Posted By Merv Newman
I occasionally take a hire car and automatically do a walk-round checking for previous damage. I do a quick check on brakes lights, steering and indicators before driving off.

I also have a company car and don't do any of the above.

Merv

Posted By stevehaigh
The following is from the highway code:

6. Vehicle maintainance, safety and security

Vehicle maintenance

Take special care that lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers and washers are all working. Also

lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear
windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision
lights MUST be properly adjusted to prevent dazzling other road users. Extra attention needs to be paid to this if the vehicle is heavily loaded
exhaust emissions MUST NOT exceed prescribed levels
ensure your seat, seat belt, head restraint and mirrors are adjusted correctly before you drive
items of luggage are securely stowed.

Posted By Darren J Fraser
P.S Any chance of a copy of your checklist please.

Posted By Jason McQueen
Darren, if you drop me an email, I'll forward you what I have.

Posted By Merv Newman
Jason,

I could make a comparison with forklift trucks : A check over by the first driver of the shift.

But suppose pool car driver A takes the car in the morning a busts a headlight and doesn't report it. Driver B takes the car in the afternoon without checking.

Who gets done ?

Merv

Posted By Paul Leaman
In prior employment I worked for a large multi-national car hire company and I can advise that a 52 point safety check was completed on every vehicle that was rented out. Without going into mind numbing detail, these checks included condition of tyres, lights, indicators, number plates in good condition, brake fluid, windscreen washer fluid, oil levels, wiper blades, that every safety belt was undamaged and in working condition and also that the car had a current Tax disc (The driver is liable if it has expired.)(Don't forget to look for a locking wheel nut key if alloy wheels are fitted. It's amazing how many are taken out to prevent theft of alloy wheels!)The procedure was extensive but enables us to fulfill H&S obligations. If a vehicle was rented and returned three times a day it got three checks, our main concern was to ensure it was safe to be on the road when handed to the renter. On courtesy cars at garages we also complete the same checks once a week however as all of these vehicles were/are less than two years old we also relied on the fact that every vehicle was serviced and maintained in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
On the rental front each safety check was signed off by the person completing it and then resigned by the driver or renter prior to them using the vehicle. On both courtesy cars and hire cars someone with experience should also show the customer the car and how the controls work. If a customer has an accident and the question " Were you shown how to use the controls?" has not been asked then the company could find themselves liable for failing to ensure the safe use of the vehicle. (Many rental companies have an A4 size laminate in the car clearly showing each control - you can find these details in the cars handbooks.)

Posted By Aidan Toner
And lets try that one more time...!

www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring/Owning....

Posted By Ian B
Reading this thread to try and gain some help as i too am having to go through our drivers RA with employees. I have written down certain things i feel need doing and when it comes to checking a vehicle over before taking it out they looked at me as if i was mad. I have seen that people are often willing to pass on info and checklists such as in this instance and say get in contact but there is no contact email given.
I haven't used this site very much and would like to how i can get in direct contact with people (ie Booney or others) as any help on this would be most grateful.

Ian