Complete Guide to HGV Daily Walk-Around Checks — And Why Doing Them Properly Matters
Every HGV driver has a legal responsibility to conduct daily walk-around checks before taking a vehicle on the road. It’s not simply a box-ticking exercise, it’s a critical part of keeping you, your load, and other road users safe.
Whether you're an experienced driver or new to the industry, completing these checks thoroughly and reporting defects correctly helps prevent breakdowns, protects you as a professional HGV Driver, and ensures your vehicle remains compliant with DVSA standards.
This guide walks you through
what to check,
how to do it properly, and
why it matters more than you might think.
Why Daily Walk-Around Checks Are So Important
1. It’s a legal requirement
The DVSA requires a full, documented check of the vehicle before every shift. Skipping checks, or not completing them to the right standard, can result in penalties and points on your licence.
2. Protects You and Your Job
By spotting and reporting defects early, you help keep the vehicle safe and compliant. This protects your job, your licence, and ensures you’re not held responsible for issues that could have been avoided.
3. Prevents breakdowns and dangerous failures on the road
A missed defect could lead to a tyre blowout, brake failure, or load shift while you’re driving, all of which can cause serious accidents.
4. Supports safety and compliance culture
Proper checks help build a responsible, safety-first environment across the transport team. Consistency is key.
5. Ensures you’re covered in an inspection
Roadside checks can happen anytime. A correctly completed daily defect sheet protects you if a fault appears during your journey.
How to Complete an HGV Daily Walk-Around Check
A proper check should take
at least 10–15 minutes. Rushing increases the risk of missing something important.
Below is a clear, step-by-step guide aligned with DVSA expectations.
1. Start with the Exterior
Tyres & Wheels
- Check tread depth
- Look for cuts, bulges, exposed cords
- Ensure wheel nuts are secure
- Listen for air leaks
Lights & Indicators
- Headlights, fog lights, brake lights, indicators and hazard warning lights must all work
- Lenses should be clean and not cracked
Mirrors & Glass
- Ensure mirrors are correctly positioned
- Check for cracks or missing glass
- Windscreen must be free from major damage
Bodywork & Trailer Condition
- Look for loose panels, sharp edges or damage
- Ensure side-guards and rear under run protection are intact
- Check curtains, doors, locks, straps and buckles
2. Mechanical & Safety Systems
Brakes
- No audible air leaks
- Air tanks must build pressure correctly
- ABS warning light must go out
Steering
- No excessive play
- Steering column secure
- No unusual noises when turning
Suspension & Chassis
- Look for broken springs, airbags, or cracked mounts
- Ensure chassis and frame are undamaged
3. Load Security
Whether you're carrying pallets, cages or bulk loads, always check:
- Load is stable and secured
- Curtains alone are
not load security
- Ratchets, straps and bars are in good condition
- Tail lifts operate safely
Load shifts can be fatal — this part of the check is non-negotiable.
4. In-Cab Checks -
Dashboard & Warning Lights
- Ensure no warning lights remain illuminated
- Tachograph is functioning
Seat belts & Controls
- Seat belts must click and retract properly
- Wipers, washers, horn and heater/defrost should all work
Documentation
- Ensure the daily defect sheet is completed
- Check all required paperwork is present
5. Trailer Connection Checks (if applicable)
- Fifth wheel or tow eye properly engaged
- Electrical suzies and airlines connected correctly
- No air leaks
- Landing legs fully raised
Take extra time with coupling/uncoupling — small errors can have huge consequences.
How to Report a Defect Correctly
Identifying a defect is only half the job. Reporting it properly ensures your vehicle is repaired quickly and legally safe to use.
✔Report it immediately to your transport/shift manager
✔ Record it clearly on your defect sheet or app
✔ Never take a vehicle on the road with a serious defect
✔ Do not rely on someone else to report it
If a defect is dangerous,
the vehicle must not be driven until it’s repaired.
This keeps you protected and ensures the operator remains compliant.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make During Walk-Around Checks
- Doing the check too quickly
- Skipping steps because “it was fine yesterday”
- Not recording minor defects
- Failing to check both sides of the vehicle
- Not checking trailers properly
- Not reporting issues unless they feel “serious”
Small problems can turn into major failures. Catch them early.
Final Thoughts: A Good Daily Check Protects Everyone
A thorough daily walk-around check isn’t just paperwork, it’s protection.
It protects:
- You
- Your Vehicle
- Your Employer
- Other road users
- Your company’s reputation
Taking a few minutes each morning to check your vehicle properly is one of the simplest but most important responsibilities you have as a professional HGV driver.
For more information you can watch a video here -
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carry-out-daily-heavy-goods-vehicle-hgv-walkaround-checks#watch-a-video-showing-what-checks-to-do
