What is a DVIR? The driver vehicle inspection report, explained
A DVIR, or driver vehicle inspection report, is the driver's written report on a truck's condition at the end of the day's work. The federal rule is 49 CFR 396.11. It sets what the report covers, when a driver has to write one, what the carrier does about defects, and how long the paperwork is kept.
| # | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Service brakes including trailer brake connections |
| 2 | Parking brake |
| 3 | Steering mechanism |
| 4 | Lighting devices and reflectors |
| 5 | Tires |
| 6 | Horn |
| 7 | Windshield wipers |
| 8 | Rear vision mirrors |
| 9 | Coupling devices |
| 10 | Wheels and rims |
| 11 | Emergency equipment |
These are the minimum. A carrier can add its own items to the report.
When a driver has to write one
Each driver prepares a written report at the end of each day's work, for each vehicle operated. A driver who runs two trucks in a day writes two reports. If the driver finds no defect, and none is reported to them, the rule doesn't require a report.
What goes on the report
The report identifies the vehicle and lists any defect or deficiency the driver found, or that was reported to them, that would affect safe operation or could cause a breakdown. The driver signs it. On a two-driver team, one signature covers both if they agree on the defects.
Fixing defects and signing them off
Before the truck is driven again, the carrier repairs any listed defect that is likely to affect safe operation. Then the carrier, or someone acting for it, certifies on the report that the defect was repaired, or that a repair isn't needed.
The next driver's check
Under 49 CFR 396.13, before driving, a driver must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition, review the last DVIR when one was required, and sign it to show they reviewed it and that the repairs were certified. This is the pre-trip side of the routine; the end-of-day report is the post-trip side.
How long to keep DVIRs
Three months from the date the report was written. That covers the report itself, the repair certification and the next driver's signed review.
Who the rule doesn't cover
Section 396.11 doesn't apply to a private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness), a driveaway-towaway operation, or a carrier that operates only one commercial motor vehicle. Intermodal equipment tendered by an intermodal equipment provider is handled under its own paragraph.
Paper or electronic
The rule allows the report to be created and kept electronically, under 49 CFR 390.32.
DVIRs in Magnus Fleet
Pre- and post-trip reports with the 11 items above plus your own, a note and photos for each defect, and the repair sign-off: Corrected or Not Needed, by whom and when. Open defects stay on the maintenance dashboard until they're signed off.
Book a DemoRule text: 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13, read November 14, 2026. Check the current eCFR before you rely on it for compliance.