DVSA suspends HGV testing

Colin Barnett

March 19, 2020

DVSA has ordered the suspension of HGV annual testing with immediate effect.

ATF operators were told at 4:30pm yesterday (Wednesday), that no tests would be carried out today or tomorrow. We understand the national suspension of testing follows an unscheduled halt to tests in the London area, in some cases leaving tests partly completed.

A DVSA spokesperson said: “We are working to put contingency plans in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, including suspending driver and vehicle tests for an initial period of 2 days from 19/3/2020. A testing service will still be available to those who have a critical need, such as the NHS and drivers delivering goods across the UK. Further guidance will be issued in due course.”

There will obviously be a need to put in place longer term measures as a matter of urgency, and we will update this story as it unfolds.

About the Author

Colin Barnett

Colin Barnett has been involved in the road transport industry since becoming an apprentice truck mechanic in the early seventies. The end of 2022 will see him complete 25 years with Commercial Motor, with a secondment as editor of sister title Truck & Driver along the way. Today, as technical editor, he is witnessing at first hand the greatest changes in heavy goods vehicles since they replaced horses.

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