Air brake checks (the ones examiners want to see). With the system charged to governor cut-out and the engine off: with the brakes released, lose no more than 2 psi a minute on a single vehicle or 3 psi on a combination; then hold the brakes fully applied and lose no more than 3 psi (single) or 4 psi (combination) a minute. The low-pressure warning must come on before the gauge drops below 60 psi, and the spring brakes should apply when it falls to between 45 and 20 psi. The compressor should build from 85 to 100 psi within about 45 seconds at fast idle. Pump the pedal down and listen at each wheel for leaks and the sound of the spring brakes setting.
US: 49 CFR 396. A driver must satisfy themselves the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving (396.7, 396.13), and after a day's work must file a report covering the items that affect safety and operation — brakes, lights, tyres, coupling, steering, mirrors, wipers, horn — with any defect or deficiency (396.11). At the start of the next shift the driver reviews the last report and signs it (396.13(b)). A report is not required when there are no defects and none were reported previously.
UK / EU: the daily walkaround check is the driver's responsibility before the first journey of the day, covering lights and indicators, tyres and wheel nuts, brakes, steering, mirrors and glass, wipers and washers, fluids and leaks, the coupling, body and doors, load security and the instrument panel warnings. It takes about ten minutes and it is the driver, not the yard, who is accountable.
Tiedowns (US, 49 CFR 393.108/393.110): a minimum of one tiedown for cargo up to 5 ft long, two for 5–10 ft, and one more for each additional 10 ft or part of it; and the aggregate working load limit of the tiedowns must be at least 50% of the cargo weight (25% if a headerboard or similar restraint is used). Logs, dressed lumber, coils, paper rolls, vehicles and intermodal containers have their own rules in 393.116–393.136, and those rules win.
This is a checklist aid, not a substitute for the regulation or for your own training, and not a warranty that a vehicle is roadworthy. If in doubt, get it inspected.