Use A Driver Walkaround App
Why Your Driver Walkaround is a Non-Negotiable Shield
Zed Aziz CMILT
At Fleet Transport Consultants (FTC), our team doesn't just sit behind desks. We spend a significant portion of our time in the "hot seat"—accompanying drivers and operators to Public Inquiries before the Traffic Commissioner, interviews under caution, and even Magistrate Courts.
Through these high-stakes experiences, we’ve identified a chilling pattern. When a driver’s career or an operator’s license is on the line, the trouble almost always stems from two failures: Tachograph falsification or a catastrophic failure in the driver walkaround process.
"Killing Machines" on the Road
A former Traffic Commissioner famously described HGV and PSV vehicles as "killing machines" if not maintained. This isn't hyperbole; it is a reality we see in the evidence rooms.
Consider this: A simple side repeater not working on a 44-tonne HGV or a 50-seater coach creates a lethal "death trap" for a cyclist on the inside of a turn. A tyre bulge that goes unnoticed during a rushed check can lead to a motorway blowout and a multi-vehicle tragedy. These are not "accidents"—they are avoidable failures.
The Legal Framework: Your Roadworthiness Obligation
The Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness is the industry bible, and it is crystal clear: the driver is responsible for the condition of the vehicle while it's in use on the road.
Furthermore, unless an exception applies, all HGV and PSV drivers operating vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are required to hold a CPC qualification. This training is designed to embed the fact that a 10-15 minute walkaround is the first, last, and only safety net between a periodic inspection and a potential disaster.
The "NIL Defect" Trap and Third-Party Trailers
We see it far too often: a driver picks up a vehicle they drove yesterday and "assumes" it’s fine, or they hook up a third-party trailer without checking if it has a valid Safety Inspection. This is unacceptable. Picking up a trailer without performing a check is a gamble with your livelihood. The responsibility lies with the driver to ensure that every asset—owned or third-party—is roadworthy before the wheels turn.
The Solution: DDIR (Daily Driver Inspection Reporting)
Having witnessed the horror stories of DVSA investigations, we knew we had to develop a solution that was more than just a digital checklist. We built DDIR (Daily Driver Inspection Report) to be a robust, efficient compliance shield.
Available on both Android and Apple, the DDIR App transforms the walkaround into an airtight evidence base:
Bespoke Checks: The app generates checklists specific to the vehicle type (HGV, PSV, Van, or Car).
Enhanced Trailer Logic: Drivers can perform standalone or additional trailer checks, ensuring third-party assets are fully vetted.
Wheel & Tyre Evidence: We go beyond the standard check, requiring evidence of re-torque and specific condition monitoring.
Walkaround History: Drivers have instant access to previous checks to present to authorities during roadside stops.
Structured Communication: A built-in Resource Centre provides drivers with instant access to company policies, safety guides, and learning videos.
The Onus on Transport Managers
Compliance doesn't end when the driver hits "submit." Transport Managers are legally required to analyse walkarounds and manage defects.
The DDIR system allows managers to cross-reference defects found during a PMI (Safety Inspection) with driver reports. If a PMI uncovers a "driver detectable" defect that wasn't reported, you have a training and disciplinary issue that needs addressing before the DVSA does it for you.
Is Your Fleet Audit-Ready?
Whether it’s managing MOTs, VED, Roller Brake Tests (RBT), or Tachograph Calibrations, your maintenance policy must be embedded as a robust practice backed by excellent training and monitoring.
Don't wait for a Public Inquiry to find out your safety net has holes. Protect your drivers, your business, and the public.
Experience the DDIR difference today.
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Compliance, Efficiency & Automation.Your road to a safer fleet starts with a single check.