‘Phased approach’ to annual testing for specialised vehicles

As we reported in our October issue, a significant number of specialised heavy vehicles previously exempt from the annual testing regime will fall within its scope after legislation comes into effect on 20 May next year – which will also mean that affected vehicles will need to be plated before they are tested, to declare their weight and load.

But the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has clarified that it intends to adopt a phased approach for most of the affected vehicles: “which will extend the date for compliance, under certain circumstances, beyond 20 May 2018 and up to 20 May 2019 at the latest.”

This will be based on the vehicles’ vehicle excise duty (VED) renewal date.

Said DVSA: “This will help to make sure the implementation is carried out in a way that gives industry more flexibility to balance out the testing of their fleet over a longer period.”

It advised that affected fleet operators should: “establish whether your vehicle is no longer exempt from annual testing; assess whether the phased approach applies to your vehicle; [and]  make sure your vehicle’s safety inspections are up to date if the phased approach applies to you and you intend to defer testing beyond 20 May 2018.”

Operators would then need to apply for their plates and book the vehicle’s test in good time, as well as ensuring the vehicle has a valid goods vehicle testing certificate in place by the point of VED renewal after 19 May 2018.

Detailed guidance is available from the DVSA here.

Image: DVSA Crown copyright