1. Inspect the Tyres, Wheels and Wheel Nuts

Tyres are one of the first things to examine during a pre-start inspection.

Heavy vehicles carry substantial weight, so tyre and wheel condition matters for safe operation.

Walk around the truck and look for:

• Visible tyre damage, including cuts or bulges
• Signs of underinflation
• Unusual or uneven tyre wear
• Missing, loose-looking or damaged wheel nuts
• Damage around wheels and hubs
• Objects lodged between dual tyres

Check tyre pressures and tread condition using the appropriate equipment and inspection procedures.

If the vehicle has wheel nut indicators, they may help you spot changes that need further investigation.

Don't assume a tyre is safe simply because it still has air in it.

If you notice something unusual, report it and have the condition assessed before driving.

2. Check All Lights and Indicators

Your truck's lights help other road users understand what you're doing.

Before starting a journey, check the relevant lights and reflectors.

These may include headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, tail lights and clearance lights.

If you're operating a truck and trailer combination, remember that the trailer's lights also need attention.

Look for damaged lenses, missing reflectors or lights that aren't operating correctly.

Ask someone to assist if you cannot safely confirm the operation of particular lights by yourself.

A light that works intermittently should still be reported.

Don't leave a lighting problem for the next driver to discover.

3. Check Mirrors, Windows and Windscreen Wipers

Heavy vehicles have significant areas that drivers cannot see directly.

That's why mirrors, windows and other visibility equipment are important.

Before driving, check that:

• Mirrors are secure and correctly positioned
• Mirror surfaces aren't cracked or obstructed
• Windows provide a clear view
• Windscreen wipers operate properly
• Windscreen washer equipment works
• Windscreen damage does not affect visibility

Adjust your driving position and mirrors before moving the vehicle.

If your truck has additional cameras or visibility equipment, follow the relevant operating instructions.

Remember that mirrors and cameras don't eliminate every blind spot. You still need proper observation and safe driving techniques.

At Roadmaster Truck Driving School in Perth , practical training includes mirror use, observation and road positioning as part of heavy vehicle driving preparation.

4. Check Brake Systems and Warning Indicators

A heavy vehicle needs a properly functioning braking system.

During your pre-start inspection, follow the vehicle-specific procedure for checking brake operation and relevant warning systems.

Depending on the truck, this may include checking:

• Brake warning lights
• Air pressure or other brake system gauges
• Relevant audible warnings
• Parking brake operation
• Visible signs of damaged brake components or air connections

For vehicles fitted with air brakes, the correct inspection procedure depends on the braking system and manufacturer's instructions.

If a brake warning remains active or a safety-related fault is identified, don't attempt to drive the vehicle until the issue has been assessed and resolved.

Never guess how to test an unfamiliar braking system.

Ask your instructor or a qualified person to demonstrate the correct procedure.

5. Look for Fluid Leaks and Engine Compartment Problems

Another useful habit is checking around and underneath the vehicle for signs of leaks.

Look for unexpected fluid on the ground or visible leaks around relevant components.

Depending on the vehicle, these may involve engine oil, coolant, fuel, hydraulic fluid or other operating fluids.

During the inspection, you may also need to check fluid levels and visible engine components according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Some checks require the engine to be off, cool or in another specified condition.

Don't open pressurised or hot components or reach into moving machinery.

If you notice a significant leak, damaged component or warning indicator, report it before operating the vehicle.

6. Inspect the Cabin and Safety Equipment

A safe truck inspection isn't limited to the outside of the vehicle.

Before moving off, spend time checking the cabin.

Important items may include:

• Driver's seat and seatbelt
• Steering controls
• Dashboard warning indicators
• Horn
• Doors and their locking mechanisms
• Required safety equipment
• Loose items that could interfere with driving

Make sure your seat is correctly adjusted and your seatbelt functions properly.

Check that your pedals and controls can be operated without obstruction.

Your driving position should allow you to reach the controls comfortably and maintain a clear view of the road.

It's also worth becoming familiar with the location of the vehicle's warning indicators and emergency equipment.

During HR Automatic Licence Training in Perth , learners develop practical vehicle control and pre-start inspection skills alongside safe road driving techniques.

7. Check Trailer Connections and Couplings

If you're operating a heavy combination or multi-combination vehicle, your inspection must also account for the trailer or trailers.

Trailer connections are particularly important because the vehicle is operating as a combination.

Depending on the configuration, inspection points may include:

• Fifth-wheel or other coupling security
• Trailer connection points
• Air hoses and electrical connections
• Safety locking mechanisms
• Trailer lights and tyres
• Visible damage around the coupling area
• Load restraint and load security, where applicable

The exact checks and coupling procedures depend on the vehicle combination.

A coupling inspection should be completed using the appropriate procedure for that equipment.

If you aren't trained in the procedure, don't attempt to couple, uncouple or test the trailer independently.

Have a qualified instructor or operator demonstrate it.

Roadmaster provides HC Licence Training in Perth , which covers combination vehicle checks, coupling procedures and practical trailer-handling skills.

Drivers progressing to larger combinations can also explore MC Licence Training .