Staying on top of daily walkaround inspections is a crucial part of keeping any commercial fleet running safely and efficiently. These checks play a vital role in spotting defects early, preventing breakdowns, and ensuring vehicles remain roadworthy. Yet despite their importance, many fleets still struggle with inconsistent processes, missed items, and time pressures that make thorough inspections harder than they should be.

With increasing compliance demands, stricter safety expectations, and constant pressure to reduce downtime, having a clear and reliable vehicle inspection checklist is essential.

For over 20 years, the creators of FleetScout, sopp+sopp, have worked with the UK’s best-known fleets to deliver world-class accident & repair management solutions aimed at keeping vehicles moving.

In this guide we break down the key checks every UK fleet should perform and how they can be made easier, helping you stay DVSA complaint, protect your drivers, and keep your vehicles safe, on the road where they belong.

What Are Daily Walkaround Inspections?

Daily walkaround inspections are routine safety checks designed to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, legally compliant, and fit for purpose.

Every professional driver in the UK must carry out a daily walkaround check before using a vehicle for work. This helps identify and report defects that could make the vehicle unsafe or illegal to drive.

Regular inspections help:

• Prevent costly breakdowns and MOT failures
• Reduce the risk of roadside prohibitions
• Keep vehicles DVSA-compliant
• Improve driver and public safety

Why Regular Fleet Vehicle Inspections Are Crucial

Fleet vehicle inspections are a legal and safety necessity in the UK. Under DVSA guidance, fleet operators must have a system in place for daily defect reporting and regular maintenance inspections.

For commercial vehicles, inspections help identify issues before they become costly repairs – or worse, accidents.

Benefits include:

• Compliance with DVSA and Road Traffic Act requirements
• Compliance with Operator Licence requirements (for HGVS and some vans)
• Reduced maintenance costs through early detection of defects/issues
• Improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions through keeping on top of maintenance requirements
• Safer drivers, vehicles, and roads

Note: Failing to complete or record walkaround checks can lead to prohibitions, fines, or even the loss of your Operator Licence.

DVSA-Compliant Daily Walkaround Checklist

To ensure nothing is overlooked during daily walkaround inspections, it’s essential to use a clear, comprehensive checklist. A well-structured checklist gives drivers a consistent process to follow, covering all critical safety, mechanical, and compliance-related areas required by the DVSA.

Below, we’ve outlined a thorough vehicle inspection checklist suitable for vans, HGVs, LGVs, and company cars designed to support fleets in maintaining roadworthiness.

Exterior Checks

1. Mirrors, glass and wipers

• Windscreen and windows are not damaged, discoloured or obscured
• Door mirrors are clean, secure, and not damaged
• Windscreen wipers and washers operate correctly
• Windscreen wipers are secure and not damaged/worn
• Cameras are in place and working correctly

2. Lights and indicators

• All lights and indicators operate correctly
• All lights and indicators are clean, secure and undamaged
• All lenses and reflectors are securely fitted, clean and the correct colour

3. Tyres and Wheels

• Tyres, wheels and trims are securely fitted
• Wheel nuts are secure with no signs of looseness
• Tyres are inflated to correct pressure (as per manufacturers guidance)
• Tread depth meets legal minimum requirement (1.6mm for cars/vans; 1mm for HGVs)
• There are no cuts, bulges, or foreign objects in the tyres

Note: Each tyre that is not safe and legal can result in 3 penalty points on your licence

4. Bodywork and Load

• Body panels, doors, side/under-run guards and bumpers are secure
• All doors shut properly and remain secure when closed
• No external damage (dents, cracks, scratches) or sharp edges
• Spray suppression flaps are securely fitted, clean and undamaged (if applicable)
• Trailer coupling (tow bar), landing legs and breakaway cable are secure (if applicable)
• Trailer is correctly and securely attached (if applicable)
• Any tail lifts, fastening devices and electrical trailer connections are secure, undamaged and working correctly
• Load is properly restrained, safe and within legal weight limits
• Any reflective markings and livery are secure, clean, correct and visible
• Number plates are secure, clean, correct and clearly visible

5. Under Bonnet and Undercarriage

• Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windscreen washer fluid and water levels are all correct
• AdBlue levels are correct (for diesel vehicles)
• No fuel, oil, brake fluid, air, power steering fluid or water leaks present under vehicle
• Fuel cap is secure
• All visible components of the alternative fuel system/fuel isolation switch are in good condition and there are no leaks
• Battery is secure, in good condition and not leaking
• Exhaust does not leak or emit excessive levels of smoke or noise
• Electrical connections/components work correctly, are not damaged and all visible wiring is insulated and not likely to get caught or damaged

Interior Checks

1. Cab and Controls

• Seatbelts are functional, undamaged, stay secure when plugged in and retract properly
• Seats are secure, adjustable for driver reach, and in good condition
• Mirrors are adjusted correctly
• All dashboard gauges and warning lights functioning correctly
• No warning lights unexpectedly illuminated
• Required documents (MOT, insurance, operator licence disc) present
• Correct vehicle height displayed on vehicle height marker in the cab

Note: The vehicle height can change if the trailer is loaded, unloaded or reloaded

2. Breaking and Steering Systems

• Steering wheel moves properly, does not jam and has no excessive play
• Power-assisted steering works correctly
• Steering column has no excessive lift or movement
• Horn functions correctly
• Foot brake is responsive with no sponginess or excessive travel
• Footwell is clear of rubbish
• Handbrake holds vehicle securely and does not have excessive travel
• Foot/service pedal safely controls the brakes of both the tractor and trailer (for HGVs)

How FleetScout Walkaround Simplifies Inspections

Daily walkaround inspections are one of the most powerful ways to keep your fleet safe, roadworthy, and DVSA compliant.

When carried out properly, they help:

• Prevent dangerous defects from going unnoticed
• Protect drivers and road users
• Safeguard your organisation from costly penalties or downtime.

But in reality, these checks can be time-consuming, inconsistent, and vulnerable to human error – especially when drivers are working under pressure or relying on memory alone.

That’s where smarter tools can make a real difference.

Our DVSA-compliant walkaround app, FleetScout Walkaround, streamlines the inspection process by guiding drivers step-by-step through the required checks.

FleetScout Walkaround’s question sets are tailored by vehicle type, ensuring that the correct checks are carried out every time. Photos can be captured in the app for clear documentation, and digital sign-off enhances driver accountability and auditability.

Daily checks will always be essential, but they don’t need to be difficult. With the right digital tools, fleets can increase safety, strengthen compliance, and free-up valuable time while ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Download the brochure or book a demo now to see how FleetScout can help you reduce downtime and keep your fleet moving: