Free vehicle pre-start checklist
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Free vehicle pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Safe vehicle operation, compliance and recordkeeping before every trip. For fleet and drivers. Download free.
Commercial Director
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See the first part of the vehicle pre-start checklist below. Download the full version above.
What is a vehicle pre-start checklist?
A vehicle pre-start checklist is a structured list of tasks and inspections to perform before a vehicle is used for work. It helps drivers, operators and supervisors confirm the vehicle is safe, roadworthy and fit for use, reducing the risk of accidents, breakdowns and non-compliance. The checklist covers exterior condition (tyres, lights, mirrors, bodywork), interior controls (seatbelt, horn, brakes, steering, dashboard), engine and fluids (oil, coolant, fuel, brake fluid), and safety equipment (fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning triangle). It applies to any vehicle used for work purposes, including cars, utes, vans, trucks and light commercial vehicles. The checklist should be completed daily or before each trip and is a preventive measure to catch problems before they escalate. Under Australian WHS legislation, any vehicle used as part of work activities is classified as plant, and the PCBU has a duty to ensure it is maintained in a safe condition. A documented vehicle pre-start checklist is the most common way to demonstrate this duty has been met.
Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.
Benefits of using this vehicle pre-start checklist
- Fewer financial losses: spot minor issues before they become costly repairs or downtime.
- Defects before use: uncover problems that could cause damage or injury if the vehicle is started or driven.
- Compliance: meet regulatory and organisational requirements and demonstrate due diligence.
- Preventive maintenance: keep vehicles in good order and reduce unexpected failures.
- Consistency and accountability: a standardised approach so important checks aren't missed.
- Recordkeeping: maintain a record of pre-starts for maintenance history and audits.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise vehicle 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.
Book a demo to see how MapTrack handles vehicle checklists.
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What to include in a vehicle pre-start checklist
This vehicle pre-start checklist covers 10 key areas:
- Vehicle details: registration, odometer, make/model, date, driver name and site/location.
- Exterior and tyres: tyres (condition, pressure, tread), lights, windows and mirrors, bodywork, number plate, reflectors.
- Interior and controls: seat, seatbelts, horn, wipers and washers, steering, brakes, dashboard.
- Engine and fluids: oil, coolant, screen wash, fuel, leaks, exhaust.
- Safety equipment: fire extinguisher (present, in date, accessible), first aid kit (present, complete, in date), warning triangle, high-vis if required.
- Documentation and compliance: registration current, roadworthy/inspection if applicable, keys.
- Towing equipment (if applicable): tow bar condition, trailer plug operation, safety chain anchor point.
- Damage/incident record: any new damage observed since last inspection, including scratches, dents, cracked panels or missing components.
- Declaration: confirmation that the check was completed, defects reported and vehicle not used until safe.
- Signature: driver/operator signature, print name and date/time.
How to use this vehicle pre-start checklist
- Complete vehicle and driver details at the top of the checklist.: Record the vehicle registration, make, model, current odometer reading, fleet number (if applicable), the driver name, licence number and the date. If your organisation requires it, note the site or destination. This information links the inspection to a specific vehicle and driver for compliance records, insurance documentation and fleet reporting.
- Perform an exterior walkaround and tyre inspection. Check all four tyres for tread depth, pressure, cuts, bulges and sidewall damage. Inspect bodywork, windows and mirrors.: Start at the front and walk clockwise around the vehicle. Check each tyre for minimum tread depth (1.5 mm across the full width), correct inflation, cuts, bulges and uneven wear patterns that may indicate alignment issues. Inspect the windscreen and all windows for cracks, chips or damage that could obstruct visibility. Check both side mirrors and the rear-view mirror for cracks, secure mounting and correct adjustment. Look for new bodywork damage including dents, scratches, cracked panels or missing components and record any changes since the last inspection.
- Open the bonnet and check the engine compartment and fluids. Verify oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and belt condition.: With the engine cold, check the engine oil level on the dipstick and top up if below the minimum mark. Check the coolant reservoir level against the cold fill line. Inspect the brake fluid reservoir and power steering fluid if applicable. Top up windscreen washer fluid. Visually inspect drive belts for cracking, fraying or glazing. Look underneath the engine bay for signs of fresh fluid leaks on the ground. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and confirm the battery is securely mounted.
- Test cab controls: seatbelt, horn, wipers, dashboard warning lights, steering play and brake pedal feel.: Sit in the cab, adjust the seat and fasten the seatbelt, confirming it retracts, latches and releases correctly. Turn the ignition to the on position (without starting) and check the dashboard for any active warning lights such as engine, ABS, airbag, oil pressure or battery. Start the engine and test the horn. Operate the windscreen wipers and washers on all speeds. With the vehicle stationary, check steering for excessive free play. Press the brake pedal firmly and confirm it feels solid without excessive travel or sponginess. Engage and release the handbrake.
- Test all lights: headlights (low and high beam), tail lights, indicators, brake lights, hazard lights, reversing lights and number plate light.: With the engine running, switch on headlights and verify both low beam and high beam operate. Walk to the rear and confirm both tail lights illuminate. Have a colleague press the brake pedal and verify both brake lights activate. Test left and right indicators at the front and rear. Activate hazard lights and confirm all four indicators flash simultaneously. Check reversing lights engage when reverse gear is selected. Verify the number plate light illuminates the plate clearly. Replace any blown globes before driving.
- Check safety equipment: fire extinguisher charge and expiry, first aid kit contents and expiry, warning triangle and high-vis vest if required.: Confirm the fire extinguisher is in its designated mount, the pressure gauge is in the green zone, the safety pin is intact and the service tag shows the unit is within its annual inspection date. Open the first aid kit and verify it is complete against the contents list, checking expiry dates on items such as antiseptic wipes, eye wash and medications. Confirm a warning triangle is present and accessible. If your organisation or site requires a high-vis vest in the vehicle, verify it is available and in good condition.
- If any item fails, record the defect with a clear description and do not use the vehicle until it is rectified or approved. Report defects per your procedures.: Write a specific description of each defect and the immediate action taken or required. Safety-critical defects such as brake failure, non-functional headlights, steering faults or tyre blowout must prevent the vehicle from being driven. Notify your fleet manager or supervisor and arrange for repair. For minor defects, log them for scheduled maintenance but the vehicle may still be used if it remains safe and roadworthy. Attach an out-of-service tag if the vehicle is withdrawn from use.
- Sign and date when the check is complete. Keep the form for your records or export/save as PDF.: Sign and date the completed form, noting the time of inspection. If your organisation requires a supervisor countersignature, obtain it before departing. File the form in the vehicle glovebox logbook, upload it to your fleet records system or submit digitally through MapTrack so the inspection is linked to the vehicle asset and available for compliance audits and maintenance planning.
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?
Complete a vehicle pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. Many organisations require a daily pre-start for fleet and plant vehicles; some require a check before every trip, particularly for shared pool vehicles. If the vehicle has been sitting unused for an extended period, has had repairs, or was used by another driver, always complete a fresh check. In addition to daily pre-starts, vehicles should follow the manufacturer scheduled service intervals, typically every 10,000 to 15,000 km or 6 to 12 months. Your company policy, site rules or contract may specify additional frequency. When in doubt, complete the checklist each time you take the vehicle. In MapTrack, you can schedule daily, weekly and periodic inspections against each vehicle and receive alerts when checks are overdue.
Frequently asked questions
Applicable regulatory standards
This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:
- WHS Act 2011 (Section 19 - Primary duty of care)
- WHS Regulations 2011 (Part 5.1 - Plant and equipment)
- Australian Road Rules (Vehicle roadworthiness requirements)
Vehicle pre-start checklist preview
Need to run digital pre-starts attached to each asset?
Register every vehicle in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.
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