What should a vehicle inspection checklist include?

At minimum: a road test, fluids and battery, tyres and wheels, brakes, steering and suspension, lights and glass, and an underbody check. Record measurements in millimetres and volts rather than a plain pass or fail, so the next visit can be predicted instead of guessed.

Is this checklist builder free?

Yes. Everything runs in your browser, there is no account, no email and no watermark. Print it or save it as a PDF as many times as you like.

What is a multi-point inspection?

A fixed sequence of checks — commonly 30, 50 or 100 points — run on every vehicle in the same order, so advisories do not depend on which technician picked up the job.

Red, amber, green or pass and fail?

Red, amber and green grading sells more work because amber items give the customer a reason to come back. Pass and fail suits statutory safety inspections where there is no middle ground. The builder supports both.

Can I run this digitally instead of on paper?

Yes. ShopTop turns the same checklist into a digital vehicle inspection: photos attach to each line, red items become an estimate, and the customer approves from their phone. You can send your built checklist straight into a ShopTop template.

Free Vehicle Inspection Checklist Builder (Printable PDF)

Your checklist

Vehicle inspection

Fleet and commercial vehicle inspection · 22 point check

Reg __________ Odometer __________ Date __________ Tech __________

Driver daily walkaround

Check	Measured	R / A / G
Lights, indicators and beacons working	________
Tyres, pressures and visible damage	________
Mirrors, glass and washers	________
Load area secure, straps and doors	________
Fluid leaks under the vehicle	________
Defect reported and recorded	________

Cab and safety equipment

Check	Measured	R / A / G
Seat belts and seat security	________
Horn, wipers, demist and heater	________
Warning lamps and telematics online	________
First aid kit, extinguisher and warning triangle	________
Tachograph or hours recorder functioning	________

Scheduled workshop check

Check	Measured	R / A / G
Engine oil and filter interval	____ km
Brake pad and lining thickness	____ mm
Air system leak-down where fitted	________
Steering, suspension and chassis fixings	________
Battery and charging output	____ V
Diagnostic scan and stored fault codes	________

Compliance and records

Check	Measured	R / A / G
Roadworthiness certificate in date	________
Insurance and operator documents in date	________
Previous defects closed out	________
Next service due date and odometer	____ km
Inspector name and signature recorded	________

More inspection checklists

Car safety inspection checklist
Roadworthiness-only items: brakes, tyres, steering, lights, restraints.
Pre-purchase inspection checklist
Used car buying check: history, body, mechanicals and cost to put right.
Fleet vehicle inspection checklist
Driver walkaround plus the scheduled workshop check and compliance record.

Questions about inspection checklists

What should a vehicle inspection checklist include?: At minimum: a road test, fluids and battery, tyres and wheels, brakes, steering and suspension, lights and glass, and an underbody check. Record measurements in millimetres and volts rather than a plain pass or fail, so the next visit can be predicted instead of guessed.
Is this checklist builder free?: Yes. Everything runs in your browser, there is no account, no email and no watermark. Print it or save it as a PDF as many times as you like.
What is a multi-point inspection?: A fixed sequence of checks — commonly 30, 50 or 100 points — run on every vehicle in the same order, so advisories do not depend on which technician picked up the job.
Red, amber, green or pass and fail?: Red, amber and green grading sells more work because amber items give the customer a reason to come back. Pass and fail suits statutory safety inspections where there is no middle ground. The builder supports both.
Can I run this digitally instead of on paper?: Yes. ShopTop turns the same checklist into a digital vehicle inspection: photos attach to each line, red items become an estimate, and the customer approves from their phone. You can send your built checklist straight into a ShopTop template.

Vehicle inspection checklist builder

1. Choose a checklist

2. Sheet options

3. Add your own line

4. Pick the checks