DVIR Meaning: What is a DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report)?

The demands of fleet management can occasionally get too much. You might have caught yourself unconsciously looking for a solution to reduce the procedures involved in your daily operation, given the amount of labor that goes into maintaining each vehicle and managing each driver.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to reduce your labor. With the help of the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report, you’ll be able to catch potential problems as they come.

What Is DVIR, and How Does It Work?

driver vehicle inspection report dvir
example driver vehicle inspection report dvir

A driver vehicle inspection report, or DVIR, is a written report that is completed by a driver after inspecting their vehicle. This report is used to document any issues with the vehicle so that they can be fixed before the vehicle is used again. 

By conducting a visual inspection of the vehicle and its parts, drivers can identify potential problems that could affect safety or cause breakdowns. 

These reports can be used to create a maintenance schedule for the vehicle, which can help keep it in good working order and avoid potential accidents.

This document provides a record of any repairs needed and suggestions from your driver on improving their vehicle’s performance.

 In the end, it will let you know if further inspections are required, and if any corrective action is needed. 

The DVIR process allows fleet managers to stay current with their fleet of vehicles, allowing for a more streamlined business.

Here is how it works:

1. The Driver provides you with a copy of the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report.

2. You review the report and fix any problems before they occur.

3. Driver submits the report to you.

4. Sometimes, you may have to record any repairs or services required by your fleet’s vehicles.

5. Once per year, you must verify that all parts and equipment are in proper working order and replace them if necessary.

What are Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports in Trucking? 

In the trucking industry, you need to control your inventory and ensure that everything is up to date and can pass roadside inspection. 

Your goal is to avoid having vehicles off the road due to repairs or lack of maintenance. It aims to help fleet managers reach their objective by providing a simple method of checking the condition of their fleet.

What are the 8 Levels of Inspection?

dvir includes formal record and better understanding for fleet manager

Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports are a set of eight levels you can access to determine the condition of your fleet and if there are any needed repairs. These include:

Level 1. North American Standard Inspection

Level 1 is the complete Inspection. It will require your driver to include the following items:

  • Certificate from a medical examiner (if applicable)
  • Certificate for Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) (if applicable)
  • Status of the driver’s duty record
  • Status of the driver’s record hours of service (HOS)
  • Alcohol and drugs

b) Vehicles Inspection Items include:

  • Air inlet vents
  • Air Cleaner (Inside and Outside)
  • Alternator
  • Brakes
  • Engine Compartment Cooling Systems
  • Fuel System
  • Fuel Tank, Etc.
  • Coupling devices
  • Driveline/driveshaft
  • Mirrors, wipers, and washers

c) Items for Passenger Carrying Vehicles 

  • Emergency exits
  • Vehicle security steps
  • Vehicle air-conditioning system

Level 2: Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle, Driver/Credentials

Similar to a Level 1 Inspection, this Inspection is practically identical. The undercarriage and anything else that requires an inspector to get under the commercial motor vehicle personally is the only things that are not examined during the Level 2 Inspection.

Level 3: Special Inspections as Part of a Study

These vehicle inspections are designed to highlight special areas that drivers should be aware of. It is typically carried out to confirm or deny a trend with a truck or driver.

Level 4: Vehicle-Only Inspection

Level 4 vehicle inspections are used to identify problem areas that may be causing your fleet vehicle issues. It will determine if the problem is in the equipment or if it’s with the driver.

Level 5: Driver-Only Inspection

This level is used when the only concerns are your driver’s status and ability to operate a vehicle correctly. The Inspection will look at areas discussed at Level 1.

Level 6: Terminal & Radioactive Materials Inspection

This Inspection is designed to inspect radioactive and toxic materials before departing the terminal. Only specified radiological shipments are subject to this screening, which entails the following:

  • Items for Level 1 Inspection
  • Radiological specifications
  • Transuranic Waste and radioactive material HRCQ NAS out-of-service rules

Level 7: Jurisdictional Mandated

This type of Inspection is mandated by a State or Federal Agency and is usually performed by an independent agency. It is used to confirm that your truck meets the required safety standards.

Level 8: Electronic Inspection

This screening ensures that your vehicles comply with all Federal and State EOBR standards. It is performed on all vehicles that are using electronic monitoring devices (such as GPS devices, Operating authority, and Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) compliance.

You should note that the Inspection is carried out without the driver and inspector present.

Benefits of DVIR

Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports increase safety awareness, reduce risk, and help to prevent problems before they occur. It will allow you to guarantee the safety and reliability of your fleet. 

If you have missed any problems with your vehicle, it will help you get those issues fixed with little hassle. You can monitor your fleet’s status to keep on top of potential problems before they arise and address them beforehand.

What is the Benefit of a Pre-trip Inspection?

Before starting a trip, a pre-trip inspection will tell the truck driver of any safety issues the vehicle might have and if it needs repair, maintenance, or updating. 

It helps minimize downtime. When your equipment is up and running, it saves you time and money in the long run.

What is the Difference between Pre-trip and Post-trip?

The main difference between the two types of inspections is that pre-trip inspections help identify problems before they happen and are typically found at the beginning of the trip. In contrast, post-trip inspections identify defects after the vehicle has been driven and can occur near the end of trips.

What are the DVIR Requirements?

At a minimum, compliance with the driver vehicle inspection report requirements consists of:

1. The identity of the vehicle (e.g., fleet unit registration, vehicle license number);

2. The Driver’s Signature on the inspection report they prepared

3. The mechanic’s or other person’s signature, together with the decision of whether or not to fix the vehicle;

4. The Following driver’s signature, certifying that the repair was made or was not necessary.

It is DVIR mandatory to note on the form the reason why you are not able to repair a defect.

When is a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report Required?

This report is required anytime you drive a vehicle that can’t start up and is not physically drivable safely.

Reasons why a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report is Required

1. To reduce the number of injuries, fatalities, and the rate of people getting into car accidents.

2. To hold drivers accountable for their safety. 

3. To reduce downtime and expense for the fleet owners.

4. To provide positive and constructive feedback to the drivers on their driving skills and behavior.

DVIR Exemptions

The regulation protocols of the FMCSA do not apply to the following:

• Any other vehicles being transported for Inspection, repair, or maintenance

• Any other vehicles being transported in driveaway-towaway operations.

If you are included in any of the above, you don’t need to have it.

Penalties for Not Completing DVIRs

• If you refuse to complete the report, you incur a fine of $1270.

• If the report is altered or inaccurate, an additional penalty of $ $12,700 may be applied.

• A civil penalty of $15,419 if you don’t keep a record of your inspection report.

You should note that ignoring any regulation involves an additional penalty, like vehicle decommission.

DVIR Checklist

A standard Inspection Report checklist must include the following for both Trucks & Trailers.

Trucks should include:

1. Air compressors and Airlines

2. Battery

3. Brakes

4. Driving Controls

5. Electrical System

6. Engine and Powertrain

7. Exhaust Systems and Emissions Control Equipment

8. Fuel System

9 Airbags or Seat Belts (Driver)

10. Windows & Windshield wipers

A Trailer should include:

1. Wheels

2. Roofs

3. Brakes

4. Coupling chains 

5. Hitches 

6. Training Gears

7. The Vehicle’s Electrical System

8. Vehicle Communications System

9. Steering

10. Tarpaulin etc.

You should check any other parts, as required to avoid potential problems.

Which Vehicle Parts Have to be Included in the Inspection?

Everything that can cause damage to the vehicle or cause any harm to the environment has to be included in the Inspection. If you fail to inspect any part of your vehicle, you could be subject to Penalty.

The following is a list of items that need to be inspected:

1. Exhaust system

2. Contacting System 

3. Lighting system 

4. Radiator Hoses and Fans 

5. Wiper, Washer, Signal Lamps, and Horns 

6. Undercarriage

7. Brakes

8. Doors

9. Windshields

10. Axles

11. Coupling equipment etc.

However, this is not an exhaustive list; every vehicle part needs to be inspected. The report is completed before any repairs are done on the vehicle.

DVIR vs. DVER – What’s the difference? 

A Driver Vehicle Inspection Report is also known as a pre-trip inspection report. The report aims to prevent any injuries that defects may cause within a vehicle. 

On the other hand, a DVER (Driver Vehicle Examination Report) is sometimes abbreviated as a post-trip inspection report. 

It’s the same thing and looks similar to a DVIR, except it’s completed after the trip ends.

FAQ

What is the Purpose of the DVIR Book?

Drivers note the items that need fixing to help with the inspection on the vehicle inspection checklist found in their driver vehicle inspection report books. 

These books include crucial policies printed inside the front cover to help drivers remember the DOT-required processes and run a safe operation.

How Do I Find My CSA Score?

Visit the USDOT website, csa.fmcsa.dot.gov, to check your score. You may find your score by clicking on the SMS user page and entering your FMCSA number and Password. 

You can get a PIN from USDOT if you don’t already have one. Your PIN should arrive within 4 to 7 days.

What Is HOS Trucking?

A HOS rule is a set of regulations regarding how and when you’re allowed to drive. These rules also include what rest periods you must take every day. 

The hours of service apply to most drivers of commercial motor vehicles. However, some drivers are exempt from these regulations, such as private truck drivers.

Conclusion

The Driver Vehicle Report Inspection practice is crucial to ensure that you do not make your vehicle or other’s vehicles unsafe for use. 

Also, please keep a record of the Inspection and ensure that you don’t forget to inspect any part of your vehicle before operating it.

You must also complete this Inspection Report on time to avoid facing any penalties. This report is one of the most important aspects of your trucking business and also for drivers; thus, you should ensure that you are well informed about it.

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