What extra checks does a PCV need over an HGV?

Passenger-facing items: doors and their interlocks, emergency exits, interior condition (seats, handrails, floor) and a stocked first-aid kit — in addition to the standard roadworthiness checks.

Does a minibus count as a PCV?

A minibus used to carry passengers for hire or reward is a PCV. See the dedicated minibus walkaround check for the smaller-vehicle specifics.

How long are PCV walkaround records kept?

At least 15 months, together with defect reports and repair records — the same DVSA window as goods vehicles.

PCV walkaround checks

PCV & PSV daily walkaround checks, built for passengers

Carrying passengers raises the bar. A PCV walkaround adds doors, emergency exits and interior safety to the daily roadworthiness check — HaulGuard makes sure none of it is skipped before the first pick-up.

Start free trial See pricing

No credit card · 14-day free trial · up to 10 vehicles

In short

A PCV (or PSV) walkaround check is the pre-use inspection for buses, coaches and minibuses used to carry passengers. On top of the standard roadworthiness items, it covers passenger doors, emergency exits, interior condition and safety equipment — because a defect here affects everyone on board.

The check list

What a PCV 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 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

Passenger safety

Passenger doors open, close & lock
Emergency exits clear & operational
Interior: seats, floor, handrails
First-aid kit present & stocked

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 PCV defects HaulGuard catches

Passenger-door and interlock faults

Blocked or seized emergency exits

Missing or out-of-date first-aid & fire equipment

Slippery or damaged interior floors

Other vehicles

Walkaround checks by vehicle type

HGV walkaround checks Van walkaround checks Coach walkaround checks Minibus walkaround checks Tipper walkaround checks Trailer walkaround checks

FAQ

PCV 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.

Stop relying on paper. Start your free trial.

Set up your first vehicle and run a compliant DVSA walkaround in under 5 minutes.

Start free trial Book a demo

No credit card · 14-day free trial · up to 10 vehicles