What are daily vehicle defect checks and why are they important?

The essential guide to driver daily vehicle defects checks

Did you know that around 85% of roadside defects could be avoided if drivers completed thorough defect checks? This is a significant reminder of how vital daily walkaround checks are for fleet safety and compliance. There are no shortcuts to safety; operators must ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and drivers are legally required to carry out these checks, regardless of the weather or circumstances.

The importance of walkaround checks

The Driver Daily Walkaround Check is a legal requirement for HGVs, PCVs, and vans, mandating at least one full inspection every 24 hours. If a DVSA roadside inspection finds a defect, it can impact your Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) and potentially lead to penalties. This system tracks operator risk, giving points based on inspection results. A higher score increases the likelihood of further checks, meaning that consistent defects can raise the risk profile of your fleet.

Severe defects can lead to immediate prohibitions, fixed penalties for drivers, and even driver conduct hearings, which can impact vocational licenses. Traffic Commissioners take failure to conduct checks seriously, reinforcing the importance of thorough inspections.

Best practices for recording vehicle defect checks

Both drivers and operators share responsibility for maintaining vehicle conditions. Operators must implement maintenance systems, while drivers should conduct checks at every start of the day and after each handover. Trailer checks are also mandatory, even when using equipment from a different company.

Defect reporting is a crucial part of compliance, requiring that all items on the defect report are checked, reported, and held on record for 15 months, either on paper or electronically. Emergency roadside repairs are permitted, but general maintenance and repairs should never occur on public highways.

How long should daily vehicle defect checks take?

A comprehensive check should take around 15 minutes, covering all essential points. Drivers should be equipped with tools like a torch, tire tread gauge, and a vehicle height measuring stick, all of which help prevent missed defects. It’s also recommended to train drivers during induction and conduct regular reminders to ensure thorough checks.

Simplify walkaround?vehicle defect checks with the Fleetmaxx app

Fleetmaxx makes it easy to streamline your drivers’ daily checks. With our app, available for just ￡1 per week per driver, you’ll simplify the process and keep compliance on track. Contact our team at 01367 704 910 or visit our website for more details.