Truck Pre-Departure Check (Checklist)

The pre-departure check – German: Abfahrtkontrolle – is the safety walkaround before every trip: the driver verifies that the truck or van is roadworthy, from the lights to the load securing. Documenting the check properly protects both the driver and the company. With this free checklist you tick off every inspection point in a few minutes.

Who is responsible for the pre-departure check?

Two parties at once: under § 23 StVO (German road traffic regulations), the driver is responsible for the vehicle and its load being compliant and road-safe. For commercially used vehicles, the accident-prevention regulation DGUV Vorschrift 70 (§ 36) additionally requires a check before every work shift. And the company owner or vehicle keeper (§ 31 StVZO) must make the check possible – i.e. plan time for it – and monitor that it actually happens.

Which points belong in the pre-departure check?

The checklist splits the inspection into three areas:

• Walkaround outside: lights and indicators, tyres (tread, pressure, damage), mirrors and windows, body, tarpaulin and doors, number plates
• Load and paperwork: load securing (lashing straps, form fit, anti-slip mats), accompanying documents such as the consignment note or delivery note, driving licence and vehicle documents
• Cab and technology: brake test when pulling away, warning lights, steering, fluid levels, tachograph and driver card

Why documentation protects both sides

After an accident or a roadside inspection, what counts is what can be proven. A documented pre-departure check shows that the driver fulfilled his inspection duty – and that the company organised and monitored the checks. Without proof, the accusation of organisational fault is quickly on the table, with consequences ranging from fines to trouble with the insurer.

Paper or digital?

The checklist on a clipboard works – its limits show in daily operations: sheets vanish in the glovebox, defect reports reach the fleet manager late, and months later the proof is hard to find for an audit. Digitally, the driver completes the check in an app with a photo and timestamp per item – for example in Maxmove TMS, where reported defects land directly with the dispatcher.

Frequently asked questions

Is the pre-departure check mandatory? Effectively yes: the driver is liable for the condition of the vehicle under § 23 StVO, the keeper under § 31 StVZO – and DGUV Vorschrift 70 explicitly requires the check before starting work for company vehicles.

How long does a pre-departure check take? Realistically 5 to 15 minutes, depending on vehicle size and routine. A tractor unit with trailer takes longer than a van.

What if defects are found? For safety-relevant defects (brakes, steering, lights, tyres) the rule is: do not depart. Document the defect, report it to the responsible person, and only start after repair or release.

Does this also apply to vans under 3.5 t? Yes. Road safety under § 23 StVO applies to every vehicle, and DGUV Vorschrift 70 covers essentially all commercially used company vehicles – not just trucks over 3.5 t.