What tread depth is legal for an HGV?

At least 1mm across three-quarters of the tyre's breadth and around the whole circumference for goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes — less than for a car or van.

Does an HGV walkaround include the trailer?

Yes. If you couple a trailer you must check the coupling, trailer tyres, lights, brakes and load security. HaulGuard can record the trailer as part of the same check or as its own.

How long must HGV walkaround records be kept?

At least 15 months, along with any defect report and the record of its repair — the window a DVSA examiner can ask to see.

HGV walkaround checks

HGV daily walkaround checks, done in two minutes

Rigid or articulated, an HGV walkaround has more to cover than any other vehicle — coupling, load security and air brakes on top of the daily basics. HaulGuard guides the driver through every item and keeps the evidence.

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In short

An HGV walkaround check is the legally-required pre-use inspection of a heavy goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes. Because HGVs carry the most weight and the most scrutiny, the check covers coupling security, load restraint and the air-brake system alongside lights, tyres and leaks — and every check must be kept for 15 months.

The check list

What a HGV walkaround covers

Lights & indicators

Headlights, sidelights & tail lights
Indicators & hazard lights
Brake lights
Reversing lights
Number plate lights

Tyres & wheels

Tyre condition (cuts, bulges, cords)
Tyre pressure (visual)
Tread depth ≥ 1mm
Wheel fixings & nut indicators secure

Mirrors, glass & washers

Mirrors present, clean & adjusted
Windscreen & windows (cracks, chips)
Wipers & washers working, fluid topped up

Brakes

Service (foot) brake
Parking / secondary brake
Air build-up & low-pressure warning

Leaks & fluids

No oil, fuel, coolant or air leaks
Engine oil, coolant & washer levels
Fuel & AdBlue level

Body & load security

Bodywork & doors secure
Load restrained (straps, curtains, chains)
Curtains & rear doors sound

Coupling

Fifth wheel / pin secure
Landing legs fully raised & secure
Susie lines & EBS connections

Cab & controls

Tachograph working, correct mode set
Horn working
Seatbelt condition & operation
Steering play & warning lamps

Safety equipment

Fire extinguisher present & in date
Warning triangle present
High-vis & first-aid to hand

What we see

Typical HGV defects HaulGuard catches

Worn or cut tyres on drive axles

Insecure or under-tensioned load

Coupling and landing-leg faults

Air leaks and slow brake build-up

Other vehicles

Walkaround checks by vehicle type

Van walkaround checks PCV walkaround checks Coach walkaround checks Minibus walkaround checks Tipper walkaround checks Trailer walkaround checks

FAQ

HGV walkaround checks, answered

Keep reading

Walkaround checksThe DVSA daily walkaround check app for every vehicle type.Defect managementTurn a failed check item into a tracked, signed-off repair.The complete guideWhat a DVSA walkaround check is and the duties behind it.

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