Free ute / service vehicle daily check

• The MapTrack ute / service vehicle daily check contains 31 checks across 6 sections. Sections covered: Exterior, Under Bonnet, Interior, Safety Equipment, Recovery & Communication, Tools & Cargo.
• A daily pre-use check is common practice; no WHS regulation sets a daily inspection interval for light vehicles.
• Follow the manufacturer's service schedule, and record the odometer at each check so the next service can be forecast.
• Check the extinguisher's service tag is current; AS 1851-2012 Section 10 covers routine service of portable extinguishers.
• Report any safety defect before driving, and do not use the vehicle until it is fixed.

Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.

Checking service utes every morning? See how fleet asset tracking keeps each ute's checks, defects and services in one place.

• Driver and crew safety: catch tyre, brake, light and fluid issues before they cause a breakdown or accident on the road.
• Tool and equipment accountability: confirm that essential tools, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and recovery gear are present and in working order before leaving the depot.
• WHS compliance: demonstrate that vehicles used for work are inspected regularly, supporting your duty of care under WHS legislation.
• Reduced downtime: early detection of minor issues prevents costly breakdowns and unplanned repairs in the field.
• Fleet visibility: a consistent daily check across all utes and service vehicles gives fleet managers visibility of vehicle condition and recurring defects.
• Audit trail: a signed daily form provides documented evidence for insurance claims, incident investigations and fleet audits.

• Vehicle details: registration, make/model, odometer, fleet number, job/site.
• Driver details: name, licence number, date.
• Exterior: tyres, lights, mirrors, windscreen, wipers, body condition, numberplates, tow bar/hitch if fitted.
• Under bonnet: oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, battery, belts.
• Interior: seatbelts, horn, handbrake, gauges, warning lights, air conditioning.
• Safety equipment: first aid kit (present, stocked, in date), fire extinguisher (charged, current service tag), warning triangle/reflectors, hi-vis vests (x2 minimum), torch (working).
• Recovery and communication: tow rope/strap, jumper cables, UHF radio, spill kit (if required).
• Tools and cargo: tool kit present, tools secured, cargo barrier/tray, load secured, tie-downs.
• Overall result: Pass / Action Required / Fail.
• Defects table: defect description, action taken, rectified by.
• Driver and supervisor sign-off: signature, name, date and time.

1. Fill in the vehicle details (registration, make/model, odometer, fleet number, job/site) and driver details (name, licence, date) at the top of the form.

   Record the vehicle registration, make, model, current odometer reading, fleet number and the job or site you are travelling to. Enter your name, licence number and the date. This information links the daily check to a specific vehicle and driver, supporting fleet compliance records, insurance documentation and WHS audit requirements.

2. Walk around the exterior. Check tyres for condition and pressure, inspect all lights, mirrors, windscreen, wipers, body panels, numberplates and tow bar if fitted. Mark Pass or Fail for each item.

   Start at the front and work clockwise. Check each tyre for tread depth, cuts, bulges and correct inflation. Inspect all headlights, indicators, tail lights and brake lights for function. Confirm mirrors are secure and clean. Check the windscreen for cracks and wipers for blade condition. Look for body damage, loose panels or trim. Verify number plates are legible and securely attached. If a tow bar or hitch is fitted, check for cracks and confirm the pin or coupling is secure.

3. Open the bonnet. Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, battery terminals and belts. Mark Pass or Fail.

   With the engine off, check the engine oil dipstick and top up if below the minimum mark. Inspect the coolant expansion tank level (never remove a hot radiator cap). Check the brake fluid reservoir is between the MIN and MAX marks. Fill the washer fluid if low. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and confirm connections are tight. Check drive belts for cracks, glazing or looseness. Look for any fluid leaks around hoses and gaskets.

4. Sit in the cabin. Check seatbelts, horn, handbrake, dashboard gauges, warning lights and air conditioning. Start the engine and confirm no warning lights remain on.

   Fasten the seatbelt and give it a sharp tug to confirm the retractor locks. Sound the horn. Apply the handbrake and confirm it holds the vehicle. Turn the ignition to the accessory position and check that all warning lights illuminate during the self-test, then start the engine and confirm they extinguish. Test the air conditioning on both hot and cold settings. Check the fuel gauge and trip meter for the planned journey.

5. Check onboard safety equipment - first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, hi-vis vests, torch, recovery gear, UHF radio, spill kit.

   Open the first aid kit and verify it is stocked and all items are within their expiry date. Check the fire extinguisher gauge shows a full charge and the service tag is current. Confirm the warning triangle or reflectors are accessible. Count at least two hi-vis vests and check the torch has working batteries. Verify recovery gear (tow rope or strap, jumper cables) is present. Test the UHF radio if fitted. If a spill kit is required for your site or industry, check it is complete and stocked.

6. Confirm tools are present and secured, cargo barrier is in place and any load is restrained.

   Check the tool kit is present and all required tools accounted for. Confirm tools are secured in a toolbox or tray and cannot become projectiles in a sudden stop. Verify the cargo barrier is in place between the cabin and the tray or load area. If carrying any load, confirm it is restrained with tie-downs or straps rated for the load weight and that the total weight does not exceed the vehicle GVM.

7. If any item fails, record it in the defects table with a description and action taken. Do not drive the vehicle if defects affect roadworthiness until they are rectified.

   Write a clear description of each defect and the immediate action taken. Safety-critical defects such as brake failure, tyre blowout, non-functional headlights, non-functional brake lights or steering issues must prevent the vehicle from being driven. Notify your fleet manager or supervisor and arrange repair. For non-critical defects, log them for scheduled maintenance but proceed if the vehicle remains safe to drive.

8. 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 result based on your findings. Sign and date the form, noting the time. If your company requires a supervisor countersignature, obtain it before departing. File the completed form in the vehicle glovebox logbook, upload to your fleet management system or submit digitally through MapTrack so the record is linked to the vehicle asset for compliance tracking.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

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.

Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.

• Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

• Light vehicle pre-start checklist
• Vehicle pre-start checklist
• Truck / heavy vehicle pre-start checklist
• Fleet pre-start inspections (MapTrack)
• Pre-start inspections
• Compliance & inspections
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