Pre-Use Inspection Form (printable HTML)
Print this form on the morning rota or hand to drivers as a clipboard sheet. Captures every DVSA walk-around check item with sign-off and defect-rectification fields.
Who it's for
Commercial drivers, depot supervisors, transport managers.
How to use this template
- 1Print one per driver per day. File with the weekly maintenance pack.
- 2Any 'fail' must be reported before vehicle use — record rectification on the same form.
- 3Better: replace with a digital walk-around tool that timestamps every check.
Licence
Free to use commercially. Adapt freely for your organisation — attribution to Nightingale Software is appreciated but not required.
Rampify
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Fleet maintenance & DVSA compliance
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