As an operator, transport manager, driver or technician, you know just how quickly vehicle technology continues to progress. 

That’s why it’s vital for DVSA's essential Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness to be regularly updated. 

As the lead traffic commissioners for enforcement, we're pleased to have worked with DVSA and with those who operate and maintain commercial vehicles to produce the latest version of the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, which is available now. 

This ongoing collaborative working ensures that the information is informed, relevant and up-to-date. 

You will find references to new approaches such as electronic brake performance monitoring which can remove some of the challenges around roller brake testing of trailers.

On safety inspection intervals, this edition of the guide no longer features the graph of mileage vs inspection frequency. We strongly encourage you to take a proactive, evidence-based approach to setting inspection frequencies. 

As before, nothing in the guide is mandatory but, by following it, you’ll ensure that you meet the relevant conditions and undertakings on your licence. 

These are the commitments you made when you first applied for your licence. 

Sarah Bell and Kevin Rooney