Maintenance
Pre-start Inspection Guide
A repeatable walk-around routine for Australian heavy vehicle drivers that catches defects, satisfies inspectors and takes under ten minutes.
5 min read
The short version
- Do the same walk-around in the same order every shift so nothing gets skipped.
- Record the inspection — an unrecorded check is hard to prove later.
- Report and rectify before you roll, not after an intercept.
The walk-around, in order
- Cab: horn, wipers, mirrors, warning lights, seatbelt, fire extinguisher.
- Front: headlights, indicators, number plate, windscreen condition.
- Nearside: tyres and rims, mud flaps, air lines, fuel caps, storage doors secure.
- Coupling: kingpin engaged, safety catch, airlines and electrical lead clear.
- Trailer: lights, load restraint, doors and gates, rear marker plates.
- Offside: mirror image of the nearside check.
- Under: leaks on the ground, hanging components, air tank drain.
- Brake test: air build-up, low-pressure warning, park brake hold, roll test.
Same order, every time
Fatigue and time pressure make people skip steps. A fixed sequence turns the inspection into muscle memory so a missing marker lamp still gets noticed at 4am.
Found a defect? Do not roll.
Driving a vehicle you know is defective is a separate and more serious matter than the defect itself. Record it, report it, rectify it.
Official source
Always refer to the NHVR for official legal requirements. This guide is general information for Australian owner-drivers, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pre-start inspection legally required?
You have a duty to ensure the vehicle is safe and roadworthy before use, and accredited operators have specific daily check requirements. A recorded pre-start is the practical way to meet that duty.
How long should a pre-start take?
A thorough walk-around on a prime mover and trailer typically takes five to ten minutes once the routine is established.
Always refer to the NHVR for official legal requirements.