Horseboxes
Driving your Horsebox
If your vehicle is plated to carry over 3,500kg, you may need to apply for an operators and vocational licence. For information on exemptions, refer to Do I need a lorry operator licence? , Agricultural Vehicles and Driver Licensing.
Horsebox Annual Test
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is the government agency responsible for vehicle safety and environmental standards. Every year, VOSA carries out a test on your horsebox to make sure it meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. The test is usually carried out at our test stations (see Finding a Goods Vehicle Testing Station for a complete list).
How can I prepare for my test?
Having your horsebox properly checked and serviced by a qualified mechanic beforehand will help to make sure it is in a good enough condition to pass the test.
Do I need to let the Tester know if I have altered the vehicle in any way?
If you’ve made changes to the vehicle’s specification such as changing the tyres to a different specification to the original fitting, you need to let us know.
Do I need to bring any paperwork?
Check you have a plating certificate (Application for Replacement Plating and Testing Documents for HGV (Application for Replacement Plating and Testing Documents for HGV (VTG 59)
) displayed somewhere in the cab and another copy for your records (VTG 7). Bring both to the test.
Will my tachograph be checked?
If your vehicle is fitted with a tachograph but you only use it as a speedometer, you must make sure that all the seals are intact, and that the tachograph has been initially calibrated and is fitted with both the calibration and K factor plaques. Also if you do not use tachograph charts, you will need to fill out a Tachograph Exemption Form and present it at the time of the test. Check with your local test station, or our enquiry line (0300 123 9000) for further information.
Do I need to bring my box loaded?
Make sure your horsebox is loaded when you bring it to the test so the brakes can be checked for maximum efficiency. Use heavy items such as bags of feed or fertilizer or even straw bales, as long as it is not livestock.
What if my vehicle fails the test?
If we identify any fault that could cause danger or damage the environment, we will ask you to have it repaired before we issue the MOT certificate. If the fault is serious, you will need to arrange recovery from the testing station. (Some breakdown / recovery policies do not cover lorries (HGVs) so check your small print). You can appeal against the decision - for further information refer to Appealing against a vehicle test decision
Additional Information:
VOSA produce a leaflet to help horsebox owners prepare for their annual test - Guide for Horsebox Owners.
Page last updated: 07/11/2008