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  2. Motoring
  3. MOT and vehicle testing

Heavy goods and large passenger carrying vehicles

All heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 3,500kg and large passenger carrying vehicles (LPCVs) must be tested annually from the first anniversary of registration. This is when the LPCV is not being used for hire or reward and is built to carry the driver plus more than eight passengers.

Applying for a vehicle test online - HGVs

For information on how to book an appointment, go to:

  • Book MOT/vehicle test online

For information on the driving and vehicle test centres, go to:

  • Driving and vehicle test centres

Applying by phone

You can also make an appointment by telephone using the booking line:

  • Driver & Vehicle Agency - vehicle test booking

You cannot make multiple bookings over the phone.

Trailers due a first time test

To book an appointment for trailers due a first time test, you’ll need to contact the booking  line: 

  • Driver & Vehicle Agency - vehicle test booking

You can also email customer support using the online booking enquiries email at the link below: 

  • Driver & Vehicle Agency - testing enquiries

COVID-19 screens/ partitions fitted to buses or taxis

For more information on COVID-19 screens/ partitions that can be fitted to buses or taxis go to:

  • Taxi vehicle test

The DVA Enforcement Section is responsible for enforcing a wide range of legislation related to goods vehicles, buses and taxis. It also checks private cars and agricultural vehicles.  

Further information can be found at:

  • Roadside compliance

Further information about drivers' hours and tachographs can be found on at:

  • Tachographs

Free Rolling Tyres - change to the annual vehicle test

Free Rolling Tyres marked FRT are designed for use on the axles of trailers and motor vehicles, other than the front steering and drive axles.

If you have vehicles that are fitted with FRTs on drive axles, they will fail the annual vehicle test. However, from April 2023 the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) will also fail HGVs and passenger carrying vehicles (PSVs) fitted with a FRT on the front steering axle.  

HGVs - when extra mirrors must be fitted

By law, trucks over 3.5 tonnes and first registered on or after 1 January 2000, need to be fitted with a wide angle mirror and a close proximity mirror - both mirrors are to be fitted on the nearside of your vehicle.

You need these additional mirrors to help you detect other road users in the areas immediately around your vehicle, to reduce the potential for collisions.

Check if your vehicle complies

 

Field of vision check to make sure that your wide angle mirror and close proximity mirror are compliant
Field of vision

To check if your vehicle complies, or needs to be retrofitted, you will need to carry out a field of view check.

With visible markers placed in the locations shown in the diagram (numbers 1-4) and (letters A-D) and your mirrors adjusted as needed, when positioned in the driver's seat. Check if you can see the ground enclosed by the base of the markers. If you can, your field of view is compliant.

Remember the field of vision is important

If you do not have the field of view needed, you should contact your vehicle maker or supplier for advice.

Certain exemptions apply, for example, where it is not practicable to fit the close proximity mirror above two meters from the ground.

More useful links

  • Driver licensing
  • Advice for vehicle keepers
  • On the day of the MOT test
  • MOT test fees
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MOT and vehicle testing

  • A guide to booking your MOT/ vehicle test
  • About the MOT scheme
  • Book your MOT/ vehicle test online
  • Change, cancel or view your MOT/ vehicle test appointment online
  • Heavy goods and large passenger carrying vehicles
  • HGV tests - for businesses with more than 25 vehicles
  • Specialist vehicle tests, approvals and certificates
  • Taxi vehicle test
  • Trailers

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