1. Walk around, exterior

Start at the driver door and walk clockwise around the vehicle.

• Body damage, new dents, scrapes, or scratches since last drive
• All glass clean and undamaged, no chips, cracks or stone strikes
• Number plates secure, clean, and legible (front and rear)
• Wing mirrors intact and adjusted
• Wheel arches and underbody clear of debris or fluid drips
• No fluids on the ground beneath the carOil = brown/black, coolant = green/pink, brake fluid = clear/yellow

2. Tyres

Check all four, and the spare if you carry one.

• Tread depth at least 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyreUse a 20p coin, if the outer band is visible, tread is too low
• No bulges, cuts, or sidewall damage
• Pressures correct (cold), see door pillar or fuel cap sticker
• Wheel nuts visibly tight and indicator markers aligned (if fitted)
• Wear is even, uneven wear suggests tracking or suspension issues

3. Lights and indicators

Walk around with the engine off, ignition on. Get a second person or use a wall reflection.

• Headlights, main beam and dipped, both sides
• Sidelights / DRLs
• Front and rear indicators, all four corners
• Brake lights (including high-level brake light)
• Reversing lights
• Front and rear fog lights
• Number plate lights
• Hazard warning lights flash on all corners

4. Under the bonnet

Engine cold, on a level surface.

• Engine oil between MIN and MAX on the dipstick
• Coolant level between MIN and MAX (check expansion tank, not radiator cap)
• Brake fluid level above MIN
• Power steering fluid (if fitted)
• Screenwash topped up, summer or winter mix as appropriate
• No obvious leaks, frayed belts, or chafed wiring

5. In the cab

Settle into the driving position and run through the controls before moving off.

• Mirrors adjusted, interior, both wing mirrors
• Seat and steering wheel positioned correctly
• Seatbelts retract cleanly and lock under sharp pull (driver and passengers)
• Horn works
• Wipers and washers, front and rear, clear screen in one sweep
• Demister and heated rear window functional
• No warning lights on the dashboard once engine started
• Fuel / charge level adequate for the journey

6. Brakes and steering (first 50 metres)

Before joining a busy road, do a slow-speed check on a quiet stretch.

• Brake pedal firm, no sponginess or long travel
• Handbrake holds the car on a slight incline
• No pull to one side under gentle braking
• Steering responsive with no unusual play, vibration, or noise
• No new rattles, knocks, or warning sounds

Record anything that needs attention. For fleets, defects must be reported to the duty holder before the vehicle is used.