Checklist · Vehicle & Fleet
Carer Vehicle Pre-Trip Checklist
Pre-trip check for personal or fleet cars that carers and support workers drive between client visits. Covers tyres, lights, fuel, first aid kit, phone mount, child and client restraints, mobility aids, and registration and insurance for business use.
35 checklist items · Last reviewed
Checklist Items
| Item | Pass / Yes | Fail / No |
|---|---|---|
| VEHICLE & DRIVER | ||
| Date | ||
| Driver Name | ||
| Vehicle Registration, Make and Model | ||
| Vehicle Type (personal / fleet / pool car) | ||
| Odometer Reading (km, start of shift) | ||
| PAPERWORK | ||
| Registration current | Pass | Fail |
| Insurance covers business use, and transporting clients if you do (confirmed with your insurer) | Pass | Fail |
| Driver’s licence current and suitable for the vehicle | Pass | Fail |
| Vehicle meets your organisation’s vehicle policy for work use | Pass | Fail |
| TYRES & EXTERIOR | ||
| Tyre tread adequate and no cuts or bulges (including spare) | Pass | Fail |
| Tyre pressures correct | Pass | Fail |
| No new damage to body, mirrors or windscreen | Pass | Fail |
| LIGHTS & VISIBILITY | ||
| Headlights, tail lights, brake lights and indicators working | Pass | Fail |
| Windscreen clean, wipers and washers working | Pass | Fail |
| Mirrors adjusted | Pass | Fail |
| ENGINE & FUEL | ||
| No warning lights on the dashboard | Pass | Fail |
| Fuel or charge enough for the day’s visits plus a margin | Pass | Fail |
| Oil, coolant and washer fluid checked (weekly) | Pass | Fail |
| IN THE CAR | ||
| First aid kit present and stocked | Pass | Fail |
| Phone in a fixed mount and set up for hands-free use only | Pass | Fail |
| Loose items, bags and equipment secured or in the boot | Pass | Fail |
| Mobility aids (walker, folding wheelchair) restrained in the boot | Pass | Fail |
| PPE, hand rub and waste bags stocked | Pass | Fail |
| Torch, phone charger and emergency contact list in the car | Pass | Fail |
| PASSENGERS (IF TRANSPORTING CLIENTS) | ||
| Transporting clients today (allowed by your organisation’s policy) | Yes | No |
| Seatbelts work in every seat that will be used | Pass | Fail |
| Approved child restraint suitable for the child’s age and size, correctly fitted (if transporting children) | Pass | Fail |
| Client can get in and out safely; transfer method known | Pass | Fail |
| Wheelchair transported only in a vehicle fitted with wheelchair and occupant restraints | Pass | Fail |
| Child locks on if needed for client safety | Pass | Fail |
| DRIVER FITNESS | ||
| Fit to drive: rested, well, and not affected by alcohol or medication | Pass | Fail |
| Breaks planned between visits on long days | Pass | Fail |
| DEFECTS & SIGN-OFF | ||
| Defects noted (describe) | ||
| Defect reported and vehicle not used until fixed | Yes | No |
| Driver Signature | ||
How to use this checklist
When to use it
Use it at the start of each shift for any car driven between client visits, whether it is a fleet car or the worker’s own. A vehicle used for work is a workplace, so the organisation has a duty to manage driving risks even in a worker’s private car. The paperwork section only needs checking when something changes, or at your policy’s review interval.
Who completes it
The carer or support worker driving the car. Coordinators should keep a record that each worker’s registration, licence and business-use insurance have been seen, and recheck it at least yearly.
If an item fails
Don’t drive with a safety defect such as bald tyres, a brake or light fault, or a dashboard warning. Tell your coordinator so visits can be covered or rescheduled. If seatbelts, restraints or wheelchair restraints aren’t right, don’t transport the client. If you are unsure whether your insurance covers business use or client transport, ask your insurer and check your organisation’s policy before you drive.