Pre-departure checks
Walk-around check, tyres, lighting, levels, mirrors and windscreen: the essential checks before driving.
Updated 13 June 2026
Why do a walk-around check?
Before each departure, a quick walk around the vehicle allows you to spot problems that could compromise your safety. This inspection takes only a few minutes but can prevent an accident, a breakdown or a fine.
Exterior checks
Start with the tyres: visually check that no tyre is abnormally deflated (flat band on the ground), that there are no visible nails, screws or bulges. Check that the tread has not reached the wear indicator level.
Inspect the headlights and lights: they must be clean and in working order. Check them one by one (sidelights, dipped beams, full beams, indicators, brake lights, fog lights, reversing lights). Replace any blown bulb immediately.
Registration plates (front and rear) must be clean and legible, with their lighting in good condition. Also check the exterior mirrors (cleanliness, no cracks) and the windscreen condition (no untreated chips, cleanliness).
A chip on the windscreen, if treated quickly, can be stabilised. Left untreated, it spreads until a complete replacement is needed.
Do a full walk around to spot any damage (bumper dislodged, bodywork damaged) and check that there are no traces of fluid leaking on the ground beneath the vehicle.
Checking the manoeuvring space
Before getting in, make sure you have room to leave the parking space without damaging the vehicle: concrete bollards, high kerb, obstacle behind. If it has snowed, clear the snow from all vehicle surfaces and around the wheels.
Interior checks
Before starting, check that the seat is not cluttered with objects, that no gear is engaged (move the lever from side to side in neutral), that the interior mirror is clean and correctly angled, and that the inside of the windows is not dirty or obstructed.
Make sure all passengers have a seatbelt and that everyone is correctly buckled in before setting off.
Walk-around: tyres, lights, plates, windscreen, mirrors, leaks. Then inside: seat, gear lever, mirror, windows, seatbelts.
Compulsory documents
Check that you have your driving licence and registration document (carte grise) with you. The insurance certificate and MOT (sticker on the windscreen) must also be in order.
What to remember for the exam
Exam questions focus on the order of checks and the elements to inspect. Remember the habit of a full walk-around: it is a fundamental safety reflex that examiners value.
Recap
- Exterior walk-around: tyres (inflation, wear), lights (cleanliness, working), plates (legible).
- Windscreen and mirrors: clean, no chips or cracks.
- Check for fluid leaks on the ground and bodywork damage.
- Clear all snow from the vehicle and around the wheels in winter.
- Inside: seat clear, lever in neutral, interior mirror clean, windows clean.
- All passengers must have their seatbelts fastened before departure.
- Compulsory documents: driving licence, registration document, insurance certificate.
- An untreated windscreen chip spreads and requires a complete replacement.
Test yourself
Before starting, how do you check that the gear lever is in neutral?
- ○By looking at the rev counter
- ○By starting the engine
- ✓By moving the lever from side to side
- ○By pressing the brake pedal
Correct answer : By moving the lever from side to side
What should you do if you spot a chip on the windscreen?
- ✓Have it treated quickly to prevent it spreading
- ○Continue driving without concern
- ○Replace the windscreen immediately
- ○Cover the chip with adhesive tape
Correct answer : Have it treated quickly to prevent it spreading
Sources: Sécurité routière (securite-routiere.gouv.fr) and service-public.fr.