Carry out van daily walkaround checks
What you need to check inside and outside of your van during a daily walkaround check.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
You’re responsible for making sure your van is safe to drive.
Carry out a walkaround check of the van before your journey to make sure it’s safe.
You should record and report any defects you find during the walkaround check if you’re driving for a business that has an operator licence.
The police and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) officers can stop and check your vehicle.
If the vehicle is dangerous, DVSA can stop you from using it until the problem is fixed. You may also be fined or prosecuted and you may be given points on your licence.
Download a diagram
You can download a diagram to remind you of the main things to check.
Check inside the van
1. Front view (mirrors, cameras and glass)
Check that no objects get in the way of your front view.
As a general rule, there should be nothing in the swept area of the windscreen wipers.
Mirrors, cameras and glass
Check that the windscreen is not damaged or obscured.
Check that all mirrors are in place and not:
- damaged or missing glass
- obscured
- insecure
Check that cameras are:
- in place
- working correctly
2. Windscreen washers and wipers
Check that the washers and wipers:
- work correctly
- are in good condition
3. Dashboard warning lights
Check that all warning lights are working correctly, including:
- anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- airbags - supplementary restraint system (SRS)
- electronic braking system (EBS)
- electronic power system (EPS)
- electronic stability control (ESC)
- full beam headlamp warning lamp
- parking brake warning lamp
4. Steering
Check that:
- the steering wheel moves properly and does not jam
- the steering wheel has no excessive play
- the power-assisted steering works correctly
- there’s no excessive lift or movement in the steering column
5. Horn
Check that the horn works when its control is operated.
6. Brakes
Check that:
- the footwell is clear of rubbish
- the foot or service brake works correctly and does not have any excessive travel
- the hand brake or parking brake works correctly and does not have any excessive travel
7. Seats and seat belts
Check that the seats are secure.
Check that the seat belts:
- do not have any cuts, damage or fraying that may stop them from working
- stay secure when you plug them in
- retract against you when fitted, and fully retract when you take them off
Check outside the van
8. Lights and indicators
Check that:
- all lights and indicators work correctly
- all lenses are fitted, clean and the right colour
- stop lamps come on when you apply the service brake and go out when you release it
- marker lights are fitted and work
9. Fluids, fuel and oil
Check that:
- the brake fluid, engine coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid, windscreen washer fluid and water levels are correct
- the fuel filler cap is securely fitted
- there are no brake fluid, power steering fluid and water leaks - look for dripping or puddles on the ground
- there are no fuel or oil leaks - turn on the engine and look for dripping or puddles on the ground
10. Battery
Check that the battery is:
- secure
- in good condition
- not leaking
11. Bodywork and doors
Check that:
- all doors shut properly and are secure when closed
- there is no damage and no sharp edges
- no body panels are loose or in danger of falling off
12. Tyres and wheels
Check that:
- the wheels and any trims are secure
- the tyres have a legal tread depth
- the tyres are inflated correctly
- there are no deep cuts or damage on the tyre’s sidewall or tread area
- there is no wire or cord visible anywhere on the tyre
- the wheels are not damaged
You can get 3 penalty points on your licence for each tyre that is not safe and legal.
13. Load
Check that:
- any load does not move and is not likely to move
- you have used the right securing system for the load
- the van doors, side boards or tailgate have effective locking devices
- the body, bulkhead and floor are in good condition
Read detailed guidance about securing loads.
14. Diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue)
Check that your diesel vehicle has enough AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid and top up if necessary.
15. Exhaust
Check that the exhaust does not:
- leak
- emit excessive amounts of smoke or noise
16. Alternative fuel systems and isolation
Check that:
- you know where the fuel isolation switch is located
- there are no leaks from the system
- all visible components are in good condition
17. Number plate
Check that the number plates:
- are the correct type
- are secure
- can be easily read
18. Tow bars and trailers
Check that:
- the tow bar is secure
- any trailer is correctly and securely attached, with all electrical connections working correctly
- a breakaway cable is fitted
19. Other equipment
You might need to check other items specific to the vehicle, for example, loading or specialised equipment. Check that any tail lift is:
- secure
- free from damage
- working properly
Record and report the result of your check
If you’re driving for a business that has an operator licence, you should record and report all defects that you:
- find during the daily walkaround check
- become aware of during your journey
What to record
Record:
- the vehicle registration (number plate) or identification mark
- the date
- details of the defects or symptoms
- your assessment of the defects (for example, ‘dangerous’)
- your name
- who it was reported to
Use a form that includes a list of the items checked each day. Record ‘nil’ defects if you do not find any.
Download a template to use, or use the system that your employer provides.
DVSA can ask for a record of your walkaround check at a roadside check.
If you become aware of defects during your journey
Find a safe place to stop to assess and report any defects you become aware of during your journey.
You must get dangerous defects fixed before you continue your journey.
You can get an unlimited fine and a prison sentence for using a van in a dangerous condition.