A HGV (LGV) driver is responsible for ensuring their vehicle is in full working condition and safe to drive. Daily vehicle checks must be conducted and a Drivers’ Daily Vehicle Defect Report must be completed.
These checks cover both internal and external features of the vehicle and is commonly known in the industry as a HGV drivers’ daily walkaround vehicle check. The HGV (LGV) driver is responsible to provide maintenance documents during their period of use (The Drivers’ Daily Vehicle Defect Report).
What vehicle checks must a HGV (LGV) driver complete?
The following is a list of vehicle checks a HGV driver must conduct before use:
- Mirrors and glass – Check the glass for any cracks or stickers. Ensure the mirrors are pointing in the right direction.
- Windscreen wipers and washers – Check windscreen wipers are working correctly and there is sufficient washer fluid.
- Front view – Ensure full visibility through the cab front window.
- Warning lamps – Make sure the vehicle warning light is working correctly.
- Steering – Ensure the steering wheel moves and the steering works correctly.
- Horn – Test the horn works properly.
- Brakes and air build-up – Check the brakes work and test the air build-up.
- Height marker – Ensure you have a height marker and it is correct.
- Seatbelts – Check all seatbelts are working correctly.
- Lights and indicators – Ensure all the vehicle lights and indicators work correctly.
- Fuel/oil leaks – Make sure there are no fuel or oil leaks.
- Battery security and condition – Check the vehicle battery is secure and in good condition.
- Diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue) – If the vehicle runs on Diesel, ensure you have sufficient exhaust fluid, such as AdBlue.
- Excessive engine exhaust smoke – Check there isn’t excessive smoke being emitted from the engine.
- Security of body / wings – Make sure the vehicle’s body is securely fitted with no parts starting to fall off. This also includes the wing mirrors.
- Spray suppression – Ensure the spray suppressions are securely fitted and meet legislation.
- Tyres and wheel fixing – Ensure all tyres and wheels are correctly fitted. Make sure all nuts and bolts are tight and the tyre treads and pressure meet legislation.
- Brake lines – Check the brake lines are in good working order.
- Electrical connections – Check all electrical connections are fully working. Test each one individually.
- Coupling security – Check that your vehicle is securely coupled (attached) to your cargo load.
- Security of load – Ensure your load is secure and its weight is evenly distributed throughout the HGV (LGV).
- Number plate – Check the number plate is secure and visible.
- Reflectors – Check all reflectors are securely attached and visible.
- Markers – Check all required vehicle markers are securely attached and visible.
View PDF version of HGV vehicle checks.
As you can see, the job responsibilities for a HGV driver extend much further than driving from A to B. By law, all drivers must check their vehicle is safe to drive before beginning their journey. It is vital these checks are conducted in order to prevent serious accidents.
If a driver fails to correctly check their vehicle, they can face large penalties, points on their licence and can even have their licence revoked.
Leicester Driver Training Ltd
LDT head instructor, Carl Browett, has over 12 years experience in teaching new HGV drivers the correct procedure in order to check their vehicle is safe to drive.
Ensuring you are fully qualified in checking your vehicle not only helps you pass your driving test, it will also keep you safe out on the road.
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