Vehicle mechanical failure

Mechanical failure occurs when one or more vehicle components fails, malfunctions or breaks down. This may include issues with brakes, tyres, steering, windshield wipers, or lights.

All vehicles are required to undertake an initial safety inspection prior to applying for a PTV authorisation, as well as an annual inspection to maintain their authorisation. 

ODBSs are encouraged to develop and maintain ongoing vehicle maintenance procedures to mitigate the risk of vehicle mechanical failure occurring, and ensure their drivers and passengers know what to do in the event of vehicle mechanical failure.

To help reduce the risk of vehicle mechanical failure, ODBSs should establish procedures to ensure regular vehicle safety inspections are undertaken.

You can use a vehicle inspection checklist to help ensure all relevant components are checked – see below for an example checklist.

You can require your drivers to undertake a vehicle inspection prior to starting each shift.

It is important that your drivers understand what to do in the event that their vehicle breaks down to ensure the safety of all parties involved.

If mechanical failure occurs when a vehicle is providing an on-demand transport service, both the driver and the ODBS are required to keep a record of the failure and report it to the Department of Transport.

Main Roads recommends drivers follow the below steps in the event of a breakdown or crash on a major road or freeway.

• Who is responsible for the regular servicing and maintenance of vehicles? 
• Have you prepared daily inspection checklists?
• Does the ODBS have copies of all the mechanical servicing logs?
• How are vehicle faults reported and actioned?
• Do drivers and passengers have access to information about what to do if the vehicle breaks down during a trip?

The links below include resources to help you develop your own vehicle mechanical failure procedures.