What is a vehicle PDI check and what happens before handover?

When a vehicle arrives with its driver, most of the work that has gone into preparing it has already happened behind the scenes. One of the final stages is the pre-delivery inspection, usually referred to as a PDI, where the vehicle is checked before it is handed over and put to work.

For a fleet operator, the condition of a vehicle at handover can have an immediate operational impact. If something isn't right, even a relatively minor issue can delay a driver getting on the road or mean a vehicle needs attention when it should already be working.

A thorough PDI gives the team the opportunity to identify and resolve those issues before the vehicle reaches the customer.

At Herd, every vehicle goes through a detailed pre-delivery inspection, covering the vehicle inside, outside and underneath. Tyres, lights, fluid levels and vehicle controls are among the areas checked, alongside the vehicle's general condition, before it is road tested.

Hybrid and electric vehicles can require additional specialist checks, reflecting the different systems and technology involved. The inspection itself will therefore depend on the vehicle, but the purpose remains the same: anything requiring attention is better identified while the vehicle is still being prepared, giving the team the opportunity to investigate and resolve it before handover.

That can be particularly important for commercial vehicles. A van might be due to go straight into service, support a new contract or replace another vehicle within the fleet. If an issue is discovered at the point of handover, the knock-on effect can extend beyond that individual vehicle.

A PDI is one part of getting a vehicle ready for operation, and at Herd the process also provides the first-use safety inspection before the vehicle enters service. This gives the fleet operator a record that the appropriate inspection has been completed before the vehicle is put to work.

The checks don't stop at handover. Drivers still have an important role in making sure their vehicle is safe before setting off, with DVSA guidance covering daily checks including tyres and wheels, lights, fluids, bodywork, mirrors, brakes and warning lights.

Read the DVSA guidance on daily van walkaround checks

Keeping those two stages distinct is important. The PDI gives the vehicle a thorough check before handover, while ongoing driver checks and maintenance help keep it safe and roadworthy once it is working.

Watch our vehicle PDI video to see what happens before a Herd vehicle reaches its driver.