Daily Vehicle Checks

Daily vehicle checks are a core part of safe driving and professional courier operations. Before any journey begins, drivers must confirm that the vehicle is safe, roadworthy, and suitable for the work being carried out.

These checks help prevent breakdowns, reduce accident risk, protect the driver, and support legal compliance. A vehicle should never be used simply because it was working the day before. Conditions can change between shifts, and faults can develop at any time.

Driver Responsibility

• Complete all vehicle checks before starting work
• Identify and report defects immediately
• Do not use a vehicle that is unsafe or not roadworthy
• Confirm findings honestly in the daily driver check system

By driving the vehicle, the driver is confirming it has been checked and is safe to use unless defects have been declared.

Tyres

Tyres must be checked carefully before every shift.

• Check tread depth is above legal minimum
• Look for cuts, bulges, splits, or exposed cords
• Check for uneven wear across the tread
• Look for objects lodged in the tyre such as nails or stones
• Check tyres appear correctly inflated

Uneven wear may indicate alignment, suspension, or inflation problems. A tyre with visible damage, low tread, or signs of structural weakness must be reported immediately.

Lights

All required lights must be functioning correctly.

• Headlights (main and dipped beam)
• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Hazard lights
• Rear lights and number plate light where fitted

Lights are essential for visibility and signalling to other road users. Any failure affecting safe road use must be reported before departure.

Mirrors & Visibility

• Mirrors must be secure, clean, and correctly positioned
• Windscreen must be clean and free from serious obstruction
• No cracks or damage that affect the driver’s line of sight

Drivers must have clear visibility at all times. Reduced visibility increases the likelihood of collisions, especially in traffic, when turning, and while reversing.

Wipers & Washers

• Wipers must clear the windscreen effectively
• Rubber blades must not be split or damaged
• Washer fluid must be available and working

Poor wiper performance can make the vehicle unsafe in rain or poor road conditions. If the screen cannot be kept clear, the vehicle should not be used until corrected.

Brakes

Drivers must be alert to any signs that braking performance is not normal.

• Vehicle should brake smoothly and evenly
• No unusual grinding, squealing, or vibration
• No pulling to one side
• No dashboard warning light indicating brake faults

Brake issues are safety-critical. If braking is affected, the vehicle must not be used until assessed.

Vehicle Body & Doors

• Doors must open, close, and latch securely
• No dangerous body damage or loose panels
• No sharp edges likely to cause injury
• No damage that could affect safe loading or unloading

Body damage is not just cosmetic if it creates a safety hazard or affects how the vehicle operates.

Load Area & Load Security

• Load space must be safe and suitable for the goods carried
• Loads must be secured to prevent movement
• Heavy items should be positioned low and stable
• Restraints must be available and in good condition

A moving load can destabilise the vehicle, damage goods, and create serious road risk. If the load cannot be secured safely, the journey must not begin.

Dashboard Warning Lights

Drivers must not ignore warning lights.

• Red warning lights usually indicate stop and investigate immediately
• Amber warning lights must be assessed and reported

Any warning light affecting roadworthiness, braking, steering, engine safety, or tyre pressure must be taken seriously.

When a Defect Is Found

Drivers must not continue using a vehicle simply to avoid delay. Safety takes priority over schedule.

Why These Checks Matter

Daily vehicle checks reduce the risk of breakdowns, help identify safety issues early, and support legal compliance. They also protect the driver by showing that basic roadworthiness was considered before the vehicle was used.

For courier operations, missed checks can lead to delivery failure, damaged goods, roadside prohibition, collisions, and unnecessary cost.

Daily Driver Check Integration

These checks form part of the BHA daily driver check. By completing the daily check, the driver confirms that:

• The vehicle has been checked before use
• Safety-critical items have been considered
• Any defect has been reported accurately
• The vehicle is safe to operate unless an issue has been declared