What changed in 2022 for heavy vehicle testing

We wanted to reflect on the changes and improvements that have been made this year. For heavy vehicle testing, we've focused on brake testing, developing a digital account for ATFs and continuing with the heavy vehicle testing review recommendations.

Spring

In February, we published our first blog post on a subject which has been a major theme of 2022 – brake testing. Richard Clements, one of our policy specialists, explains how to understand a brake test report. We also introduced the local appeals process for lorry, trailer and bus/coach annual test (MOT) results. Vehicle operators can ask DVSA to review part of a test or the test result, without having to make a statutory appeal.

In May we updated the HGV and PSV manuals following a review and feedback from stakeholders.

Summer

During June, we celebrated the first early adopter sites joining us to test the digital accounts we are building for Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs). Gordon Thomson, who is leading the project, blogged about this and what the digital account will allow ATFs and other pre-funded account holders to do.

Autumn

In September, we published a blog post explaining why vehicles and trailers need to be laden when brought for test. Richard Clements provides a timely reminder that mandatory laden brake testing will apply for all vehicles and trailers (unless exempt) from 1 January 2023.

Winter

In November, we updated you on our progress with the Heavy Vehicle Testing Review recommendations. The blog post by DVSA’s Head of Vehicle Policy and Engineering, Neil Barlow, explains what our new approach to scheduling testing hours could look like.

We also confirmed that free rolling tyres (FRTs) fitted to front steering axles will fail the annual test from April 2023. Before then, FRTs fitted to steering axles may be issued with an advisory at annual test.

For PSV operators, we issued a reminder on the importance of checking emergency doors, in conjunction with the Confederation for Passenger Transport (CPT).

Continuing the work into 2023

We couldn't have made these changes without your help and support, so thank you from everyone at DVSA. We look forward to building on this work in the new year.

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