Driver CPC Training Hub (2026 Regulations)
Driver CPC Rules 2026: National vs International & Grandfather Rights. This is the definitive UK guide to Driver CPC. Below, we break down the 35-hour
January 13, 2026
Maintaining the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles is one of the most critical legal duties placed on UK operators and Transport Managers. Following major updates last year, the current rules for commercial vehicle brake testing are strictly enforced.
A brake performance assessment is now expected at every safety inspection.
In this guide
The Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness (updated 2025) has moved brake testing away from “best practice” to clear compliance expectations. As of 2026, Transport Managers must ensure the following:
DVSA and Traffic Commissioners focus on whether your brake testing regime is effective for your operation. Higher-risk work (high mileage, demanding routes, harsh environments, frequent coupling/uncoupling, abnormal loads) may require a higher frequency.
In plain terms: DVSA expects operators to be able to show consistent, repeatable evidence that braking performance is being monitored and controlled.
Guidance summary (paraphrased):
“Brake performance should be assessed at each safety inspection using an appropriate method. Where roller brake testing cannot be carried out, operators must demonstrate how equivalent assurance of brake performance is achieved, and be able to justify the approach based on risk and usage.”
Note: The DVSA guide is guidance, but it is the benchmark used during DVSA investigations and by Traffic Commissioners when assessing roadworthiness systems.
Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS) are now fully recognised as a valid way to evidence brake performance assessment at inspections — but only if managed properly.
EBPMS uses vehicle braking and telematics data to calculate a Braking Performance Value (BPV) during normal operation. Instead of a one-off “snapshot”, it provides ongoing monitoring.
EBPMS does not replace the MOT brake test. Even with a fully functional EBPMS, the vehicle must still be presented for the statutory MOT test, including the brake performance element of that test.
These brake testing updates (and how DVSA applies them in audits and investigations) are covered on our 2-Day Transport Manager Refresher Course.
A laden roller brake test measures braking efficiency while the vehicle is carrying load (or an equivalent load). This is the most robust and widely accepted method because it provides clear, defensible performance data.
Load simulation on approved brake testers allows a downward force to be applied to simulate load without requiring physical ballast. This is now an accepted standard for operators where loading purely for brake testing is impractical or environmentally undesirable.
Decelerometer tests are generally only accepted where roller brake testing cannot be carried out (for example, certain driveline configurations), and should be supported by a written risk assessment and competent justification.
If you are not using EBPMS, DVSA expects regular physical laden brake performance testing. In practice, many operators work to at least four per year (including the annual MOT) as a baseline, but higher-risk operations may need more.
If you are using EBPMS correctly, the brake performance assessment at each inspection can be evidenced by the EBPMS report, and physical tests can be reduced to the annual test (normally at MOT) plus any additional tests triggered by EBPMS alerts or risk.
No. EBPMS does not remove statutory MOT requirements. Even with EBPMS in place, the vehicle must still be presented for MOT and undergo the brake performance element of that test.
Decelerometers are generally only accepted where roller brake testing cannot be carried out (for example, certain driveline configurations) or as a short-term contingency. They should be supported by a written risk assessment and competent justification, and are not a routine replacement for laden RBT.
DVSA now expects a brake performance assessment at every safety inspection. On a 6-week inspection cycle, the cleanest and most defensible approach is to evidence brake performance at each inspection using laden RBT, EBPMS reporting, or a justified alternative method with a documented risk assessment.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general guidance only. Operators must ensure their maintenance and brake testing regime is suitable for their vehicles, usage and risk profile, and should refer to current DVSA guidance and testing requirements applicable to their operation.
If you’re a named Transport Manager or responsible for maintenance systems, our refresher course covers the practical “how” behind these changes.
Driver CPC Rules 2026: National vs International & Grandfather Rights. This is the definitive UK guide to Driver CPC. Below, we break down the 35-hour
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