DVSA to implement phased approach to annual test changes

The DVSA has announced a phased approach for commercial vehicles brought into the scope of annual testing for the first time.

HGV chassis-based vehicles that must be tested by May 2018 include:

• vehicles used in international traffic; 
• volumetric concrete mixers;
• newly in scope tractors, ie those with a design speed over 40km/h used for non-agricultural haulage more than 15 miles from their operating base; 
• trailers of all types.

HGV chassis-based vehicles that owners have up until May 2019 to take for an annual roadworthiness test include:

• mobile cranes; 
• breakdown vehicles; 
• engineering plant and vehicles constructed for engineering operations;
• trailers used for the production of asphalt, bitumen tarmac; 
• tower wagons;
• road construction vehicles (except road-rollers and other specialised equipment not based on an HGV chassis); 
• electrical motor vehicles first registered since 1 March 2015; 
• tractor units pulling exempt trailers;
• tractors and heavy and light locomotives exempted under sections 185 and 186 (3) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, where they are based on an HGV chassis; 
• trucks and trailers on the Isle of Bute; and trucks and trailers on Arran, Great Cumbrae, Islay, Mull, Tiree or North Uist, which are used on the UK mainland.

Gordon Thomson, head of vehicle testing policy at the DVSA, said: “The DVSA is committed to helping operators keep vehicles safe to drive. New roadworthiness legislation means that many vehicles that have not been in scope for an annual test will now be required to take one.” 

The DfT recently set out its changes to annual roadworthiness testing of commercial vehicles. It forms part of a wider package of legislation on roadworthiness that will come into effect from 20 May 2018.

Most vehicles will need to be plated before they are tested to declare their weight and load. A relevant vehicle must also be tested before its vehicle excise duty renewal date. 

Thomson added: “Our phased approach will help ensure that industry has more flexibility to balance out the testing of their fleet over a longer period.” 

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