What is a HGV Daily Walkaround Check

Drivers, transport and fleet managers, as well as operators, have a responsibility to ensure that the vehicles they are operating are safe to drive and that they’re roadworthy.

Whilst this is true of all types of vehicles from company cars, vans and PSV’s, there are specific checks that must be carried out for lorries and other HGV’s before the start of each journey.

HGV daily checks, commonly referred to as daily walkaround checks, must be carried out before each journey to fulfil the obligation of ensuring a vehicle to safe to drive. The daily walkaround checks the drivers must do, need to cover the whole vehicle, including any trailer that it may be towing carefully assessing both interior and exterior items.

Drivers are legally responsible for the condition of the heavy goods vehicle they are driving, so they must carry out these HGV walkaround checks before each journey. The results of the checks must be recorded and any defects need to be reported and fixed before the vehicle is driven.

The HGV daily checks are relatively simple, but it is important to do a comprehensive, thorough check of the vehicle and not be limited by time.

Many sources often quote that an HGV Daily walkaround check should take around 15 minutes but it may take longer than this The important thing is to carry out each of the necessary checks before starting your journey, regardless of how long it takes.

To maintain roadworthiness, the DVSA has advised that daily HGV walkaround checks must be completed:

• Before the vehicle is driven on the road each day
• If more than one driver uses the vehicle in a day, then the driver taking charge of the vehicle should carry out their own additional checks to ensure the vehicle is safe for them to drive.

The driver must also monitor the condition of their vehicle during service and report any defects during the day which may develop during use.

The HGV daily checks are relatively simple, but it is important to do a comprehensive, thorough check of the vehicle and not be limited by time.

Many sources often quote that an HGV Daily walkaround check should take around 15 minutes but it may take longer than this The important thing is to carry out each of the necessary checks before starting your journey, regardless of how long it takes.

The driver must record all of the defects found during the daily checks as well as any that become apparent during a journey. Paper-based forms or electronic defect reporting should be used to record that all the relevant checks have been carried out each day. If any defects are discovered that may impact the vehicle’s safety, the vehicle must not be used until its repaired.

The condition and safety of the HGV is ultimately the legal responsibility of the driver. However, transport managers and vehicle operators must ensure that their vehicles are compliant and roadworthy. They must also ensure that drivers are made aware of their legal responsibilities concerning vehicle conditions and the procedures of reporting defects.

Traffic commissioners can take action against a driver who fails to complete an adequate walkaround check. This could lead to a driver conduct hearing, which may result in the loss of the vocational driving licence.

The DVSA can stop you and ask to see the daily walkaround check for your vehicle, or request a copy of the records which show you have completed the necessary daily checks if done electronically.

If any defects are found on a vehicle during one of these checks, drivers can be prevented from driving until the defect is fixed, or a fine can be issued to the driver.

Fines, prohibition notices and prison sentences can be issued for using an HGV in a dangerous condition.

Using a Vehocheck to report defects and record nil defects electronically ensures that HGV walkaround checks are being carried out correctly and in line with DVSA guidance and ensuring compliance.

Not only could it mean avoiding prohibitions and fines, but it’ll also make your job easier and our roads safer.

Using Vehocheck to conduct the vehicle walkaround check, the driver records any identified vehicle defects using the Vehocheck defect reporting app. The check is then immediately uploaded to your transport office and if a defect is recorded an alert is raised and automatically notifies the workshop.