Guide · DOT compliance
Vehicle Inspection Checklist: DOT Pre-Trip & DVIR Guide
A complete pre-trip vehicle inspection checklist for commercial truck drivers and fleet managers. Use it to meet DOT and FMCSA requirements, complete your Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR), and keep your fleet road-ready.
DOT compliant
49 CFR 396
Covers
Tractor + trailer
Time saved
Under 3 min with FleetProof AI
Why pre-trip inspections matter
Every commercial driver is required by FMCSA to inspect their vehicle before operating it. A thorough pre-trip inspection reduces roadside violations, prevents out-of-service (OOS) orders, and catches mechanical issues before they become breakdowns. Skipping steps is one of the most common causes of DOT citations.
The complete checklist
Engine compartment
- Oil level, coolant, power steering, and windshield washer fluid
- Belts and hoses for wear, cracks, or leaks
- Alternator, water pump, and air compressor mounting
- Battery secured, cables tight, no corrosion
In-cab / start-up
- Parking brake set, seat belt, mirrors, and steering play
- Gauges, warning lights, wipers, horn, heater/defroster
- Emergency equipment: fire extinguisher, triangles, spare fuses
- Air brake test: leakage, low-air warning, spring brake pop-out
Lights & signals
- Headlights (high/low), turn signals, four-ways
- Brake lights, tail lights, marker and clearance lights
- Reflectors clean and unbroken
Walkaround — tractor
- Tires: tread depth (4/32" steer, 2/32" others), no cuts or bulges
- Wheels and rims: lug nuts tight, no cracks, hub oil OK
- Brakes: chambers, slack adjusters, drums, and lines
- Suspension: springs, shocks, air bags, U-bolts
- Frame, cross-members, exhaust, and drive shaft
- Fuel tanks secure, caps tight, no leaks
Coupling area
- Fifth wheel: mounting, locking jaws, kingpin engagement, grease
- Safety latch engaged, release arm in locked position
- Air and electrical lines: no cuts, secured, glad-hand seals
- Landing gear fully raised, crank handle secured
Trailer
- Header board, doors, ties, lights, and reflectors
- Tires, wheels, brakes, suspension (same standards as tractor)
- Cargo secured, load limits observed, DOT placards if required
- Rear bumper, mud flaps, and license plate light
Skip the paperwork with FleetProof AI
Instead of checking dozens of boxes manually, FleetProof AI guides drivers through a single continuous walkaround video with AI voice prompts. Defects are captured automatically, DVIRs are generated in real time, and fleet managers see compliance instantly.
Try FleetProof AI