Free truck pre-start checklist
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Free truck pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers cab, engine, brakes, tyres, load restraint, safety and compliance. Download free.
Last updated: 2026-03-26
Commercial Director
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- ✓PDF format, ready to print or fill on screen
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- ✓Go digital in MapTrack for photos, alerts and audit trails
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See the first part of the truck pre-start checklist below. Download the full version above.
What is a truck pre-start checklist?
A truck pre-start checklist (also called a truck pre-trip inspection form or daily truck inspection) is a structured list of tasks completed by the driver before a truck is driven. It confirms the truck is roadworthy, mechanically sound, and compliant before entering the road. Truck pre-starts are particularly important under Australia's Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Chain of Responsibility (CoR) obligations, which place legal responsibility on drivers, operators and fleet managers to ensure vehicles are safe before use. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) recognises documented pre-trip inspections as a key component of a Maintenance Management System (MMS) for heavy vehicles.
Benefits of using this truck pre-start checklist
- Driver safety: identify brake, tyre or steering defects before entering public roads.
- Regulatory compliance: meet NHVR, HVNL and Chain of Responsibility obligations.
- Load security: confirm load restraint equipment is present, in good condition and correctly applied.
- Prevent breakdowns: catch minor issues before they cause roadside failures or delays.
- Recordkeeping and audit trail: maintain inspection records for CoR investigations, insurance and maintenance planning.
- Consistent standards: all drivers follow the same procedure regardless of experience or shift.
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.
- 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).
- Auto-schedule pre-start forms so operators are prompted before every shift.
- Flag overdue pre-starts on the dashboard so nothing leaves the yard unchecked.
- Link each pre-start to the asset record for a complete inspection history.
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What to include in a truck pre-start checklist
This truck pre-start checklist covers 8 key areas:
- Truck and driver details: fleet number, registration, make/model, odometer, driver name, licence class and number, date, time, route.
- Cab exterior: windscreen, mirrors, lights (headlights, indicators, brake, tail, clearance), cab body, steps, number plates, reflectors.
- Engine and mechanical: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid/air pressure, belts, hoses, battery, fuel, leaks, exhaust.
- Tyres and wheels: tread depth, cuts/bulges, pressure, wheel nuts, spare tyre, mudflaps.
- Brakes and steering: service brake feel, parking brake, ABS indicator, exhaust/engine brake (if fitted), steering free play.
- Interior and controls: seatbelt, horn, gauges and warning lights, reversing alarm/camera, two-way radio.
- Safety and compliance: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning triangle, load restraint equipment, speed limiter, registration, roadworthy.
- Trailer checks (if applicable): coupling secure, safety chains, trailer lights, trailer brakes, trailer tyres, load securing points.
How to use this truck pre-start checklist
- Complete truck and driver details at the top of the checklist.
- Perform the walk-around: start at the cab exterior, work around the truck systematically, check the engine bay, then inspect each axle group (tyres, wheels, brakes). Mark Pass or Fail for each item.
- If any item fails, especially brakes, tyres, steering or load restraint, do not drive the truck. Record the defect and report to your supervisor or fleet manager. Tag the vehicle out of service until repaired.
- Complete the interior and compliance sections, then sign and date. File a copy per your CoR records requirements.
In MapTrack, you can run digital pre-starts attached to each asset. 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 checklist?
A truck pre-start inspection must be completed before the first trip of each day, or before each shift where multiple drivers use the same vehicle. Under NHVR guidelines, heavy vehicle operators are expected to conduct and document daily vehicle inspections. If the truck has had repairs, been idle for an extended period, or is used by a different driver, always complete a fresh inspection. Your company policy may also specify additional inspection requirements for specific routes, loads or operating conditions.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a truck pre-start checklist cover?
- A truck pre-start checklist should cover: cab exterior (windscreen, lights, mirrors, number plates, reflectors), engine and mechanical (oil, coolant, brake fluid/air pressure, belts, hoses, fuel), tyres and wheels (tread depth, pressure, wheel nuts, mudflaps), brakes and steering (pedal feel, parking brake, ABS), interior and controls (seatbelt, horn, dash gauges, reversing alarm), safety and compliance (fire extinguisher, first aid kit, load restraint, registration, roadworthy), and trailer checks if applicable. Complete before the first trip of the day or each shift.
- Is a truck pre-start inspection required by law?
- In Australia, the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Chain of Responsibility (CoR) provisions place obligations on all parties in the transport chain, including drivers and operators, to ensure heavy vehicles are roadworthy before use. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) recommends and in many cases requires documented pre-trip inspections as part of a Maintenance Management System (MMS) for heavy vehicles. Always check your relevant state/territory requirements and company policy.
- How long does a truck pre-start inspection take?
- A thorough truck pre-start inspection typically takes 10 to 20 minutes for an experienced driver. Articulated trucks and B-doubles take longer than rigid trucks due to the additional trailer checks. In MapTrack, digital pre-starts are completed on a phone. Drivers tap Pass/Fail for each item and photograph any defects, reducing the time and paperwork while improving accuracy and compliance.
Need to run digital pre-starts attached to each asset?
Register every truck in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.
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