DVSA has updated the Minimum Test Vehicle (MTV) requirements for vocational driving tests. 

This change has been made after recent changes to driving licence legislation. 

It clarifies that vehicles used to take a test must match the category of test being taken. 

The following wording has been added to the MTV requirements: 

“All vehicles used for test must require the category of entitlement being applied for. If a vehicle presented for test can be driven using a lower category entitlement, it is not suitable for test, even if it meets the minimum test vehicle requirements below.” 

Why we made this change 

Recent updates to driving licence legislation allow some zero-emission vehicles – including some electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles – to be driven on a category B licence at a higher maximum authorised mass (MAM) than equivalent petrol or diesel vehicles. 

Some zero-emission vehicles are heavier than similar petrol or diesel vehicles. The change in legislation extends the category B weight limit for zero-emission vehicles to 3,501kg - 4,250kg. 

This means that, in some cases, a vehicle could meet the criteria for a category C1 test but be legal to drive on a category B licence. 

The updated wording clarifies that tests can only be taken in a vehicle that matches the test category. 

What this means for Category C1 tests 

A vehicle may meet the MTV requirements for a category C1 test, but if it can be driven using category B entitlement, it is not suitable for use on a category C1 test and the test will not go ahead.  

For example, an electric powered, zero emission vehicle with a MAM of 4,250kg may meet the other category C1 MTV requirements but can be driven using category B entitlement. 

Next steps for training providers and instructors 

Before booking or presenting a vehicle for test, you should make sure that: 

• the vehicle meets all relevant MTV requirements for the category being tested; and 

• the vehicle requires the category of entitlement being applied for. 

If a vehicle can be driven using a lower category entitlement, it must not be presented for test, even if it meets all other MTV requirements. 

The clarification has been incorporated into the DT1 and relevant GOV.UK guidance relating to vocational driving test vehicles. 

DT1 - Vocational driving tests guidance - GOV.UK 

Rules for lorries used for driving tests - GOV.UK 

Rules for buses and coaches used for driving tests - GOV.UK