Pre-Trip / Post-Trip DVIR Checklist for Owner Operators
49 CFR 396.11 driver vehicle inspection reports with a saved log, repair certification and the 3-month retention clock.
Tractor
Trailer
⚠ INSPECTION INCOMPLETE
0 defects found — 47 items not yet checked
Regulatory Reference (49 CFR 396.11 / 396.13)
A written DVIR is required only when a defect or deficiency is found or reported.
Carriers must fix any defect likely to affect safe operation before the vehicle is dispatched again. They must also certify the repair (or that repair was not needed).
The next driver must review the last report and sign that repairs were certified.
Keep the original report, repair certification and driver review for 3 months.
Saved DVIR Log
Stored in this browser only. Each report shows its 3-month retention date.
No saved reports yet.
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What are the DVIR requirements for truck drivers?
Under 49 CFR 396.11, a driver must complete a written post-trip report whenever a defect or deficiency is found. It covers items such as the service brakes, steering, lights, tires, wheels, coupling devices and emergency equipment. The carrier keeps the original for three months. Repairs must be certified or noted as unneeded before the vehicle is driven again.
- Pre-trip: the driver reviews the last report. If defects were noted, the driver confirms they were repaired or did not need repair (49 CFR 396.13).
- Post-trip: the driver reports any defect or deficiency that would affect safe operation, in writing and signed. No report is needed when no defect is found.
- Repair: the carrier certifies that reported defects were repaired or did not need repair before the vehicle is driven again.
- Records: the carrier keeps the original report and the repair certification for three months.
Last reviewed October 2026. Sources: 49 CFR 396.11: driver vehicle inspection report; 49 CFR 396.13: driver inspection; eCFR: 49 CFR 396.11, driver vehicle inspection report.
Frequently Asked Questions - Pre-Trip / Post-Trip DVIR Checklist
What is a DVIR?
What items does a DVIR have to cover?
Can I legally drive with a defect noted on my DVIR?
What happens if I skip or falsify a DVIR?
How long do I keep a DVIR?
Do I need a DVIR if nothing is wrong with the truck?
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Go Further With Pre-Trip / Post-Trip DVIR Checklist
Guides, services and reference pages that go with this tool.
- Truck lighting rulesCheck every required lamp on the pre-trip. See which lamps a tractor and a trailer must have, and what may not cover them.
- Vehicle maintenance & DVIR rulesWhat 49 CFR 396 requires of a DVIR.
- Cargo securement rulesThe load checks drivers must make along the way, and the tiedown rules.
- ELD monitoring servicePair inspection records with ELD monitoring.
- All compliance & safety checklistsSee the required DVIR items alongside audit, authority, and accident checklists.
- Trailer reflective tape (conspicuity) rulesMissing or peeling reflective tape is a trailer defect. See the rules for the tape and its placement.
- Truck tire rules: tread depth, retreads and pressureTires are on the daily check. See the tread depth, damage and pressure rules a driver must meet.
- Emergency equipment and warning triangle rulesThe fire extinguisher and warning devices are on the pre-trip list. See what the rule requires and what changed in 2026.
- Out-of-service order, explainedSee when a vehicle or driver is put out of service and what to do next.
- Driver hiring and onboarding checklistHiring a driver? See every step, from application to the first dispatch.
- Fifth wheel, explainedCoupling devices are on the inspection report. See what the rules require of a fifth wheel.
- Truck brake rules: pushrod stroke, lining thickness and ABSBrakes are on every inspection report. See the stroke, lining and warning limits the rule sets.
- Driver conduct rules: alcohol, drugs, fatigue and passengersThe pre-trip check the driver must make before driving is in 49 CFR 392.7. See it with the cargo check rule.