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HGV Inspections and Manuals

March 10, 2025
Improve safety

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are vital to commercial fleets and the transportation industry as a whole, facilitating the smooth and efficient movement of goods across vast distances. Notably, to sustain their reliability and compliance with regulations, regular vehicle checks are integral.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the importance of HGV inspections in maintaining safety and legal compliance. We will also highlight a key HGV inspection manual, offering insights into how it helps keep fleets in top condition and fit for operation.

What is an HGV inspection?

An HGV inspection is a thorough assessment designed to guarantee that HGVs remain roadworthy and compliant with safety regulations. In the UK, daily walkaround checks are a legal requirement under DVSA regulations, supporting HGV operators and fleet managers in identifying potential issues before vehicles take to the road.

DVSA roadside checks are a further measure to enforce compliance, examining factors such as load weights, permitted cargo types, mechanical condition, tachograph records, and the validity of driving licences. Failure to meet these standards can lead to major repercussions.

How to Carry Out an HGV Inspection

A comprehensive HGV inspection covers the vehicle’s interior, exterior, mechanical systems, and documentation. To comply with DVSA standards, drivers must complete these checks before every journey:

  • Interior inspection: Assess the condition of the seatbelt, in-cab height indicators, driver’s seat, dashboard controls, gauges, and safety equipment. Relatedly, the cabin should be free from obstructions.

  • Exterior inspection: Check for visible damage, make sure mirrors provide clear visibility, confirm that tyres have sufficient tread depth, and verify that all lights are functioning correctly.

  • Mechanical inspection: Examine core components, including the engine, brakes, suspension, fluid levels, exhaust system, tyres, lights, and steering. Additionally, check load security, wheel fixings, and trailer coupling to ensure they are properly fastened.

  • Documentation check: Fleet managers should verify that the driver’s licence is valid and up to date, confirm the vehicle categories they are authorised to operate, and check for any driving disqualifications.

Compliance Requirements for HGV Inspections

As mentioned, HGV inspections are not only essential for driver safety, but also a legal obligation enforced by the DVSA. As such, failing to comply with these regulations can result in serious consequences for fleets, including fines, vehicle impoundments, and even the suspension of an operator’s licence.

Moreover, a failed inspection can lead to increased insurance premiums and costly repairs, putting otherwise avoidable financial strain on fleet operations. Not to mention, vehicles deemed unroadworthy may require extensive maintenance before they can legally return to service, further impacting productivity and cost control.

Beyond legal and financial risks, operating an unsafe vehicle simultaneously endangers the driver and other road users, as well as the goods being transported. Taking all of this into account, it is therefore imperative that both drivers and fleet managers ensure all inspections are conducted rigorously and in line with regulatory requirements to uphold road safety standards and maintain compliance.

DVSA HGV Inspection Manual

The DVSA has produced an in-depth handbook for HGV operators, covering every aspect of vehicle inspections. This manual goes over pre-inspection procedures and includes a detailed checklist for evaluating each distinct vehicle component.

Written as a step-by-step guide, the manual serves as an indispensable resource. Specifically, it equips operators with the knowledge to carry out thorough inspections and determine potential issues before they become substantial problems. By following the guidelines outlined, fleet managers and drivers can proactively reduce vehicle downtime, enhance safety, and certify that their HGVs are always roadworthy and legally compliant.

Ensure HGV Safety and Compliance with Fleet Management Solutions

Once all necessary checks have been completed, fleet managers must promptly report and address any identified defects. If a defect poses a safety risk, the vehicle must not be driven. For instance, under DVSA regulations, HGV tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1mm. Any tyre falling below this threshold requires immediate reporting and replacement.

Maintaining correct tyre pressure is equally important to prevent blowouts. Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) help drivers and managers keep tyres within the recommended range by issuing alerts when pressure levels deviate. Likewise, electronic braking performance monitoring systems (EBPMS) collect and analyse data on brake force, pressure, and temperature, enabling preventative maintenance.

At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, our fleet management solutions simplify every process by eliminating the need for manual record-keeping. Our software allows drivers to complete vehicle checks remotely, ensuring all anomalies are accurately logged and stored instantly - crucial, given that the DVSA requires reports to be retained for 15 months.

The end result is that this digitised platform reduces reliance on paperwork, provides real-time updates, and speeds up decision-making, ultimately enhancing fleet safety, efficiency, as well as regulatory compliance. If you’re interested in these benefits for your business, then be sure to make an enquiry into our services today.
MICHELIN Connected Fleet

Written by MICHELIN Connected Fleet

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