Maintaining the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles is critical for safety and compliance in the UK. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has released updated 2025 guidance for brake testing for commercial vehicles UK, making brake performance assessments a mandatory part of every safety inspection.
Here’s everything operators need to know about the new brake testing rules and how to keep fleets safe and compliant.
The latest version of the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness introduces important updates to brake testing for commercial vehicles UK:
Mandatory Brake Performance Assessments: Every safety inspection must now include a formal brake performance check.
Accepted Methods for Testing: From April 2025, only laden roller brake tests or Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS) will be accepted, with limited exceptions.
New Risk Assessment Guidance: Operators must complete detailed risk assessments if a laden brake performance assessment cannot be conducted.
A laden roller brake test measures brake efficiency while the vehicle is carrying weight. This method provides the most accurate assessment, ensuring sufficient grip between the tyres and rollers. Laden testing helps detect brake performance issues early, reducing the risk of accidents and fleet downtime.
EBPMS technology monitors braking performance in real time, offering continuous oversight without requiring physical testing at every inspection. To remain compliant, these systems must meet the DVSA’s approved specification.
Always ensure that your EBPMS provider meets the DVSA industry standards.
To comply with the 2025 DVSA brake testing requirements, operators must:
Incorporate Brake Performance Assessments into every safety inspection.
Use Approved Testing Methods, including laden roller brake tests or EBPMS.
Conduct and Document Risk Assessments when a laden brake test is not possible, using the examples provided in the DVSA guidance.
Stay Up to Date by regularly reviewing updates to the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and adjusting maintenance processes accordingly.
Failure to comply could result in penalties, vehicle prohibitions, and enforcement action from the Traffic Commissioners.
Download the full, updated Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness for Commercial Vehicles here:
Brake Testing for Commercial Vehicles UK: Essential Updates for 2025 Maintaining the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles is critical for safety and compliance in the UK.
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