Guidance

Van driver's daily walkaround check

Updated 21 May 2022

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

New rules for transporting goods in vans in Europe

You now need a goods vehicle operator licence and a transport manager to transport goods in vans in Europe.

This applies to businesses of every size, including sole traders.

Find out what to do.

1. Inside the van

Van driver’s walkaround checks: inside the van

Brakes

Check that the:

• foot or service brake works correctly and doesn’t have any excessive travel
• hand or parking brake works correctly and doesn’t have any excessive travel

Horn and steering

Check that the:

• horn control is easily accessible from driver’s seat
• horn works when its control is operated
• steering has no excessive play

Lights

Check that:

• all lights and indicators work correctly
• all lenses are present, clean and are the right colour
• stop lamps come on when the service brake is applied and go out when released
• marker lights are present and work
• all dashboard warning lamps work correctly, including:
  • automatic braking system (ABS)
  • airbags - supplemental restraint system (SRS)
  • electronic positioning system (EPS)
  • full beam headlamp warning lamp
  • parking brake warning lamp

Mirrors and glass

Check that:

• all mirrors that should be there are properly aligned and secure
• your view of the road in all directions isn’t obscured by damaged or discoloured glass, or obstructions, eg stickers

Seats and seat belts

Check that:

• seats are secure
• seat belts operate correctly and are free from cuts and damage

Washers and wipers

Check that:

• wipers move continually when switched on
• wiper blades aren’t so deteriorated that they don’t clear the windscreen effectively when used with washers
• washers point at the windscreen and are operational
• washer fluid is topped up

2. Outside the van

Van driver’s walkaround checks: outside the van

Battery

Check that the:

• battery is held securely in place by the correct means and not cables
• battery is not leaking

Fluids, fuel and oil

Check that:

• the brake fluid, engine coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid, wind screen washer fluid and water levels are correct
• the fuel filler cap is securely fitted
• there are no brake fluid, power steering fluid and water leaks by looking for puddles on the ground - if leaks are detected, trace the cause

With the engine on, check underneath the van for any fuel and oil leaks - look for puddles on the ground.

Bodywork and doors

Check that:

• all doors shut properly and are secure when closed
• there isn’t any damage or sharp edges
• no body panels are loose or in danger of falling off

Exhaust

Check that the exhaust doesn’t emit excessive amounts of smoke.

Tyres and wheels

Check as much of your tyres and wheels as you can see. There must be:

• a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm
• sufficient inflation of each tyre
• no deep cuts in the sidewall
• no cord visible anywhere on the tyre
• no missing or insecure wheel-nuts

You can get 3 penalty points on your licence for each tyre that isn’t safe and legal.

Load

Check that:

• any load is adequately secured
• the van doors have an effective locking device

Tow bars and tail lifts

Check that the:

• tow bar is secure and any trailer is correctly and securely attached, with all electrical connections working correctly
• tail lift is secure and free from damage, functions correctly and the electrics are working correctly