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Key Takeaways
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections are required by the FMCSA and help prevent breakdowns, violations and unsafe driving conditions.
- Following a detailed, step-by-step inspection checklist allows drivers to catch mechanical issues early and keep their truck road-ready every day.
- Documenting issues through DVIRs and addressing defects promptly helps ensure compliance, reduce downtime, improve safety and extend vehicle life.
Every safe trip starts and ends with a proper inspection. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial drivers to complete a pre-trip inspection and a post-trip inspection every time a commercial vehicle is operated, as outlined in 49 CFR §396.11 and §396.13.
Beyond compliance, these inspections help drivers identify mechanical issues early, prevent breakdowns, and reduce the risk of violations or unsafe driving conditions.
Routine inspections play a critical role in meeting FMCSA inspection requirements, improving vehicle reliability, and keeping trucks safe and road-ready every day. Below is a comprehensive truck driver inspection checklist covering both pre-trip and post-trip inspections that drivers can rely on every day.
What Is a Pre-Trip Inspection?
A pre-trip inspection is a required safety check completed before operating a commercial vehicle to confirm that the truck and trailer are roadworthy and compliant with FMCSA inspection requirements. This inspection includes a review of all major vehicle systems, such as the exterior, cab interior, engine compartment, brakes, steering, suspension and coupling components.
By following a consistent pre-trip inspection checklist, truck drivers can identify potential defects before driving, reduce the risk of roadside breakdowns and avoid out-of-service violations. A thorough pre-trip inspection typically takes between 20 and 50 minutes, depending on the vehicle and load.
If the previous inspection report noted any issues, you must review the problem area and sign off to certify that the required repairs were made before the truck can be taken back on the road.
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
What’s included in a pre-trip inspection checklist can vary based on the type of commercial vehicle being operated and specific fleet requirements. However, the following truck driver inspection checklist outlines the standard components that should be inspected before starting a route to help ensure safety, compliance and reliable operation.
1. Exterior Walkaround
Begin with a full walkaround of the truck to spot any visible issues before digging deeper into individual components.
Look for damaged body panels, loose hardware, missing reflectors or anything out of place.
Mirrors, windows and windshields should be clean and free of cracks, and the vehicle should sit level with no visible leaning.
2. Tires, Wheels and Rims
Tires and wheels are under constant stress on the road. Identifying early signs of wear or damage can help prevent blowouts and costly roadside service.
During your inspection:
- Confirm tire pressure matches manufacturer specifications and tire maintenance is up to date.
- Inspect tread depth and check for uneven wear or balding spots.
- Look for cuts, bulges, exposed cords or sidewall damage.
- Examine rims for cracks, bends or rust trails.
- Make sure lug nuts are tight and wheel seals are not leaking.
3. Lights and Signals
Lighting issues are among the most common FMCSA violations, making it important to test every exterior light to make sure your truck is visible and compliant.
- Test headlights, high beams and fog lights.
- Check turn signals, brake lights and hazard lights.
- Inspect clearance and marker lamps.
- Verify that all reflectors are intact and visible.
4. Engine Compartment
Next, open the hood and inspect the engine area. Fluids and hoses need to be in good shape to prevent overheating or mechanical failure during your route.
- Check oil, coolant and power-steering fluid levels.
- Inspect belts for cracks or fraying.
- Inspect hoses for leaks, bulges or soft spots.
- Look for signs of leaks under the engine.
- Ensure the radiator and charge air cooler are clear of debris.
5. Brakes and Air System
Your brake system is one of the most critical items in your pre-trip inspection. In 2024, 25% of all out-of-service violations found during the CVSA International Roadcheck was for defective service brakes, emphasizing the importance of a detailed brake inspection to avoid violations and ensure overall road safety.
- Listen for air leaks in hoses or brake chambers.
- Check the air compressor build-up time.
- Inspect slack adjusters and pushrods for proper clearance.
- Verify brake linings are not excessively worn.
- Confirm that parking brakes and service brakes engage properly.
6. Steering and Suspension
Your steering and suspension systems should move smoothly and hold the truck stable under load. Any looseness or leaks must be addressed before you drive.
- Check steering wheel play and shaft condition.
- Inspect power steering hoses for leaks.
- Examine springs, hangers and U-bolts.
- Ensure shocks are intact and not leaking.
- Check for leaning or sagging that indicates suspension issues.
7. Cab Interior
Before driving, make sure everything inside the cab is fully functional.
- Check gauges, including oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter and air pressure.
- Test windshield wipers, washers, heaters and defrosters.
- Confirm mirrors are adjusted correctly.
- Verify the fire extinguisher is fully charged and mounted, and you have at least three reflective triangles as well as spare electrical fuses.
- Inspect the seatbelt for fraying and ensure it locks properly.
8. Coupling Components
If you’re pulling a trailer, the coupling system must be fully secure. A quick but thorough check prevents dangerous uncoupling incidents on the road.
- Inspect the fifth wheel for cracks or missing components.
- Ensure the locking jaws fully enclose the kingpin.
- Verify the release arm is closed and locked.
- Confirm that air and electrical lines are connected and not rubbing.
9. Trailer Inspection
Finish the pre-trip inspection by walking through the trailer itself. Structural damage and landing gear problems can all disrupt a route if left unaddressed.
- Check crossmembers, floor and rails for damage.
- Ensure landing gear is fully raised.
- Test all trailer lights and ABS lights.
- Verify the condition of doors, seals and hinges.
What Is a Post-Trip Inspection?
A post-trip inspection is completed at the end of each driving shift or workday, before the vehicle is left unattended, to identify any damage, wear or mechanical issues that occurred during operation. Under FMCSA inspection requirements, drivers must review specific vehicle components and document any defects that could affect safe operation.
If issues are noted while operating the vehicle or discovered during the post-trip inspection, drivers are required to complete a driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR). Proper DVIR documentation ensures that defects are addressed before the vehicle is operated again, helping fleets maintain compliance, reduce downtime and improve overall safety.
Post-Trip Inspection Checklist
Many of the same components reviewed during a pre-trip inspection should also be included in a post-trip inspection checklist. The checklist below covers all FMCSA-required inspection items, along with additional components that should be evaluated at the end of each route to identify emerging maintenance issues.
1. Exterior and Lighting
Start your post-trip inspection by walking around the vehicle and noting any new issues that may have developed during the day.
Look for fresh damage on the body, loose components or anything that appears out of place.
As you move around the truck, confirm that all exterior lights are still working, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals and clearance lamps.
2. Brakes and Air System
Your braking system can change significantly over the course of a shift, so pay attention to anything unusual you notice while driving. If you experienced vibration, pulling to one side, brake fade or inconsistent stopping power, make a note of it now.
Listen closely for air leaks around chambers or hoses, and inspect these components for wear, looseness or damage.
Any change in how the brakes feel or sound should be recorded for maintenance review.
3. Steering Mechanism
The steering system is put to the test during the day-to-day grind, especially on rough roads or in extreme weather. During your inspection, check for looseness in the steering gearbox and drag links, and measure the steering wheel free play, ensuring it’s no more than 30 degrees.
Check the power steering fluid levels. Low levels could signal a leak from hoses, reservoirs or gearboxes.
Sit in the cab and see how much rotation of the steering wheel is required before a positive reaction in the vehicle can be noticed. Take note of any tight spots or anything that keeps the wheel from rotating smoothly and consistently.
4. Tires and Wheels
After a full day on the road, it’s common for tires to pick up debris or develop wear that wasn’t present in the morning. Take a close look at each tire for cuts, punctures or fresh tread damage.
Check the rims for cracks or distortion, and verify that all lug nuts are still tight.
If you suspect an issue with a wheel hub, feel it carefully for excess heat, which may signal a developing bearing or brake problem.
5. Horn
While the horn may seem insignificant, it can play a key role in warning other drivers around you on the road and helping to prevent accidents. To check it, honk the horn and ensure that it’s sufficiently audible from outside the cab.
6. Windshield Wipers
The last thing you want is to be stuck in inclement weather with inoperable or worn-out windshield wipers. Verify that the wipers turn on and speed up or slow down as expected.
Spray your windshield to ensure the wipers contact the glass smoothly and move the water effectively. If you notice streaking, skipping or squealing noises, it’s a sign the wipers are due to be replaced.
7. Mirrors
Inspect all interior and exterior mirrors for cracks, chips, or damage to the mirror surface or mounting hardware. Also ensure that all power mirrors move as expected when adjusting them from inside the cab.
8. Coupling and Trailer Components
Review the condition of the coupling system and trailer. Make sure the fifth wheel and kingpin are still securely locked, and that the skid plate hasn't shifted.
Inspect the trailer doors, hinges and interior cargo area for any damage that may have occurred while loading, unloading or traveling.
Air and electrical lines should be checked again to ensure they remain secure, properly connected, and free of wear or chafing.
9. Fluid Leaks
A leak that wasn’t present during your pre-trip inspection may show up after hours of driving. Check beneath the truck for fresh drips or wet areas around the engine, transmission or rear axles.
If you received any low-fluid warnings on the dash during your route, this is the time to verify the levels and record what you observed.
10. Emergency Equipment
Finish your physical inspection by checking all the emergency equipment inside your vehicle. Ensure everything is present and in good working order, making note of anything that is missing, expired or needs to be replaced. Your review of emergency equipment should include the following:
- Spare tire
- Jack
- Lug wrench
- Jumper cables
- Reflective triangles
- Flares
- Extra coolant and engine oil
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Toolkit
- Flashlight
- Personal protective equipment
Maintenance Support for Fleets and Drivers
A thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspection keeps your vehicle safe, compliant and ready for every mile ahead. By following a consistent checklist, you can reduce downtime and catch issues before they become expensive problems.
For even more peace of mind, Rush Truck Centers provides a complimentary 21-point inspection every time you bring your truck in for service. Our factory-trained technicians look at all major components, helping fleets and drivers stay productive and safe on the road.
Contact your nearest Rush Truck Centers location today to request a service appointment.
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