be rectified before the vehicle is driven. Attach a defect label to the dashboard if the vehicle is withdrawn from service. Notify your fleet manager and maintenance team immediately. Under the HVNL, driving a defective heavy vehicle can result in penalties for the driver and operator.
- Select the overall result (Pass / Action Required / Fail), sign and date the form. Save or print a copy for the fleet records.: Mark the overall inspection result based on your findings. Sign and date the form, recording the time of completion. Obtain a supervisor countersignature if required by your company or site policy. File the form in the vehicle maintenance diary, upload to your fleet records system or submit digitally through MapTrack so the inspection is linked to the vehicle asset for COR compliance and fleet audit purposes.
In MapTrack, you can run digital pre-starts attached to each asset. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.
Get the free templateEnter your email above to download the full truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist as a PDF.Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
Heavy vehicles should receive a daily pre-start inspection before the first use of each day or shift. Under the HVNL, drivers must not drive a heavy vehicle unless it is safe to operate. A daily pre-start demonstrates due diligence. In addition to daily pre-starts, heavy vehicles should follow manufacturer-scheduled service intervals and receive periodic roadworthy inspections as required by state or territory transport authorities. Many fleet operators also conduct weekly, monthly or quarterly detailed inspections covering brake adjustment, wheel bearing condition, suspension and chassis integrity. If a vehicle operates in demanding conditions (long-haul, off-road, heavy payloads), increase the inspection frequency accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Vehicle National Law (Queensland)The unsafe vehicle offence, vehicle standards, the 4.5 t threshold and chain of responsibility duties behind a daily check. | Current as at 1 August 2026, incorporating the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Act 2025 (Queensland) |
| Queensland Government (Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel), administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator |
| Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National RegulationThe in-service standards checked: tyres, tread depth, brakes and couplings. | Current as at 1 August 2026 (Queensland Legislation reprint) |
| Queensland Government (Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel), administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator |
| National Heavy Vehicle Inspection ManualNHVR inspection criteria and reasons for rejection for brakes, wheels and tyres, and lights. | Version 3.2 (August 2026) |
| National Heavy Vehicle Regulator |
| Master Code of Practice 2026Industry code to help chain of responsibility parties meet the primary duty; guidance, not law. | 2026 Master Code (January 2026) | Whole instrument | National Heavy Vehicle Regulator |
| Model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Work Health and Safety Bill)The employer's general duty to provide and maintain safe plant, which includes work trucks. | Model WHS Bill as at 5 December 2025 (includes the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
Heavy Vehicle National Law (Queensland)
Edition: Current as at 1 August 2026, incorporating the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Act 2025 (Queensland)
The unsafe vehicle offence, vehicle standards, the 4.5 t threshold and chain of responsibility duties behind a daily check.
- s 89: Safety requirement: a person must not use, or permit to be used, on a road a heavy vehicle that is unsafe.
- s 60: A person must not use, or permit to be used, on a road a heavy vehicle that contravenes an applicable heavy vehicle standard.
- s 6: Defines a heavy vehicle as a vehicle with a GVM or ATM over 4.5 tonnes, or a combination including one.
- Chapter 1A: Safety duties: the Chain of Responsibility principles, the primary duty, the executive due diligence duty and offences.
- s 26C: Primary duty: each party in the chain must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of its transport activities.
Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation
Edition: Current as at 1 August 2026 (Queensland Legislation reprint)
The in-service standards checked: tyres, tread depth, brakes and couplings.
- Schedule 2: Other vehicle standards for single heavy vehicles: safety, marking, dimensions, lights, brakes, emissions and speed limiting.
- Schedule 2, s 25: A tyre fitted to a heavy vehicle must be free of any apparent defect that could make the vehicle unsafe.
- Schedule 2, s 28: Tyre tread: at least 1.5 mm in all principal grooves, excluding wear indicators, across 75% of the normal road-contact width and the whole circumference.
- Schedule 3, Part 5: Mechanical connections between vehicles in combinations: couplings, kingpins, towbars and their load ratings.
National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual
Edition: Version 3.2 (August 2026)
NHVR inspection criteria and reasons for rejection for brakes, wheels and tyres, and lights.
- Heavy Vehicle Inspection Checklist: NHVR checklist summarising the inspection items for heavy motor vehicles.
- Section 2: Brakes: inspection criteria and reasons for rejection.
- Section 5: Wheels, tyres and hubs: inspection criteria, including tyre tread depth.
- Section 8: Lights and reflectors: inspection criteria and reasons for rejection.
Master Code of Practice 2026
Edition: 2026 Master Code (January 2026)
Industry code to help chain of responsibility parties meet the primary duty; guidance, not law.
Model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Work Health and Safety Bill)
Edition: Model WHS Bill as at 5 December 2025 (includes the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025)
The employer's general duty to provide and maintain safe plant, which includes work trucks.
- s 19: Primary duty of care: a PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others, including safe plant, systems, training and supervision.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
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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;">Truck / heavy vehicle pre-start 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: registration, make/model/type, odometer, fleet number.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Driver details: name, licence class, date.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Tyres and wheels: condition, pressure, tread depth, wheel nuts.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Lights: headlights, tail lights, indicators, brake lights, clearance/marker lights, work lights, beacon.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Mirrors: side mirrors, spot mirrors, clean, secure.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Body / chassis: no visible damage, leaks, loose components.</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/truck-heavy-vehicle-pre-start-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
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The MapTrack truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist contains 44 checks across 11 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/truck-heavy-vehicle-pre-start-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/truck-heavy-vehicle-pre-start-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/truck-heavy-vehicle-pre-start-checklist.
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