A DVIR (driver vehicle inspection report) is the written report a truck driver completes after the day's driving listing any defects that affect safety. For property-carrying trucks it's required only when a defect is found. The carrier must repair the defect (or certify repair isn't needed) before the vehicle is driven again, and keep the report for 3 months (49 CFR §396.11). A free printable DVIR form is below.
The two inspections: pre-trip and post-trip
| Pre-trip (49 CFR §396.13) | Post-trip DVIR (49 CFR §396.11) | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Before driving | At the end of each day's work, for each vehicle driven |
| Driver must | Be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition; review the last DVIR; sign it if defects were noted and repairs certified | Report any defect that would affect safe operation or could cause a breakdown |
| Written report? | No separate form required | Yes, if a defect is found (property carriers); always (passenger carriers) |
What the DVIR must cover
The post-trip inspection must cover at least these parts and accessories:
- Service brakes, including trailer brake connections
- Parking brake
- Steering mechanism
- Lighting devices and reflectors
- Tires
- Horn
- Windshield wipers
- Rear-vision mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Wheels and rims
- Emergency equipment
For trailers, the report also covers the trailer's brakes, lights, tires, wheels and coupling. Intermodal chassis have their own rules for reporting defects to the equipment provider.
What happens after a defect is reported
- The driver lists the defect on the DVIR and signs it.
- Before the vehicle is dispatched again, the carrier must repair the defect or certify that repair isn't needed, and record that certification on the report.
- The next driver reviews the DVIR during the pre-trip inspection and signs to acknowledge the repair certification.
- The carrier keeps the original DVIR and the certifications for 3 months.
A defect that makes the vehicle likely to cause a crash or breakdown means it can't be driven until repaired. Roadside inspectors use the North American Standard out-of-service criteria, and violations count in the carrier's Vehicle Maintenance BASIC. See CSA scores explained.
Electronic DVIRs
FMCSA allows DVIRs to be completed and signed electronically, for example in an ELD or fleet app, as long as the report has the required information, signatures and certifications and can be produced for inspectors. Many ELD providers include an eDVIR module. See ELD rules.
Texas intrastate trucks
Texas adopts the federal inspection, repair and maintenance rules in Part 396 for intrastate commercial vehicles, with limited exceptions. Texas intrastate drivers should follow the same DVIR process.
Why DVIRs matter after a crash
After a truck crash, DVIRs, repair records and pre-trip practices are some of the first maintenance records requested. A defect reported but not repaired, or a missing DVIR, can be strong evidence of negligence. See hours-of-service and maintenance violations in crashes.
Free printable DVIR form
Print this template for drivers who don't use an electronic DVIR. It follows the items in 49 CFR §396.11.
Driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR)
| Carrier | USDOT no. | ||
| Date | Odometer | ||
| Tractor/truck no. | Trailer no(s). | ||
| Location | |||
Check each item (OK or Defect)
| Item | OK | Defect | Item | OK | Defect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes / trailer brake connections | Windshield wipers | ||||
| Parking brake | Rear-vision mirrors | ||||
| Steering mechanism | Coupling devices (fifth wheel, pintle) | ||||
| Lights and reflectors | Wheels and rims | ||||
| Tires | Emergency equipment | ||||
| Horn | Trailer: brakes, lights, tires, doors | ||||
| Other: | Other: |
Defects found
| ☐ No defects found ☐ Defects listed above | Driver signature: |
| ☐ Defects corrected ☐ Correction not needed for safe operation | Mechanic/carrier signature and date: |
| Next driver: I have reviewed this report and the repair certification. Signature and date: | |
Template from texastruckaccidentlawyers.org. Keep with certifications for 3 months (49 CFR 396.11).