HGV testing and MoT testing

It is an offence to use an unroadworthy vehicle on the road and the DVSA is responsible for enforcing the law. It is actively involved in HGV and trailer testing and employing examiners who conduct yearly roadworthiness tests, hold roadside spot checks and inspect operators’ own maintenance records. The traffic commissioners may take into account the number of annual test failures and roadside prohibitions incurred when an operator applies for an O-licence variation.

Which laws apply?

Both HGV and MoT testing are covered by the Road Traffic Act 1988. Goods vehicles that require an annual test include:

• vehicles over 3,500kg gross weight
• all motor vehicles which form part of an articulated vehicle
• semi-trailers
• converter dollies
• trailers with an unladen weight over 1,020kg

HGV annual tests

Heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle (PSV) testing is changing and now most tests are conducted at non-DVSA sites called Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs). These are currently arranged locally which means working practices vary across the country.

To read about how to become an ATF, see the DVSA's guide to setting up an ATF and apply to convert a Designated Premises to an Authorised Testing Facility.

Locate a test station: More information here

How to book a test

You can use the online booking service provided by DVSA to book an annual test for a single or multiple vehicles.

You can also book a test by calling the DVSA Contact Centre on Tel 0300 123 9000, or by fax or post, or in person at any test station in England, Wales and Scotland.

The test

The test consists of four distinct parts:

• topside
• underside (over the pit)
• lights
• roller brake test

There is a lot of information available on annual test preparation and what the annual test covers. Online documents available include the heavy vehicle brake test best practice guide and a headlamp aim guide.

Pre-test checks

DVSA offers a pre-test brake performance check service and headlight alignment and exhaust emission checks for a fee. These allow you to check that your vehicles are roadworthy throughout the year and also provide a way of monitoring maintenance standards.

DVSA's 'Trends in the top 10 reasons for HGV motor vehicle fails'

Test fees

Test fees are primarily determined by the number of axles on the vehicle. Fees for out-of-hours testing are usually higher. The DVSA website has a full list of truck and trailer test fees.

Since September 2006, vehicles failing an MoT test on certain items can be retested free of charge within prescribed time limits. Failure items qualifying for a free retest include bonnet, boot lid, brake pedal anti-slip, direction indicators, doors, dropsides, fuel filler cap, hazard warning, horn, lamps, loading door, mirrors, rear reflectors, registration plates, seat-belts (but not anchorages), seats, sharp edges or projections, steering wheel, tailboard, tailgate, vehicle identification number (VIN), windscreen and glass, windscreen wipers/washers, wheels and tyres.

MoT test records

Records of test results are now held on a secure central database and all MoT testing stations are connected to this. When your vehicle is tested at one of these computerised testing stations your test record will be entered onto this new database and an A4-size certificate issued. The MoT database can be accessed here.

Roadside checks

DVSA periodically conducts roadside checks on all vehicles for safety defects and compliance with permitted exhaust emissions. For a minor offence the prohibition will generally be delayed and the operator given 10 days to clear it. More serious defects are given an immediate prohibition (PG9) and the defect will have to be remedied before it is allowed back on the road. Clearing the prohibition usually requires a full HGV or MoT test.

Points to ponder

The law is quite clear that responsibility for the roadworthiness of vehicles and trailers lies with the operator. This remains the case even when maintenance is contracted out to a third party and for leased or hired vehicles and trailers.

Since April 2006, the annual test has included a seat-belt function test which includes anchorage points, locking mechanism and condition of the web belt.

Since February 2008 operators have been able to book low-emission certificate tests to confirm whether older vehicles comply with low-emission zone requirements (LEZ).

Updated by Lucy Wood & Anton Balkitis
www.keepmeontheroad.co.uk
Freephone: 0800 046 3066