What must drivers do before starting a shift?

Before starting a shift, drivers must perform a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle, checking for safety and maintenance issues. This crucial step ensures that the vehicle is in safe operating condition and helps prevent accidents on the road due to mechanical failures. During this inspection, drivers typically check essential systems such as brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels, which are critical for safe driving.

Conducting a thorough pre-trip inspection is not only a best practice but often a regulatory requirement to ensure compliance with transportation safety standards. This systematic approach can also help drivers identify and address any issues before they lead to more significant problems during the shift.

The other choices do not promote proper safety protocols. Skipping inspections can lead to dangerous situations, only checking the fuel level neglects key safety components, and waiting for a customer request before preparing the vehicle could result in delays and unsatisfactory service.