Vehicle Inspection, Roadworthiness, and Defect Reporting
The core idea
Roadworthiness is a continuous duty, not an annual event. You must inspect before driving and report defects promptly. Questions test the process: what to check, how to classify a defect, and what to do next.
Concepts to master
- Pre-start inspection: tyres (tread, pressure, damage), wheels and nuts, brakes and air pressure build-up, lights, mirrors, couplings, load restraint, fluid leaks, and warning devices.
- Defect classification: major defects (unsafe to drive) require the vehicle to be stopped and not driven until repaired; minor defects must be recorded and repaired within the required timeframe.
- Defect reporting: record the defect in the vehicle's defect log or system, notify the operator, and ensure repair and sign-off before returning to service.
- Daily/periodic checks: know which checks are daily, which are scheduled maintenance, and which are annual inspections.
- Record keeping: inspection and repair records must be retained and available for audit.
Traps in questions
- Treating a major defect as something to "monitor" rather than stop for.
- Forgetting that the driver has a duty to report, not just the mechanic.
- Confusing a warning light with a confirmed defect; investigate, then classify.
- Assuming a recent annual inspection means the vehicle is currently roadworthy.
Worked rule of thumb
Use the stop-record-repair-verify sequence: if a defect makes the vehicle unsafe (brakes, steering, tyres, coupling, load), stop, record it, get it repaired, and verify before driving. If in doubt, treat it as major.
Key points
- Roadworthiness is a continuous duty, not annual only.
- Major defects mean stop; minor defects mean record and repair.
- Drivers must report defects, not just mechanics.
- Keep inspection and repair records available for audit.
- A recent inspection does not guarantee current roadworthiness.