Daily Vehicle Checks and Pre-Use Inspections

Why Daily Vehicle Checks Matter

Every safe delivery starts before the engine turns on.

Before a single load is lifted or a delivery begins, drivers must carry out full daily vehicle and equipment checks on the vehicles they are assigned to operate. These checks are a legal and operational requirement under DVSA, LOLER and PUWER regulations, forming a crucial part of every compliant delivery.

HIABs, Moffetts and other lifting vehicles operate in demanding conditions: narrow access routes, uneven yards and busy trade environments. A small fault can quickly become a serious hazard if not identified early.

By ensuring these checks are completed thoroughly, SDR drivers protect not only themselves but also the site teams, the materials they handle and the customers they serve.

Who Is Responsible for Vehicle Daily Checks?

In the UK, the driver is legally responsible for ensuring that the vehicle they operate is safe and roadworthy before use even when that vehicle belongs to a client.

While the vehicle operator (for example, a builders’ merchant or logistics company) must have systems in place to maintain and repair their equipment, the driver is accountable for identifying and reporting any defects before operating it.

That’s why SDR places such emphasis on compliance and professional training. Our drivers understand their legal obligations under DVSA, LOLER and PUWER regulations and take personal responsibility for completing all necessary checks before every shift.

For more information, see the DVSA’s guidance on daily vehicle checks.

What’s Included in a Daily Vehicle Check

Every SDR driver follows a structured checklist covering:

• Vehicle condition: tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes, and steering
• Fluid levels: oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, and windscreen wash
• Safety equipment: warning beacons, reversing alarms, PPE, and signage
• HIAB pre-use inspection: hydraulic hoses, lifting arms, stabilisers, and remote controls
• Moffett safety checklist: forks, mast, mounting system, fuel levels, and service brakes

Each step is recorded, signed, and stored as part of our compliance record system. This ensures full traceability for audits and safety reviews.

Why It’s a Legal Requirement

Under both LOLER and PUWER – the key vehicle equipment and inspection regulations in the UK – all lifting and work equipment must be checked regularly and used only when confirmed safe to operate.

Failing to carry out or record these inspections can lead to DVSA enforcement action, vehicle downtime, or worse, a preventable safety incident.

You can read the official HSE guidance on vehicle and equipment inspections here.

SDR’s Compliance-First Approach

At SDR, safety isn’t a policy it’s a mindset shared by every driver we employ.

Daily checks and pre-use inspections aren’t reminders or targets; they’re second nature.

Every HIAB and Moffett driver representing SDR is a permanent member of our team, trained to uphold the same high standards wherever they operate. Each inspection is carried out with the same care and precision, whether it’s the first delivery of the week or the last on a Friday afternoon.

This consistency is what defines the SDR Standard. It’s how we make sure every vehicle that leaves the yard is safe, compliant and ready to deliver with confidence.