Drivers, fleet managers, and fleet operators have a duty to ensure all vehicles under their management are safe for driving and meet roadworthiness standards.
It’s well documented that the DVSA recommends 15 minutes to carry out a full daily check. However, as we’re going to explain in this article, robust and compliant vehicle checks can be made a lot smoother and more efficient using technology like our FleetCheck Driver app.
How Long Should a Vehicle Check Take?
The time it takes for drivers to perform a vehicle check can vary depending on the type and use of the vehicle, the driver, as well as the specific requirements set by the employer or regulatory bodies.
However, a basic daily walk-around check for commercial vehicles, which is a common practice and a legal requirement, is expected to take around 15 to 20 minutes – and it certainly shouldn’t be rushed.
Driver vehicle checks are designed to ensure that key components of the vehicle, such as brakes, tyres, lights, and mirrors, are in good working order and the vehicle is safe to drive.
Therefore, the physical task of checking a vehicle is not something fleet managers should be looking to speed up, but how quickly the checks are recorded can be sped up with technology.
Is It a Legal Requirement to Do Daily Vehicle Checks?
In the UK, it is a legal requirement for drivers of commercial vehicles to perform daily checks on their vehicles before use.
These checks are essential to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive and roadworthy.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) provides guidance on the minimum checks that should be carried out, which typically include inspecting brakes, tyres, lights, mirrors, and other critical components for any defects or issues that could affect the vehicle’s safety.
The purpose of these daily checks is not only to comply with legal requirements but also to enhance road safety by identifying and addressing potential issues before the vehicle is operated.
Failure to conduct these checks can result in penalties for both the driver and the company operating the vehicle.
It’s also important for companies to maintain records of these checks as part of their compliance with regulations.
How Long Is a Walk Around Check on an HGV?
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in the UK, performing a routine walk around check on an HGV should typically take around 15 minutes.
This duration ensures that drivers have sufficient time to thoroughly inspect key components of the vehicle, such as brakes, tyres, lights, mirrors, and any load or cargo, to ensure everything is secure and the vehicle is safe to operate.
However, with the development of apps like FleetCheck Driver that replace paper checks with electronic systems, performing daily checks on any vehicle is as efficient as it’s ever been.
Most importantly, FleetCheck Driver facilitates quicker inspections without compromising on thoroughness.
In fact, it provides an even more robust solution for identifying and resolving potential issues.
FleetCheck Driver includes checklists, real-time reporting, and instant notifications of issues, which not only speed up the process but also improve accuracy and record-keeping.
Whether you run a fleet of 1 or 1,000 vehicles, FleetCheck Driver is a tool that scales without adding more to your workload.
To find out more you can book a demo here or call our sales team on 01666 575900.
