As road safety remains a top priority, ensuring the roadworthiness of vehicles is crucial. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) provides comprehensive guidelines to help vehicle operators and owners maintain the safety and condition of their vehicles. In this blog post, we will explore the DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness Updates 2023, highlighting the key changes and their significance in promoting safer roads.

Types of inspections and checks

In response to feedback, DVSA understands that there has been confusion regarding the specific checks to be performed during a first-use inspection and the frequency of driver walkaround checks.

To provide clarity and guidance, DVSA has taken steps to address this issue. They have introduced a clear definition for each type of inspection and check, ensuring that you understand their purpose and scope. This will assist you in conducting the appropriate checks based on the specific inspection or check required.

Additionally, DVSA has incorporated an intermediate safety check into their guidelines. This check is specifically designed for situations where certain components require more frequent inspections for wear and tear, exceeding the regular safety inspection intervals.

Safety inspection

A safety inspection is a periodic inspection that is carried out at pre-set intervals in line with what an operator has declared on the Vehicle Operators Licencing system (VOL). The scope of the inspection should at least include all the items covered by the statutory annual test and employ the methods of assessment that are prescribed in the respective inspection manual. See section 4 for further details.

Examples of Safety Inspection forms can be found in Annex 4A(HGV), 4B(PSV), 4C(LGV) and 4D (small trailers) the safety inspection form can be any format as long as the mandatory items listed in Section 1 of this guide are included on the form.

First-use inspection

Prior to using a newly acquired vehicle/trailer on the public highway, operators must conduct a first-use inspection to satisfy themselves that the equipment is in a roadworthy condition. The scope of the inspection should at least include all those items that are inspected at the annual test, this includes conducting a laden roller brake test when appropriate for the type of vehicle. In some instances, a first-use inspection is not required if sufficient evidence is provided to indicate that the equipment has been subject to a safety inspection. For example, documentation is provided to indicate that a new vehicle has been subject to a comprehensive pre-delivery inspection or a pre-rental inspection record has been provided by a hire/lease company.

Intermediate safety check

With some types of vehicles and operation, it may be necessary to check some components more often than at full safety inspections. For example, a vehicle used in urban areas such as a public service vehicle or a local delivery vehicle, or vehicles used in hilly areas, may require more frequent component checks, for example, brakes, steering and suspension. It is sometimes necessary to check components following repair work. Any additional intermediate safety checks carried out should be documented and retained on the maintenance file. It should be clear on the documentation these are an intermediate safety check and not a full safety inspection.

Daily walkaround check

A driver or designated responsible person must conduct a walkaround check of a vehicle/ trailer prior to using the equipment on the public highway. At least one walkaround check should be carried out in every 24-hour period that the vehicle/trailer is in service. Those carrying out such checks must be suitably trained and competent in identifying any faults that would render the vehicle/trailer unroadworthy. The scope of the check should include all items that are readily visible to the inspector without the need for dismantling. To facilitate the inspection, it may be necessary to use an assistant.

Brake testing

Starting from April 2025, with some exceptions, laden roller brake tests or Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS) will be the accepted methods for brake testing. To help in preparation for this change, DVS strongly recommend conducting a laden roller brake test at every safety inspection. The updated guide provides more detailed instructions on using EBPMS and offers additional advice on brake testing. A brake performance assessment can be conducted up to 7 days prior to the safety inspection.

Light goods vehicles

Effective from 21st May 2022, new regulations require a standard international operator’s licence for the use of light goods vehicles weighing over 2.5 tonnes but not exceeding 3.5 tonnes, for hire or reward within or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. DVSA has updated their guide to reflect this requirement. For more information regarding van operator licence requirements, feel free to read this blog. Alternatively, if you need help when applying for a van operator licence, please do get in touch.

Towing another company’s trailer

To offer guidance in the scenario of towing another company’s trailer, DVSA has added additional advice. This includes information on trailer authorisation for the operator license, responsibility for maintenance and safety inspections, and access to trailer documents. Operators are reminded of their responsibility for the condition of the trailer when coupled to their vehicle, as unroadworthy trailers can lead to penalties or prohibitions.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

Acknowledging the increasing prevalence of vehicles equipped with ADAS, DVSA has introduced a new section addressing the need for system recalibration when windscreens are replaced. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of drivers being familiar with the various types of ADAS features installed in their fleet.

Other updates

• In exceptional circumstances where the safety inspection report is unavailable when the vehicle is ready to return to service, DVSA has introduced a roadworthiness declaration. This formal document verifies that the vehicle has undergone the necessary inspections and repairs to ensure roadworthiness.
• To enhance driver walkaround checks, the updated guide now includes height markers in the daily walk-around checks. This addition enables drivers to visually confirm compliance with height limits, ensuring clearance under bridges and structures.
• Additionally, guidance on PSV automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems, emphasises their significance in monitoring and recording vehicle movements for operational efficiency and safety.

In Conclusion

The recent DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness updates 2023, signify the agency’s commitment to improving road safety through effective vehicle maintenance practices. By emphasising regular inspections, updating brake testing standards, addressing electronic systems, enhancing defect reporting and rectification guidance, and emphasizing documentation and record-keeping, the guide provides a comprehensive framework for vehicle operators and owners to ensure their vehicles are safe and roadworthy.

Adhering to these updated guidelines will help promote a culture of preventive maintenance, early defect identification, and timely rectification. Ultimately, this will contribute to safer roads, reducing the risk of accidents caused by vehicle defects and ensuring that vehicles on our roads meet the required safety standards.

If you have any questions about the new Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness Updates 2023, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Here to share the knowledge!