DVSA introduces new brake testing option for HGVs and trailers

DVSA introduces new brake testing option for HGVs and trailers

What’s changing? – From Thursday 21 August 2025, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will recognise the use of load simulation brake rollers during annual HGV and trailer testing.

Traditionally, vehicles have needed to be physically loaded before a brake test could be carried out. The new approval means that, in many cases, this additional step may no longer be required. Instead, the rollers simulate the effect of a load, allowing the vehicle’s braking performance to be tested more efficiently.

It’s important to note that vehicles which are already exempt from laden brake testing will remain exempt. However, DVSA continues to advise operators that brake testing is good practice, even where exemptions apply.

Why is this change being introduced?

Loading a vehicle solely for the purpose of a brake test can be a time-consuming and costly exercise for operators. Sourcing, handling, and transporting heavy loads to a test centre not only adds operational expense but also creates potential health and safety risks.

By approving load simulation brake rollers, DVSA is providing operators with an alternative that:

• Reduces costs and saves time by removing the need to source and load test weights.
• Cuts unnecessary vehicle movements, helping to lower emissions and lessen the environmental impact of vehicles travelling with heavy loads purely for testing purposes.
• Improves safety by reducing the reliance on forklifts and other equipment to load and unload vehicles with heavy materials.
• Supports operators with specialist vehicles that are particularly difficult, impractical, or costly to load for testing.

Ultimately, the aim is to make the brake testing process more straightforward without compromising on safety or standards.

What happens next?

DVSA will continue to monitor and assess new technologies as they become commercially viable. Where appropriate, the agency will update testing guidance so that operators can take advantage of innovations designed to improve efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.

Operators are encouraged to stay up to date with DVSA announcements and consider how these changes could benefit their fleet management and compliance procedures.

Russell Field

Russell Field is Managing Director of a contemporary marketing agency with clients in the haulage, distribution, freight and logistics industries. Russell holds a BSc (Hons) in Marketing and specialises in digital marketing and research.

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