Free inspection template
Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection — Free Template
Run this Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection from your phone — online or offline — and get a finished PDF report when you're done.
Overview
What is A Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection?
A Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection is a structured checklist that helps inspectors systematically verify compliance with the relevant standards or operational requirements. Completing the inspection on mobile produces a timestamped PDF that can be shared immediately with clients or management.
The checklist
Every checkpoint, in full
A read-only preview of the live template. Clone it to run the inspection on mobile, where each item records Pass, Fail or N·A with optional photos and notes.
Driver & Vehicle Information
8 checksNOTENote on Usage
This pre-trip inspection is based on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA, 49 CFR Parts 392 and 396). Completing it does not guarantee regulatory compliance or that the vehicle is safe to operate. The driver and motor carrier remain responsible for ensuring the vehicle is in safe operating condition before and during every trip, and for satisfying all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Inspection date
Inspection time
Unit / vehicle number
License plate
Odometer reading
Driver name
Vehicle equipped with air brakes?
Determines whether the air-loss / low-air-warning checks apply. Answer No for hydraulic-brake vehicles.
Towing a trailer?
Gates the coupling devices, fifth wheel, and trailer connection checks.
Brakes
4 checksService brakes operate and stop the vehicle without pullingCritical
Check pedal travel and that the vehicle stops straight. Inspect linings, drums/rotors, hoses, and lines for wear, cracks, or leaks.
Parking / emergency brake holds the vehicleCritical
Set the parking brake and confirm it holds against a gentle pull in gear or on a slight grade.
Air system builds and holds pressure; low-air warning worksCritical
Air-brake vehicles only. Build to governor cut-out, then check for excessive air loss and that the low-air warning activates before pressure drops below the minimum.
Brake warning lights and gauges read normal at start-up
Steering
2 checksSteering responds normally with no excessive free playCritical
Check for looseness in the steering wheel, binding, or unusual effort. Inspect linkage and the power-steering system for leaks.
Steering components secure with no visible damage or leaks
Tires & Wheels
3 checksLowest measured tread depthCritical
Measure the most worn tire. Federal minimum is 4/32 in on steer-axle tires and 2/32 in on all other tires; record the lowest reading and inspect that axle accordingly.
Tires properly inflated and free of cuts, bulges, or exposed cordCritical
Check for under-inflation, sidewall damage, tread separation, and embedded objects. Confirm valve caps are present.
Wheels, rims, and lug nuts secure with no cracks or missing fasteners
Look for cracked rims, loose or missing lug nuts, and signs of rust streaking or oil leakage from hubs.
Lights, Reflectors & Signals
4 checksHeadlights (high and low beam) operateCritical
Brake lights and turn signals operate front and rearCritical
Tail, marker, clearance, and hazard lights operate
Reflectors and reflective tape clean, present, and unbroken
Mirrors, Windshield & Wipers
3 checksMirrors present, secure, clean, and properly adjusted
Windshield free of cracks or obstructions in the driver's view
Wipers and washers operate and blades contact the glass
Horn
1 checkHorn operates
Coupling Devices / Fifth Wheel & Trailer Connection
4 checksFifth wheel / coupling secure, locked, and free of excessive playCritical
Confirm the kingpin is fully seated and the locking jaws are closed. Check mounting bolts and the slider for damage or movement.
Safety chains / devices and pintle hook in good condition
Applies to pintle-hook or ball-hitch combinations. Confirm chains are rated, crossed, and undamaged.
Air lines and electrical (7-way) connections secure and undamaged
Check glad-hand seals for leaks and the trailer cord for chafing or loose pins.
Trailer lights, brakes, and tires functioning
Cycle trailer lights and confirm trailer service brakes apply. Inspect trailer tires as you did the tractor.
Suspension & Frame
2 checksSprings, air bags, shocks, and hangers intact and secure
Look for broken or shifted leaves, leaking air bags, and cracked or loose mounts.
Frame, crossmembers, and body mounts free of cracks or corrosion damage
Exhaust System
1 checkExhaust system secure and not leaking into the cab or sleeperCritical
Listen for leaks and check for loose clamps or damage. Any exhaust entering the occupied cab is an out-of-service condition.
Fluid Leaks
2 checksNo active fuel, oil, or coolant leaks under the vehicle
Walk the underside and check the ground for fresh puddles or drips. Note the fluid type if a leak is found.
Engine oil, coolant, and other fluid levels within range
Emergency Equipment
3 checksFire extinguisher present, charged, and securely mountedCritical
Confirm the gauge reads in the green (charged) zone and the seal is intact.
Warning devices present (three reflective triangles or equivalent)
Spare fuses present, or vehicle uses non-replaceable circuit protection
Seatbelt & Cab Safety
3 checksSeatbelt present, latches, and retracts properly
Dash warning lamps, gauges, and defroster/heater operate
Cab doors, latches, and emergency exits operate
Defects & Sign-off
4 checksDefects or deficiencies found during this inspection?
Record any defect here so it carries to the driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR).
Defects and corrective actions
Describe each defect and whether it was repaired or must be repaired before the trip.
Photo of any defect (optional)
Driver signature
Yours to edit
Not quite how your site runs?
Clone it and the checklist becomes yours in seconds. Reword a checkpoint, drop in a whole new section, flag what's critical, and add photo or signature fields wherever proof matters. No code, no form-building.
Field procedure
How to run this inspection
Walk the site area by area. Mark each checkpoint Pass, Fail or N·A as you go, and add a photo on any Fail to document it for the report.
STEP 01
Driver & Vehicle Information
Check all items in the Driver & Vehicle Information area and record Pass, Fail or N·A for each.
STEP 02
Brakes
Check all items in the Brakes area and record Pass, Fail or N·A for each.
STEP 03
Steering
Check all items in the Steering area and record Pass, Fail or N·A for each.
STEP 04
Tires & Wheels
Check all items in the Tires & Wheels area and record Pass, Fail or N·A for each.
STEP 05
Lights, Reflectors & Signals
Check all items in the Lights, Reflectors & Signals area and record Pass, Fail or N·A for each.
STEP 06
Mirrors, Windshield & Wipers
Check all items in the Mirrors, Windshield & Wipers area and record Pass, Fail or N·A for each.
Run your first Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection today
Clone the template, inspect from your phone, and hand over a finished PDF report before you leave the floor.