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Driver vehicle inspection checklist and report (DVIR): sources and guidance

An end-of-day driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) for one commercial motor vehicle, covering the 11 parts and accessories named in 49 CFR 396.11 [16]. The motor carrier repairs any listed defect likely to affect safety before the vehicle is driven again [34], and the next driver reviews and signs the report [56].

How often: At the end of each day's work, for each vehicle driven that day. A report is not required when no defect or deficiency was found by or reported to the driver.[16][28][30]

Purpose

Use this driver vehicle inspection checklist to write the end-of-day driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) for a commercial motor vehicle and to close the loop on each defect. Every motor carrier must have its drivers report in writing at the end of each day's work on each vehicle driven [16]. The report covers the 11 parts and accessories the rule lists, from the service brakes to the emergency equipment [17] [27]. The same form then holds the motor carrier's repair certification and the next driver's review, so one record shows a defect from the moment it was found until it was fixed.

If you are looking for a general vehicle inspection or fleet inspection checklist, this page covers the daily driver report that federal rules require of US motor carriers. It links to the DOT annual inspection checklist for the yearly inspection and to the CDL pre-trip inspection checklist for the checks a driver makes before driving.

Whether Part 396 applies depends on the vehicle and the operation. The rules apply to employers, employees and commercial motor vehicles that transport property or passengers in interstate commerce [1]. A commercial motor vehicle is a self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property [2] that, for example, has a weight rating or weight of 10,001 pounds or more [3] or is designed or used to carry more than 15 passengers including the driver when not for compensation [4]. Interstate commerce includes transportation between a place in one state and a place outside it [5]. The DVIR rule itself does not apply to a private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness), a driveaway-towaway operation, or a motor carrier operating only one commercial motor vehicle [38].

Who should use it

Drivers fill in the first three sections at the end of the day. A mechanic or supervisor completes the motor carrier repair certification. The next driver of the vehicle reviews and signs the last section before driving. Drivers who return intermodal equipment, such as a container chassis, to an intermodal equipment provider also use the intermodal section, because that report goes to the provider [40].

How often

At the end of each day's work, for each vehicle driven. If a driver operates more than one vehicle during the day, a report must be prepared for each one [28]. Drivers do not have to prepare a report if no defect or deficiency was found by or reported to them [30]. Your company may still ask for a report every day, even when nothing is found; that is a company choice.

How to use this checklist

  1. Record the vehicle, any trailers pulled and the date.
  2. For each of the 11 parts, answer yes if you found a defect or deficiency, or if someone reported one to you, that would affect safe operation or could cause a breakdown [31]. Add anything else of that kind under "any other defect".
  3. Describe each defect and where it is, add photos if you can, and sign. In a two-driver operation, one signature is enough when both drivers agree on the defects [33].
  4. The motor carrier repairs any defect likely to affect safe operation before the vehicle is driven again [34], then certifies that each defect was repaired or that repair is unnecessary [36].
  5. The next driver reads the report and signs to show they saw the repair certification [56].

Each part check records a defect, but not every defect stops the vehicle: the motor carrier repairs a listed defect that would be likely to affect the safety of operation [34], and certifies either the repair or that repair is unnecessary [36]. So one check is critical: whether a defect found is likely to affect safe operation. A commercial motor vehicle must not be driven unless the driver is satisfied the listed parts are in good working order [6], and a motor vehicle must not be operated in a condition likely to cause an accident or breakdown [65].

What the rules say

  • The report covers at least the service brakes including trailer brake connections, parking brake, steering mechanism, lighting devices and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear vision mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment [17] [18] [19] [20] [22] [23] [24] [25] [21] [26] [27].
  • The report identifies the vehicle and lists any defect or deficiency found by or reported to the driver [29], and the driver signs it [32].
  • Before a driver is required or permitted to operate the vehicle [35], the carrier repairs any listed defect likely to affect safe operation [34].
  • Before driving, the next driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition [54], review the last report [55] and sign it [56]. That signature is not needed for defects on a towed unit that is no longer part of the combination [57].
  • The carrier keeps the report, the repair certification and the driver's review for three months from the date of the report [37].
  • For intermodal equipment, the report to the provider includes the motor carrier's and provider's USDOT numbers and a unique number for the equipment [51], the date and time it was submitted [52] and the driver's signature [53].

What this checklist does not cover

  • Whether Part 396 applies to your vehicle and operation. That depends on the definitions in 49 CFR 390.5T and the exceptions in 49 CFR 390.3T.
  • The DOT annual (periodic) inspection against Appendix A to Part 396. Use the separate DOT annual inspection checklist.
  • The driver's own before-driving checks and the CDL skills test pre-trip inspection. Use the separate CDL pre-trip inspection checklist.
  • How to repair a defect. Repairs follow the vehicle and component manufacturers' instructions.
  • Roadside inspection reports from enforcement officials, which have their own follow-up rules.
  • Electronic DVIR system requirements beyond noting that reports may be kept electronically under 49 CFR 390.32.
  • State rules for vehicles used only in intrastate commerce.

Questions

Does a driver have to fill out a DVIR every day?

A report is prepared at the end of each day's work on each vehicle driven [16]. Under the current rule, drivers do not have to prepare one if no defect or deficiency was found by or reported to them [30]. Your company can still ask for a report every day.

How long must a motor carrier keep driver vehicle inspection reports?

Three months from the date the written report was prepared, together with the certification of repairs and the certification of the driver's review [37].

Can the DVIR be electronic?

Yes. The report may be created and kept in electronic format in line with 49 CFR 390.32 [39].

Who fixes the defects, and can the truck be driven before they are fixed?

The motor carrier or its agent repairs any listed defect likely to affect safe operation before requiring or permitting a driver to operate the vehicle [34], and certifies that each defect was repaired or that repair is unnecessary before the vehicle is operated again [36]. A vehicle found unsafe while on the highway may continue only to the nearest place where repairs can safely be made [66], and only if that is less hazardous to the public than leaving it on the highway [67].

What should a fleet vehicle inspection program include besides the DVIR?

Every motor carrier must systematically inspect, repair and maintain all vehicles under its control [60]. The records include an identification of each vehicle [61], a way to show the nature and due date of inspection and maintenance work [62], and a record of inspections, repairs and maintenance with their dates [63]. Those records are kept for 1 year, and for 6 months after the vehicle leaves the carrier's control [64]. Each vehicle also needs a periodic inspection at least once every 12 months [59].

Is the DVIR the same as the pre-trip inspection?

No. The DVIR is written at the end of the day [16]. Before driving, the driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition, review the last report and sign it [58] [54] [55].

Sources

Each cited excerpt was found word for word in the official text on the date shown.

  1. [1]49 CFR 390.3T General applicability (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  2. [2]49 CFR 390.5T Definitions (Commercial%20motor%20vehicle) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  3. [3]49 CFR 390.5T Definitions (Commercial%20motor%20vehicle)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  4. [4]49 CFR 390.5T Definitions (Commercial%20motor%20vehicle)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  5. [5]49 CFR 390.5T Definitions (Interstate%20commerce)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  6. [6]49 CFR 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  7. [7]49 CFR 392.8 Emergency equipment, inspection and use — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  8. [8]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  9. [9]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  10. [10]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (a)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  11. [11]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (a)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  12. [12]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  13. [13]49 CFR 393.75 Tires (c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  14. [14]49 CFR 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units (a)(1)(ii)(A) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  15. [15]49 CFR 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units (f)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  16. [16]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  17. [17]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  18. [18]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  19. [19]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(iii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  20. [20]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(iv) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  21. [21]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(ix) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  22. [22]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(v) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  23. [23]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(vi) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  24. [24]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(vii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  25. [25]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(viii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  26. [26]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(x) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  27. [27]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(1)(xi) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  28. [28]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(2)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  29. [29]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(2)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  30. [30]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(2)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  31. [31]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(2)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  32. [32]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(2)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  33. [33]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(2)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  34. [34]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(3)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  35. [35]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(3)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  36. [36]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(3)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  37. [37]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(4) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  38. [38]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(5) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  39. [39]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (a)(6) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  40. [40]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  41. [41]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(1)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  42. [42]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(1)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  43. [43]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(1)(iii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  44. [44]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(1)(iv) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  45. [45]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(1)(ix) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  46. [46]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(1)(v) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  47. [47]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(1)(vi) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  48. [48]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(1)(vii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  49. [49]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(1)(viii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  50. [50]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(2)(i) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  51. [51]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(2)(ii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  52. [52]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(2)(iii) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  53. [53]49 CFR 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s) (b)(2)(v) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  54. [54]49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  55. [55]49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  56. [56]49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection (c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  57. [57]49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection (c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  58. [58]49 CFR 396.13 Driver inspection — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  59. [59]49 CFR 396.17 Periodic inspection (c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  60. [60]49 CFR 396.3 Inspection, repair, and maintenance (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  61. [61]49 CFR 396.3 Inspection, repair, and maintenance (b)(1) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  62. [62]49 CFR 396.3 Inspection, repair, and maintenance (b)(2) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  63. [63]49 CFR 396.3 Inspection, repair, and maintenance (b)(3) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  64. [64]49 CFR 396.3 Inspection, repair, and maintenance (c) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  65. [65]49 CFR 396.7 Unsafe operations forbidden (a) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  66. [66]49 CFR 396.7 Unsafe operations forbidden (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.
  67. [67]49 CFR 396.7 Unsafe operations forbidden (b) — eCFR (Office of the Federal Register). Retrieved September 24, 2026.

Guidance, not legal advice. It does not replace the law, the manufacturer's instructions or your organization's competent people.