Truck Pre-Start Checklist: 10 Essential Items to Include

The Top 10 Items Every Truck Pre-Start Checklist Should Include

A truck pre-start checklist plays a vital role in ensuring roadworthiness, operator safety, and compliance with heavy vehicle regulations. By completing a simple but thorough daily check before operation, drivers reduce the risk of on-road failure, workplace injury, and compliance breaches. Whether you're operating in transport, logistics, construction, or agriculture, this guide outlines the top 10 items every daily truck safety check should include.

Quick Highlights:
  • Completing a truck inspection checklist is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions.
  • Pre-start checks improve safety and reduce downtime from mechanical faults.
  • Digital tools like DIGI CLIP mobile forms make it faster and easier to record, store, and track inspections.

1. Brakes

Ensure foot brakes, parking brake, and trailer brakes (if applicable) function correctly. Look for air leaks in air brake systems and ensure brake lights engage properly.

2. Tyres and Wheel Security

Check for correct tyre pressure, sufficient tread depth, and signs of damage or uneven wear. Ensure all wheel nuts are present and tight — critical for heavy vehicle compliance.

3. Lights and Indicators

Verify that all headlights, tail lights, brake lights, hazard lights, and turn indicators are operational and clean.

4. Load Restraint Equipment

Inspect tie-down straps, chains, winches, and anchor points for wear or damage. Secure and restrain all loads to prevent shifting or falling during transport.

5. Windscreen and Wipers

Ensure windscreen is clean and free of cracks that impair visibility. Check wipers for proper function and washer fluid level.

6. Oil and Fluid Levels

Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windscreen washer fluid. Address leaks immediately.

7. Safety Equipment

Verify that fire extinguishers, first aid kits, warning triangles, and PPE are present, in-date, and in good condition — essential for truck safety checklist compliance.

8. Mirrors and Visibility

Ensure all mirrors are clean, adjusted correctly, and secure. Check rear-view cameras or sensors if installed.

9. Horn and Warning Devices

Test the horn and any backup alarms. These are vital to alert pedestrians and workers in shared work zones.

10. General Cleanliness and Loose Items

Check the cab and tray for debris, loose tools, or unsecured items that could become hazards while driving or unloading.

Explore more industry-specific checklist applications:

About DIGI CLIP Mobile Forms

DIGI CLIP is a mobile checklist and inspection app that simplifies safety, compliance, and operational reporting. Designed for industries like transport, warehousing, agriculture, and construction, DIGI CLIP replaces paper forms with real-time digital checklists. Built-in photo capture, automated alerts, geo-time stamping, and an Action Register ensure nothing gets missed.

Why Try DIGI CLIP? Because safety actions don’t count if you can’t prove them. Start your free trial—no credit card needed—and see how simple compliance can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a truck pre-start checklist?

A pre-start checklist is a daily safety inspection carried out before a truck is operated to ensure it is safe, compliant, and roadworthy.

Is a pre-start inspection legally required?

Yes, in many jurisdictions pre-start inspections are mandatory under heavy vehicle safety laws and Chain of Responsibility (CoR) obligations.

How long does a daily truck safety check take?

Most checks take 10–15 minutes depending on the vehicle type and number of inspection points.

Can I use a digital pre-start checklist?

Yes. Digital checklists like those provided by DIGI CLIP are preferred for record-keeping, real-time visibility, and audit-readiness.

How much does DIGI CLIP cost?

DIGI CLIP offers flexible, per-user pricing with no lock-in contracts. See our pricing here.

Conclusion

A comprehensive truck pre-start checklist improves safety, ensures legal compliance, and keeps your vehicles running smoothly. By inspecting key items like brakes, tyres, lights, and safety gear, operators can identify faults early and avoid costly breakdowns. With DIGI CLIP, pre-start inspections are fast, paperless, and auditable—keeping your business one step ahead of compliance.

If you liked this post? Why not share it!

Revolutionising Compliance with Digital Checklists

Useful Resources