Nova Scotia driver vehicle inspection report template

Set up for Nova Scotia

• Each inspection is written up by the designate or licensed technician who did it, with the plate number, VIN or unit number, the odometer reading if there is one, every defect and every major defect found (or a statement that none were found), the carrier's name, the date and time, the city, town, village or highway location, and the inspector's printed name and, on paper, signatureCommercial Vehicle Trip Inspection Regulations, N.S. Reg. 26/2018, s. 7 (1)

Also required in Nova Scotia

These rules are about how and when you report, not the template's fields. Check them before you deliver.

• Every commercial vehicle (a truck, tractor or trailer over 4,500 kg registered gross weight, or a bus) is inspected at least once every 24 hours using the schedule for its type: Schedule 1 for trucks, tractors and trailers, Schedule 2 for buses, Schedule 3 for motor coaches; neither the carrier nor the driver may put it on the highway without that inspectionN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 2, 5, 6 (1)
• Defects are reported to the carrier before the next required inspection and major defects immediately; the carrier has every defect corrected before the next required inspection, and no one may drive the vehicle on a highway with a major defectN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 11, 12, 13
• The driver carries the most recent inspection report for the vehicle while driving it on a highway and hands it to a motor vehicle inspector on demandN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 8, 9
• The vehicle is cleared of debris, snow and ice before it is driven on a highwayN.S. Reg. 26/2018, s. 14
• The original of each inspection report goes to the carrier within 20 calendar days. The carrier keeps, for each vehicle, an identification record, copies of inspection, repair and maintenance reports with dates and odometer readings, axle or suspension modifications affecting weight ratings, and the original inspection reports, at its principal place of business for 2 years or 6 months after the vehicle leaves its fleet, whichever is longerN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 10, 15
• An electronic recording or logging device may keep the report if it holds the same information as a paper report, can produce it immediately on screen, in print, by hand copy or by email, and logs every disconnection and reconnection; hard copies made from it are signed, and the carrier also supplies blank paper formsN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 16, 17
• Exempt are emergency vehicles, recreational vehicles, vehicles used for relief in a declared emergency, and 2- or 3-axle vehicles on trips to pick up or carry feed grain, fertilizer or primary products of a farm, forest, sea or lake when the driver or carrier produces or uses them. A motor coach with air ride suspension, air brakes and automatic adjusters also needs a licensed technician's Schedule 4 inspection every 30 days or 12,000 kmN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 3, 6 (2)
• Breaking the regulations is a category B offence, with a fine of at least 50 dollars for a first offence, 100 dollars for a second and 200 dollars for each later oneN.S. Reg. 26/2018, s. 18 · Summary Proceedings Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 450, s. 4B (b)

What is in it

• Parts and accessoriesService brakes, including trailer brake connections, Parking brake, Steering mechanism, Lighting devices and reflectors, Tires, Horn, Windshield wipers, Rear vision mirrors, Coupling devices (fifth wheel, kingpin, hitch), Wheels and rims, Emergency equipment
• Other items checkedEngine compartment, belts, hoses and fluid leaks, Air compressor, air lines and air pressure build-up, Fuel system and exhaust, Frame, suspension and axles, Windshield, windows, doors and seat belts, Gauges, warning lights, defroster and heater, Cargo securement, body, doors and floor, Trailer landing gear
• Repairs or action takenWhat was done about the defects: who they were reported to and when, repairs made, parts replaced, and any work order number.
• RemarksAnything else the driver noted about the vehicle or the inspection.

Rules last reviewed October 13, 2026. Read the full Nova Scotia driver vehicle inspection report requirements.