Motor vehicle pre-start checklist

Address the issue immediately rather than hoping it will resolve itself. Document the problem on the checklist and report it to your maintenance department or supervisor. For safety-critical items like brake failures or significant fluid leaks, tag the vehicle as “out of service” until repairs are completed. This prevents potentially dangerous situations and protects both drivers and your company from liability.

Complete the pre-start checklist before the first use of the vehicle each day or at the beginning of each shift. For vehicles used in demanding conditions or for critical operations, consider implementing checks before each trip. Consistency is key—regular inspections help identify developing issues before they become serious problems and create a documented history of your vehicle’s condition.

Create accountability by requiring photos of key inspection points, implementing random spot-checks by supervisors, and reviewing completed checklists regularly. Make the process easy by using the template on Lumiform, guiding drivers through each step. Most importantly, respond quickly when issues are reported.

Yes, you can start by identifying the unique components and systems specific to each vehicle type in your fleet. Add specialized checks for equipment like hydraulic systems on dump trucks or refrigeration units on delivery vans. Remove irrelevant items to keep the checklist focused.