Specialist Tests

Tests Available

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) oversee a number of specialist schemes to ensure all lorries and buses operate on the road safely while meeting environmental standards. These are explained in detail below.

Booking procedure

You must make a booking before presenting your vehicle for test. Bookings can be made directly at any station by phone, fax or letter or they can be booked centrally. You will be asked for the vehicle registration number, vehicle class, how many axles it has (for lorries) and how many seats it has (for buses/coaches).

All tests are completed at a VOSA testing station - refer to Vehicle Testing Stations and Garages to find your local centre.

Tests Available

ADR
Dangerous Goods Vehicle Testing including ADR testing

PSV Certificate of Initial Fitness
Inspection to ensure all buses and coaches meet Conditions of Fitness Regulations.

TIR
Inspection to ensure a vehicle can carry goods internationally, while being sealed for customs purposes.

Vehicle Weight Replating
Certificate to legally replate a vehicle to carry 44 tonnes.

Bus and Coach Seat Belt Checks
Inspection to ensure buses and coaches meet seat belt safety regulations.

Bus and Coach Accessibility Test
Inspection to ensure buses and coaches have safe and compliant access for disabled passengers.

Environmental VED Test
Environmental Vehicle Excise Duty is designed to reduce harmful particulate emissions from diesel powered vehicles. This page includes information on the Reduced Pollution Certificate test and VED.

Brake Lining Database Links to another website.
The purpose of the site is to list Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Replacement Brakelinings that comply with the provisions of Directive 2002/78/EC. [This information is held on an external site]

Related Information

Legislation

Voluntary Community Transport Permits

Taxi Operator Licensing

Lorry Operator Licensing

Bus and Coach Operator Licensing

Do it Online

Check your MOT certificate Links to another website.

Apply for your tax disc online Links to another website.

Vehicle Recalls database Links to another website.

Tell DVLA your Vehicle is off the road (SORN) Links to another website.

News

8 July 2008 Gallagher review calls for Biofuels use to slow down Links to another website.
The Renewable Fuels Agency's Gallagher review into the indirect effects of biofuels is released today (7 July). [This information is held on an external site]

17 July 2008 Kelly announces £6bn motorway improvements Links to another website.
London will receive £2.1m through the Urban Congestion Performance Fund [This information is held on an external site]

17 July 2008 Revised implementation dates for EU directive 2000/56/EC regarding minimum test vehicle requirements Links to another website.
On 27th June EU officials agreed that Member States could delay until 30 September 2013 the use of heavier vehicles/vehicle-trailer combinations for driving tests [This information is held on an external site]