HGV Walkaround Check Guide

A HGV walkaround check is the daily inspection completed before a lorry, HGV or goods vehicle goes into service. Operators may also call this an HGV daily check or daily walkaround report. The aim is to give drivers a clear process to follow, help spot visible defects before operation, and create a reliable record that operators can review later.

What is an HGV walkaround check for HGV vehicles?

An HGV walkaround check is the inspection a driver carries out before using a lorry, HGV or goods vehicle in service. The check helps spot visible issues before the journey starts and creates a clear record that the inspection took place.

Why the check matters

  • Helps drivers identify visible issues before operation
  • Supports a consistent daily process across the fleet
  • Gives operators a record of completed inspections
  • Makes it easier to review completed checks later

HGV daily walkaround checks

In practice, operators often use both terms. HGV means heavy goods vehicle and is common in official guidance. HGV means heavy goods vehicle and is also widely used in the lorry and goods vehicle sector.

This guide focuses on HGV walkaround checks and how a digital logbook can help operators keep tidy, searchable records.

What drivers should inspect during an HGV walkaround check

Lights and reflectors

Check visible lighting items and reflectors are in order.

Tyres and wheels

Look for visible tyre or wheel issues before operation.

Mirrors and glass

Check mirrors, glass and obvious exterior condition.

Body condition

Note visible body damage or anything obviously unsafe.

Leaks or obvious defects

Look for any issue that should be reported before the vehicle is used.

Correct vehicle

Confirm the driver is checking the intended vehicle and completing the record properly.

What a completed HGV walkaround check record should contain

  • Vehicle identifier or registration
  • Date and time of the check
  • Checklist outcome for each item
  • Defect note where relevant
  • Driver sign-off

Why digital records help operators

Paper forms can be slower to review and harder to organise later. Digital records make it easier to keep completed checks together, search them and export them when needed.

HGV Log Book is built around that workflow: drivers complete a daily check on their phone, sign on-screen, and the company dashboard stores the completed record for later review.

Simple HGV walkaround check workflow

  1. Driver opens the daily check link and logs in with the company-issued PIN.
  2. Driver carries out the walkaround check before the vehicle goes into service.
  3. Each checklist item is marked clearly inside the digital record.
  4. Any needed defect note is added to the completed check.
  5. Driver signs on-screen and submits the record.
  6. Operator reviews the completed check in the secure company dashboard.
  7. Records can be searched and exported to PDF when needed.

FAQs

What is an HGV walkaround check?

It is the daily inspection carried out before a bus, coach or other heavy goods vehicle is used. Many operators also call this a HGV daily check.

What should an HGV walkaround check record include?

A completed record should include the vehicle, date, time, checklist results, defect note where needed and driver sign-off.

What is an HGV walkaround check?

It is the daily inspection carried out before a lorry, HGV or goods vehicle is used.