Published 24 Jun 2022
What is a Truck Inspection?
A truck inspection, also known as DOT inspection or DOT truck inspection, is conducted by the Department of Transportation requiring all commercial motor vehicles (CMV) weighing more than 10,000 pounds to be evaluated in order to ensure that vehicle parts and accessories are safe and in good working condition. All CMV owners can prepare for and ace DOT inspections by performing regular checks with the use of truck inspection checklists.
Truck Inspection Checklist
This heavy vehicle inspection checklist, also called a DOT truck inspection checklist template, can be used by certified technicians to identify problems and mechanical issues of heavy vehicles. Moreover, this can be used to prepare for the DOT annual vehicle inspection. Download and use this truck inspection checklist template to maximize the benefits of conducting truck inspections using a powerful inspection app to prepare your trucks for DOT inspections.
Using this truck inspection checklist on the iAuditor mobile app, begin by recording the type, identification, and mileage of the vehicle and take a photo of its general condition. This template then prompts the inspector to check the administrative conformance, brake system, fuel system, trailer conditions, and other components. Complete the report by providing safe vehicle operation tips and rate the overall condition of the vehicle.
Meeting the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) truck inspection requirements maintains the excellent performance of vehicles and contributes to the prevention of road accidents and other costly problems resulting from failure to catch issues that could have been addressed during regular truck inspections.
In this article, we will discuss the following:
- What are truck inspection checklists
- What are checked using a trick inspection checklist
- How to Use truck inspection checklists
- Preparing for DOT truck inspection
- A powerful truck inspection tool
- Free truck inspection checklists you can download and use right away
What are Truck Inspection Checklists?
Truck inspection checklists or heavy vehicle inspection checklists are tools used to check trucks for roadworthiness and ensure that all parts of your truck fleet are equipped to pass annual regulatory and DOT inspections. We have collated these free truck inspection checklist templates that you can download and use for your business. These checklists cover general heavy vehicle inspections, daily truck inspection checklists, driver training templates, driver drug and alcohol consent forms and accident report forms.
What is Checked Using a Truck Inspection Checklist?
The following are checked using a truck inspection checklist during routine truck inspection:
- Brake System
- Steering System
- Windshields
- Wipers
- Fuel System
- Lighting Devices
- Coupling Devices
- Exhaust System
- Safe Loading
- Suspension
- Frame
- Tires
- Wheels and Rims
- Cargo and Equipment
- Safety
- Trailer
More details on this truck inspection checklist that you can view and download for free. Also available in PDF.
How to Use the Truck Inspection Checklist
Truck inspection checklists not only help businesses prepare for the annual DOT inspection but also encourages regular heavy vehicles check-up to ensure driver, customer, and public safety. Taking advantage of a comprehensive checklist while conducting multiple inspections allows industries to streamline their process, standardize their approach, and help them avoid missing areas of inspection. Modify and use flexible checklists to reflect any regulatory changes from governing bodies, organizations, or industries.
Steps to Using the Truck Inspection Checklist
Follow the steps outlined to effectively use a truck inspection checklist:
- Specify vehicle information – Input initial data such as vehicle type, vehicle identification type, license plate, model, and mileage. Attach a photo of the vehicle as well for precise identification.
- Inspect vehicle parts individually – Completely go through the listed areas of vehicle parts to be checked. Make sure that you’re not missing anything and that the inspection is done in a detailed and factual manner.
- Indicate the status of inspected vehicle parts – Emphasize the condition of the vehicle and highlight if there are parts that need repair. Choose between OK, Needs Repair, Repaired, or N/A, or customize the options according to your business needs. This would also help in proactively addressing vehicle issues before use.
- Rate overall vehicle condition – Provide a summary by adding any other points that may affect the vehicle’s safe operation. Rate its overall condition by selecting from choices such as excellent, good, average, poor, and high risk.
- Add recommendations – Before completing the inspection with a signature, enter any recommendations that can improve the vehicle condition, if any.
Getting Ready for the DOT Truck Inspection
Most commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) weighing over 10,000 pounds have to undergo an annual DOT inspection. These inspections are carried out by qualified DOT inspectors who check all CMVs on the road are safe and in good working condition and that the business has proper record keeping processes in place. A DOT inspection consists of 6 levels which are:
- Level 1: North American Standard Inspection – during level 1, the inspector checks important documents such as: the vehicle operator’s license, medical certificate of their annual DOT physical exam, service record of the last 8 on-duty days, and medical card or waiver (if any). Inspector will also check if the vehicle operator is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other hazardous material. Lastly, the following elements of the vehicle will be checked: seatbelt, exhaust system, brakes, turn signals, tail lamps, headlamps, wheels and rims, windshield wipers, steering wheel, and fuel system.
- Level 2: Walk-Around Driver / Vehicle Inspection – this level involves getting under the vehicle to check other parts of the vehicle that weren’t examined during the first level.
- Level 3: Driver-Only Inspection – during this inspection, the inspector takes a closer examination of the vehicle operator’s credentials such as license, endorsements, Skill Performance Evaluation certificate, vehicle inspection reports, record of duty status (RODS), and HAZMAT certification. Other inspection items include seatbelt usage, and signs of drugs and/or alcohol use.
- Level 4: Special Inspection – level 4 is a one-time inspection that examines a specific item. It is scheduled to validate or invalidate a claim about a vehicle.
- Level 5: Vehicle-Only Inspection – This level of inspection inspects vehicle parts which were specified under level 1. It’s difference with level 1 is that this is conducted without the presence of the driver.
- Level 6: Enhanced NAS Inspection – This level is for vehicles hauling radioactive freight. The vehicle, cargo, and driver must pass the inspection before leaving for delivery. Once all criterias are met, a special decal is given as verification of passing the inspection. The decal however, is only valid for one trip and will be removed upon reaching the delivery point.
Powerful Truck Inspection Tool
A good truck inspection sheet should be easy to use and accessible offline and on the road to record defects and corrective actions. iAuditor by SafetyCulture is a powerful mobile vehicle inspection app that does all this and more to transform your truck inspection process, making it more efficient and systematic. With your truck inspection checklist on the iAuditor app, you can:
- Ensure that all truck inspections are completed on time all the time
- Record all defects and issues found during inspections
- Include photos of issues discovered and have a trail of corrective actions done
- Easily retrieve any truck inspection report in web or pdf format in the future due to effective recordkeeping of all truck inspection reports
- Build and edit truck inspection checklist templates to fit the needs of your business
- Download any of our free truck inspection checklist templates
Truck Inspection Checklists
Truck Inspection Form Template
This truck inspection form template should be used before commencing long commercial trips to ensure your truck or heavy vehicle is roadworthy. This tool can also be used as semi-truck inspection checklist. Conduct a walk-around of the vehicle making sure to inspect the general condition of the vehicle, exterior, in-cab and engine compartment. Conclude by rating the overall condition and roadworthiness of the vehicle.
Driver Assessment Training Template
Use this truck checklist before driving and when conducting regular driver training assessments for commercial vehicle drivers. Regular training and ride-alongs can help recognize best practice behaviours and identify and remedy bad driving practices. This mobile checklist can be used by an assessor while as a passenger and be used offline. Begin by capturing basic information of the driver and ensure pre-start checks are done correctly. During the drive, monitor engine management, driving technique and professionalism. Complete the report by assessing shut-down procedures, grade the overall outcome and get the driver to sign off. Prepare a final PDF copy of the report without even leaving the vehicle.
Heavy Vehicle Accident Report
Use this vehicle accident report to generate and maintain accurate register logs of accidents. Keeping up to date accident records can help improve safety performance of the vehicle during operation. Start by detailing the root cause of the accident, documenting physical damage of the vehicle vehicle and record witness statements. The inspector can also capture photo evidence of the injuries and environment and track the exact location of the accident being reported.
Drug and Alcohol Consent Form
All commercial vehicle drivers are required to pass regular drug and alcohol tests to prevent road problems, ensure quality work operations and improve safety. Use this template when conducting drug and alcohol testing for your drivers. Record the driver’s consent via signature and document the alcohol and drug testing results. Generate a completed report for future reference and record keeping for future audits.
DOT Inspection Checklist
A DOT Inspection checklist includes a series of tests that checks motor vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition. Download and customize this checklist to prepare for a DOT inspection. Some of the sections that this checklist contains are the following:
- Log files
- DVIR
- CMV
- Driver Information
- Straight Trucks
- Truck Tractors
- Trailers
- Total Inspections (Roadside/Terminal)
- Recordable accidents
