COVID-19 - Heavy Vehicle Testing Suspended

Published: 23/03/2020

News from DVSA

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve taken the decision to suspend heavy vehicle testing all Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV), trailers and Public Service Vehicles (PSV) for up to 3 months.

From today, all HGVs, trailers and PSVs with an annual test due to expire in a particular month will be issued with a 3-month certificate of exemption (CTE) until further notice.

Paper certificates will not be re-issued for HGVs, trailers and PSVs but we will amend the digital record so that vehicles can continue to operate. 

We want to ensure that all heavy vehicles and trailers remain legal whilst the country deals with the COVID-19 outbreak. So DVSA will be implementing the provisions within the Plating and Testing Regulations and Motor Vehicle Test Regulations which provide for HGV and PSV vehicles to be exempted from the annual roadworthiness test.

What this means for your vehicles

We will automatically extend your test certificate for 3 months from the current expiry date.

We know that test certificates for PSVs expire on a specific date.  We are looking at how we can prioritise vehicles that have an expired test certificate and we’ll provide further guidance as soon as possible.

You’ll still need to keep your HGVs, trailers and PSVs maintained in a roadworthy condition and operate within the terms of Operators’ licence conditions.

Thank you

We realise that this is a difficult time for you. These are exceptional circumstances and we thank you for your understanding and patience.