These updates made by the DVSA in the guide are aimed at enhancing vehicle safety, compliance, and operational efficiency for commercial goods and public service vehicle operators.
The new DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness can be read via this link https://tinyurl.com/ybe6epxs and the RHA has summarised the key changes on its website which can be viewed via this link – www.tinyurl.com/3mhbkzym.
The DVSA has highlighted the following updates in the change table of the guide:
|
Section |
Title |
Summary of Change |
|
1.1 |
Maintaining Compliance |
Updated guidance from the Traffic Commissioners |
|
3 |
Daily Walkaround Checks |
Additional checks for vehicles in arduous conditions |
|
5 |
Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS) |
Clarified scheme objectives |
|
5.3 |
Braking Performance Assessment |
Clarified expectations and requirements |
|
5.4 |
EBPMS Parking Brake Assessment |
Expanded guidance on electronic monitoring systems |
Detailed Breakdown of Updates
1. Maintaining Compliance (Section 1.1)
- Clarification from Traffic Commissioners: Emphasises that “fit and serviceable” conditions may exceed MOT standards.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Now explicitly included under the “means of operation” in braking systems.
- Alternative Maintenance Systems: Operators may use different systems if they can demonstrate equivalent or superior compliance.
2. Daily Walkaround Checks (Section 3)
- Arduous Conditions: Vehicles operating in off-road or high-wear environments may now require additional checks during the day.
- Driver Changeovers: New guidance allows for flexibility in checks during driver swaps, provided a robust defect reporting system is in place.
- Third-Party Trailers: Clarified responsibilities for traction-only operators, including access to inspection records and MOT certificates.
3. Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (Section 5)
- MPRS Objective Update: The scheme aims to improve maintenance practices across the industry.
- Workshop Accreditation: Stronger encouragement for workshops to achieve recognised quality standards.
4. Braking Performance Assessment (Section 5.3)
- There is an expectation that every effort is made to conduct a laden roller brake test, which is the most effective measure of brake performance.
- Mandatory Brake Testing: Every safety inspection must include a brake performance assessment using:
- Laden roller brake test (RBT)
- Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS)
- Decelerometer with temperature readings
- Risk Assessments: Required when laden brake tests are not feasible. Must be completed by a competent person and retained for 15 months.
- Minimum Testing Frequency: At least four laden brake tests per year, evenly spaced, unless the operation is covered by an acceptable reason for not conducting a laden roller brake test
5. EBPMS Parking Brake Assessment (Section 5.4)
- Expanded Guidance: Introduces a five-step process for verifying parking brake performance using EBPMS.
Implications for Operators
- Compliance Monitoring: Operators must update their Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) records to reflect any changes in inspection frequency or maintenance arrangements.
- Training and Documentation: Enhanced emphasis on driver and technician training, especially regarding ADAS, EBPMS, and brake testing.
- Digital Systems: Encouragement to adopt electronic maintenance systems that meet DVSA’s audit and data integrity standards.
The RHA said that the 2025 updates to the DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness “reflect a continued push toward higher safety standards, digital integration, and proactive compliance”. It advises operators to review their maintenance systems, update training protocols, and ensure all documentation aligns with the new guidance.
