Glossary

Glossary

Pre-start check

A pre-start check is the short inspection a driver completes before operating a vehicle or plant, confirming it is safe and roadworthy and recording any defects found.

Updated 10 July 2026

Read the definition

Pre-starts are the first roadworthiness check: tyres, lights, leaks, load restraint and anything else the vehicle class requires. On paper they can become a tick-and-flick exercise. Digital pre-starts timestamp the check, photograph defects and, done properly, block or escalate a failed vehicle automatically.

A found defect should flow into a repair without re-keying. The full history from defect to completed repair helps show that Chain of Responsibility duties are being managed. A ready-to-use checklist is in the templates library.

General information, not tax or legal advice.

Put the term into practice.

See how IntelliTrac captures the relevant checks, trips and supporting data during normal work. Bring your scenarios.

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