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)

Vehicle inspection

Vehicle safety inspection · 28 point check

Reg __________ Odometer __________ Date __________ Tech __________

Braking system

Check	Measured	R / A / G
Pad thickness front and rear	____ mm
Disc condition and minimum thickness	____ mm
Brake fluid level and moisture	____ %
Hoses, hard lines and unions leak free	________
Park brake holds on incline	________
ABS warning lamp off after self-test	________

Tyres and roadholding

Check	Measured	R / A / G
Tread depth at all four corners	____ mm
Tyres above legal minimum	________
Cold pressures to placard	____ PSI
No cords, bulges or sidewall splits	________
Spare, jack and wheel brace present	________

Steering and suspension

Check	Measured	R / A / G
No excessive play at the wheel	________
Ball joints, track rods and bushes secure	________
Shock absorbers not leaking	________
Springs intact	________

Lighting and visibility

Check	Measured	R / A / G
All exterior lamps working and correct colour	________
Headlight aim within tolerance	________
Windscreen clear of damage in swept area	________
Wipers and washers effective	________
Horn works	________

Restraints and structure

Check	Measured	R / A / G
Seat belts retract, latch and show no fraying	________
Airbag warning lamp off	________
Seats and head restraints secure	________
No structural corrosion at mounting points	________
Doors, bonnet and boot latch securely	________

Emissions and leaks

Check	Measured	R / A / G
No fuel, oil or coolant leaks	________
Exhaust secure, no blows	________
Engine management lamp off	________

Vehicle inspection checklist builder

1. Choose a checklist

2. Sheet options

3. Add your own line

4. Pick the checks

Your checklist