HGV Walkaround Checks: Driver Responsibility Basics
What a walkaround is for
As the driver, you are responsible for checking that the vehicle (and trailer, if used) is roadworthy before you take it on the road. A walkaround check is the practical way to do that — every duty, not only after a workshop visit.
This article covers driver-facing walkaround basics. It is not a full operator maintenance system manual.
When to do it
- Before the first use of the vehicle/combination that day (or when you take over a different unit)
- Again if something changes mid-duty (new trailer, suspected damage, warning light)
What to look at (core set)
- Tyres — tread, damage, obvious bulb/under-inflation, matching issues on a trailer
- Lights and markers — including number plate and trailer connections
- Mirrors and glass — clean enough to see; no dangerous cracks in the swept area
- Body, curtains, doors, load security cues — straps/curtains/doors that affect safety
- Coupling — fifth wheel/jaws, landing legs, air/electric lines seated
- Fluid leaks — fuel, oil, AdBlue, obvious air leaks
- Brakes / dashboard warnings — do not ignore red warnings “to get to the next stop”
- Number plates, spray suppression, reflectors where fitted/required
Report defects — do not hide them
If you find a defect, report it through the company system before you roll. Driving a known dangerous defect because “the load is urgent” transfers risk onto you and the operator licence. Nil-defect reports only mean something if the check was real.
Rushed tick-box checks
Signing a sheet without walking the combination is not a check. At the roadside, officers look at the vehicle — not at how neat your tick marks are.
Driver habit
Same route around the combination every time so you do not skip the dark side of the trailer. Torch at night. If something looks wrong, stop and escalate before the public road.
