Ontario commercial driver guide

Minor defect or major defect?

What to record, who to tell and whether the truck can move after an Ontario daily inspection.

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THE QUICK RULE

Two defect categories, two different responses

Ontario’s Schedule 1 inspection system separates defects into minor and major categories. The exact category comes from the inspection schedule that applies to the vehicle—not from guessing how serious a problem looks.

Minor defect: record it on the inspection report and report it to the operator as required. The vehicle may only be operated when the applicable rules allow it and it remains safe.
Major defect: record and report it immediately. The vehicle must not be operated on a highway until the defect is repaired or otherwise dealt with as permitted by law.
DRIVER ACTIONS

Use this sequence when you find a defect

  1. Stop and identify the item. Compare what you found with the correct inspection schedule for the truck, tractor and trailer.
  2. Classify it correctly. Confirm whether the schedule lists it as a minor or major defect.
  3. Record the defect. Write a clear description on the daily inspection report rather than a vague note such as “bad” or “check.”
  4. Report it to the operator or dispatch. Follow the required reporting method and your carrier’s procedure.
  5. Do not move with a major defect. Keep the vehicle out of highway service until authorized repairs or lawful corrective action are complete.
  6. Continue monitoring. A valid report does not end the driver’s responsibility to watch the vehicle’s condition during the trip.
Useful report wording: identify the unit, location and component, then describe what you observed—such as a lamp not working or an audible air leak—without diagnosing a repair you are not qualified to perform.
DOCUMENTS & TIMING

Remember the 24-hour inspection window

For Ontario Class A and D daily inspections, the inspection is generally valid for 24 hours. The driver must carry or have access to the completed daily inspection report and the correct inspection schedule when required. A change of driver does not automatically create a new 24-hour period, but each driver must still monitor the vehicle and report defects found during the trip.

Electronic inspection documents are permitted when the regulatory requirements for displaying and producing them are met. Your carrier may set additional procedures.

COMMON MISTAKES

Avoid these inspection errors

  • Using the wrong schedule for the vehicle type
  • Checking boxes without actually inspecting the component
  • Failing to record a defect found after departure
  • Assuming dispatch approval makes a major defect legal to operate
  • Leaving the report so vague that the operator cannot identify the problem
  • Confusing the daily inspection with the annual safety inspection
Safety note: This page is educational and does not replace the official inspection schedule, regulation, training, a qualified technician or your carrier’s procedure.

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