A Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR), by law, needs to be completed by drivers of any commercial vehicle at the beginning of the workday before work begins, and also at the end of the day when driving is finished (pre-trip inspection and post-trip inspections). The law is enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the report can be on paper or paperless.
Vehicle inspections are an important part of a truck driver’s daily routine and they are essential to keeping vehicles in good condition while ensuring road safety and fleet compliance. It ensures the safety of not just the driver, but also everyone else on the road.
Pre-Trip Inspection
At the start of a shift, prior to departing on a trip, a driver must check all areas of the cab and trailer looking for signs of wear or damage that could pose a safety hazard while driving. They should review the previous DVIR completed on the vehicle. If there are defects noted these must be inspected and signed off. If the defects have not been corrected they must be repaired before the vehicle can be used. It is meant to ensure that the vehicle is safe for operation and is free from defects.
Post-Trip Inspection
At the completion of the day’s work, a driver must complete a DVIR on the vehicle by performing a complete visual inspection of the truck. This inspection should be identical to the pre-trip inspection—looking for damage or wear that should be addressed to prevent posing a safety concern.
DVIRs need to be kept for a minimum of three months.
View a sample of a DVIR and watch an informative video about the inspection process.
