Driver Pre-departure Checklist
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About this driver pre-departure checklist
A driver pre-departure checklist replaces guesswork with a repeatable routine. It gives operations teams a clear view of vehicle readiness, load security, and the exact point where a driver should stop and escalate — before a small issue becomes a roadside incident.
Use this checklist at the start of every shift or job. It covers preparation checks, first-mile in-route checks, escalation criteria, and close-out actions so you always know what’s been checked, what’s been reported, and what’s safe to proceed.
What this driver pre-departure checklist covers
- Driver and job readiness (documents, route risks, fitness for duty)
- Vehicle walkaround checks (tyres, lights, leaks, brakes)
- Cab checks (warning lights, seat and mirrors, safety equipment)
- Load and security checks (paperwork match, restraint, locks, temperature control)
- In-route “first 10 minutes” confirmation
- Escalation and close-out (who was contacted, what was agreed, sign-off)
When to use it
This checklist fits any operation where vehicles leave site regularly — especially when different drivers use the same vehicles, loads change day to day, or the route includes higher-risk conditions (weather, access restrictions, low bridges, time pressure).
Escalation criteria (stop and escalate)
Stop the departure and escalate immediately if you find any safety-critical issue. Common examples include unresolved dashboard warning lights, suspected brake faults, tyre damage or very low pressure, fluid leaks, insecure load, doors that will not secure, or missing legal documents required for the journey.
The goal is simple: make the decision clear in the moment, record it, and get the right support fast — without relying on memory or informal handovers.
How teams run this in Ocasta
Run the checklist on a mobile device before departure, capture exceptions as they happen, and create a consistent trail of evidence. Over time, you can spot repeat defects, recurring route risks, and where standards slip between sites or shifts — so you stop guessing and start knowing what needs fixing.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, health and safety, or professional advice. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, standards, and internal policies.
Included questions
Here's what's included in this driver pre-departure checklist:
Before you start — job and legal readiness (6)
Confirm the basics are in place before you move the vehicle. If anything is missing or unclear, stop and escalate.
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Yes/No
Are you fit for duty (rested, not impaired, medically safe to drive)?
If no, do not drive. Inform your manager/dispatcher and follow your fatigue or fitness-for-work process.
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Yes/No
Is your driving licence present and valid for this vehicle?
Include any required endorsements.
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Yes/No
Are required documents on board (insurance, permits, delivery paperwork, route plan)?
Only include what your operation requires. If anything is missing, escalate before departure.
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Yes/No
Do you have a working phone and approved hands-free setup?
No hands-free means no calls while driving. Set up before moving off.
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Dropdown
Is the required PPE available for the route and sites?
For example: hi-vis, safety footwear, gloves, eye protection.
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Yes/No
Have you reviewed the route, access restrictions, and known risks (weather, roadworks, low bridges)?
If the route is unsafe or unclear, escalate and agree an alternative before departure.
Vehicle walkaround — safety-critical checks (9)
Complete a full walkaround. If you find a safety issue, do not drive until it’s resolved.
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Yes/No
Is the vehicle free from obvious damage that could affect safety (bodywork, mirrors, glass)?
New damage should be recorded and escalated before departure.
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Yes/No
Are tyres in good condition (tread, sidewalls) and visibly correctly inflated?
If you have a pressure gauge, use it according to your policy. Any bulges, cuts, or very low pressure = stop and escalate.
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Yes/No
Are wheels and wheel nuts secure with no visible issues?
Look for loose fixings, missing indicators, or visible cracks/damage.
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Yes/No
Do all lights work (headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazards, reverse lights)?
Use a wall reflection or ask for a quick second-person check if available.
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Yes/No
Are wipers, washers, and windscreen condition acceptable?
Windscreen cracks in the driver’s view should be escalated.
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Yes/No
Are there no signs of fluid leaks under the vehicle?
Any fresh leak (fuel, oil, coolant, brake fluid) = stop and escalate.
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Dropdown
Is fuel/charge sufficient for the planned journey plus contingency?
If not, refuel/recharge before departure or agree the plan with dispatch.
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Yes/No
Have you tested the brakes at low speed and confirmed they feel normal?
Only do this in a safe area. Any pulling, grinding, warning lights, or soft pedal = stop and escalate.
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Yes/No
Is the horn working?
A basic safety control — if not working, escalate.
Cab checks — controls, visibility, and safety equipment (6)
Set yourself up to drive safely and reduce avoidable incidents.
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Yes/No
Are there no unresolved dashboard warning lights after start-up checks?
If a safety-related warning light remains on, do not drive — escalate immediately.
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Yes/No
Are seat, headrest, steering, and mirrors adjusted for safe driving?
Do this before you move off. If you share vehicles, never assume the last setup is safe.
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Yes/No
Is your seatbelt working and worn correctly?
If the belt is damaged or won’t latch, do not drive — escalate.
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Yes/No
Is the cab clear of loose items that could become hazards during braking?
Secure bottles, tools, parcels, and paperwork.
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Dropdown
Is required safety equipment present and in-date (first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle)?
Only include items your operation requires. Missing or expired items should be escalated.
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Dropdown
Have you completed required logins/checks (tachograph, telematics, driver app)?
If the system is down, follow the fallback process and escalate.
Load and security — prevent damage, loss, and delays (5)
Confirm the load is safe, secure, and correctly documented before departure.
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Yes/No
Does the load match the paperwork (items, quantities, destination, special handling)?
Any mismatch should be escalated before leaving site.
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Yes/No
Is the load secured and weight distributed safely (no movement risk)?
Use straps, bars, nets, or restraints as required. If anything can shift, stop and fix before departure.
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Yes/No
Are doors, tail lift, shutters, and locks secured and working?
If locks fail or doors won’t close properly, do not depart — escalate.
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Dropdown
If temperature-controlled, is the unit set correctly and running?
Record the set point and confirm the unit is operating before you leave.
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Unit
Temperature set point (°C)
Only complete if temperature-controlled.
Target range: -25 - 25 (Temperature)
Departure and in-route checks — stay in control (4)
A quick set of checks to reduce incidents during the first part of the journey and keep exceptions visible.
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Yes/No
Is the area clear and safe to move off (people, vehicles, obstructions)?
Use a final 360° check. If visibility is limited, get a banksman where required.
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Yes/No
In the first 10 minutes, does the vehicle feel normal (steering, braking, noises, vibrations)?
If not, pull over safely and escalate before continuing.
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Yes/No
Are breaks and time constraints realistic for safe driving (no rushing)?
If the plan forces unsafe behaviour, escalate and agree a safer schedule.
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Dropdown
Have there been any incidents, near misses, or defects to report today?
If yes, capture details and escalate according to your process.
Escalation and close-out — leave a clear trail (5)
Record what matters so issues get fixed quickly and you’re not relying on memory later.
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Yes/No
Do any items require escalation before departure?
Examples: warning lights, tyre damage, brake concerns, load security issues, missing documents, route risks.
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Person
Who did you escalate to?
Choose the manager/dispatcher/maintenance contact you informed.
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Text
Escalation notes
What did you find, what action was taken, and what was agreed (including any ‘do not drive’ decision).
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Yes/No
Confirmed: vehicle and load are safe and ready to depart
Only select yes if all safety-critical checks pass or approved exceptions are recorded.
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Signature
Driver signature
Confirms the pre-departure checks were completed accurately.