DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness - changes: What do you need to know?

DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness - changes: What do you need to know?

DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness - changes: What do you need to know?

What are the changes to brake testing?

The 2024 DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness states that from April 2025, a laden roller brake test or EBPMS will be the only accepted methods to assess a vehicle's brake performance.

However....

Are you ever allowed to brake test your vehicles unladen?

Yes, but you must carry out a risk assessment if brake testing an unladen vehicle. The factors to consider include the age and type of vehicle, the nature of the vehicle's load and type and range of operations for which the vehicle will be used. Please read carefully the elements required in a risk assessment in section 5.3a of the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness.

What are the acceptable reasons for unladen brake tests?

Section 5.3a provides details of acceptable reasons, including vehicles designed to carry dangerous goods, furniture removal vehicles, livestock carriers and prisoner transfer vehicles. Please consult the full list to check if your vehicle is exempt.

Do you know what constitutes laden for testing purposes?

In 2016, the DVSA defined 'laden' for vehicle brake testing as carrying a load equal to 65% of the weight of the vehicle/axle.

Do you know what EBPMS is? 

The Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System, or EBPMS, can be fitted to a trailer and can monitor the combined braking performance of both the trailer and the connected tractor unit. The combination’s braking efficiency is calculated each time the brakes are applied. Section 5.4 of the Guide contains more information about the EBPMS.

Do you know the new requirement to use decelerometers?

Section 5.3a requires that temperatures of individual brakes are taken before and after a test using a decelerometer is undertaken.

It is important to study the updated DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness to ensure that you comply with its requirements. Read the full Guide here.

What's the best way to stay up to date with industry best practice?

Transport managers and directors of companies which hold a standard or restricted O Licence have a legal duty to fulfil their O Licence undertakings. This requires staying up to date with transport legislation and industry best practice.

You should attend appropriate refresher training every few years in order to make sure that your knowledge is current.

Book your course now and make sure you're ready for the changes.

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