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
Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview When you think about interview preparation, most people focus on the answers they’ll give — but the questions you ask at the end of the interview can be just as important. Asking thoughtful, well-prepared questions shows confidence, genuine interest, and professionalism. It turns the interview into a two-way conversation and helps you decide whether the role and company are the right fit for you . Here’s a breakdown of the best questions you can ask, why they matter, and how they help you make a great final impression. Why Asking Questions Matters Many job seekers overlook this final part of the interview, but it’s your chance to stand out. By asking smart questions, you show: You’re prepared and have genuinely considered the role You’re engaged and interested in how the team works You think ahead , beyond just the interview You’re confident , curious, and serious about the opportunity It also helps you uncover what the role is really like on a day-to-day basis. The Best Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview Below are some simple but powerful questions you can use in any interview situation, whether it’s temporary work, a permanent role, or something in between. 1. “What does a typical day in this role look like?” This gives you a realistic picture of how your time will be spent. It helps you understand the pace, responsibilities, routines, and what’s expected of you. It’s a great question to show you’re already imagining yourself in the role. 2. “How will my performance be measured?” This shows you care about doing well and understand the importance of meeting expectations. You’ll also find out: What they value How success is tracked Which goals matter most A strong indicator of ambition and professionalism. 3. “What are the biggest challenges in this role?” Every job has challenges, and asking this shows maturity and realism. It helps you uncover: Common obstacles Workload expectations Pressures in the role Any potential deal-breakers This question gives you the honest insight you can’t always find in a job description. 4. “What does progression look like here?” If you’re career-focused, this question is essential. It shows: Long-term interest Commitment Motivation to grow within the company Plus, it helps you understand whether the business provides real opportunities or whether advancement is limited. 5. “What are the next steps in the hiring process?” Always end with this one. It helps you: Understand the timeline Know what to expect next Avoid waiting and guessing Show that you’re ready to move forward This is the question that neatly closes the interview and leaves a confident final impression. Final Thoughts: Remember — interviews aren’t just an opportunity for an employer to assess you. They’re your chance to decide: Does this company feel right? Do the values and culture fit what you’re looking for? Can you see yourself working with this team? The questions you ask at the end help you make an informed decision and show the interviewer that you’re prepared, engaged, and serious about the role. Good luck with your next interview and don’t forget to ask the questions that matter. Be Prepared. Be Elite
As a HGV driver, you’re at the heart of a safe and compliant transport operation. Your tachograph records, breaks, and working hours aren’t just about regulations, they’re about protecting your licence, your job, and your safety on the road. Most driver hours infringements happen because of small, easy-to-avoid mistakes. This guide breaks down the common issues and how you can stay compliant every day. Why Staying on Top of Driver Hours Matters When you record your hours correctly, you protect: Your licence – infringements can lead to warnings, penalties, or formal reviews Your safety – proper rest prevents fatigue and accidents Your professionalism – accurate records show you’re in control of your day Your Employer – supporting a compliant, well-run fleet Good habits behind the wheel make a big difference. Common Infringements and How to Avoid Them Below are the issues most drivers see in their tachograph reports — and how to prevent them. 1. Moving the Vehicle Without Your Digi Card Inserted Even a short movement in the yard counts as driving. If the tachograph isn’t recording your time, it becomes an infringement. How to avoid it: Insert your card before you move the vehicle, even a few metres Wait for the tachograph to read your card properly Make it the first thing you do when you get in the cab 2. Not Completing Manual Entries Missing manual entries is one of the biggest causes of incorrect records. Any time you’ve been doing work , rest , or breaks away from the vehicle — and the card wasn’t in — you must add that time manually. How to avoid it: At the start of your shift , record: rest taken any work you did before inserting the card At the end of your shift , enter: any activity after removing the card If your tachograph asks for manual entries — never skip it Manual entries protect you , proving you were compliant even when the truck wasn’t recording. 3. Not Changing the Tachograph Mode Correctly Drivers often forget to switch between: Driving Other work POA Break/rest Incorrect mode = inaccurate records. How to avoid it: Take a second to switch modes whenever you change activity Check the tachograph screen before you start moving Ask for refresher training if you’re unsure 4. Missing Breaks or Cutting Them Too Fine (Driving Hours & WTD Breaks) Breaks aren’t just about the 4.5-hour driving rule. Under the Working Time Directive (WTD) , drivers must also take a break after 6 hours of work , even if they haven’t reached their driving limit. Many infringements happen when drivers only focus on their driving time and forget their WTD obligations — or run too close to the 4.5-hour rule and get caught out by unexpected delays. How to avoid it: Plan your day so you take a break before hitting 4.5 hours of driving Remember: if you reach 6 hours of total work , you must take a break under WTD Don’t leave breaks until the last minute — traffic, queues or delays can quickly push you into an infringement Use tachograph alerts, apps, or planner notes to track both driving time and working time Taking breaks at the right time keeps you compliant under both driving hours rules and WTD — and helps prevent fatigue on the road. 5. Exceeding Daily or Weekly Driving Limits Sometimes this happens because a driver didn’t realise how the day was adding up, especially on long routes or unexpected detours. How to avoid it: Keep an eye on your cumulative driving time Keep a record of your Driving Time and Working time Each week Speak up if the schedule becomes unrealistic 7. Late Digi Card or Vehicle Unit Downloads A simple oversight, but can still cause problems for your employer How to avoid it: Know your operator’s download routine Set reminders Download your card at the end of every shift or at the end of the week if you’re tramping 8. Ending the Shift Incorrectly Removing the card while still moving or before confirming your manual entries causes errors in the record. How to avoid it: Always stop fully before removing your card Complete manual entries before getting out of the cab Double-check the tachograph confirms end of duty How These Mistakes Affect Drivers Infringements can lead to: formal meetings retraining written warnings impact on your employment record issues with DVSA if repeatedly non-compliant And most importantly, they can put your licence and livelihood at risk . Good tachograph habits protect you every single day. Practical Tips for Staying Compliant ✔ Create a start-of-shift routine (insert card → manual entry → mode check) ✔ Review your tachograph regularly to spot patterns ✔ Plan your break locations early ✔ Add manual entries whenever the tachograph didn’t record your activity ✔ Ask for help if you’re unsure — don’t guess ✔ Build buffer time into your day ✔ Keep your Digi Card clean and undamaged Final Thoughts: Professional Drivers Stay in Control Most infringements aren’t caused by deliberate rule-breaking, they’re caused by simple things drivers forget on busy days. But with the right habits, tachograph compliance becomes second nature. By taking a few extra seconds to: ✔ Insert your card ✔ Complete manual entries ✔ Switch modes correctly ✔ Plan your breaks ✔ End the shift properly You keep yourself safe, legal, and respected as a professional driver.
