An HGV MOT check is an essential part of ensuring that heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are safe, roadworthy, and compliant with environmental regulations. If you’re responsible for maintaining HGVs or trailers, it’s important to understand how to check the MOT status, the procedures involved, and what to do in case of an MOT extension or failure. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from conducting the check to understanding the impact of MOT failures.
What is an HGV MOT Check?
An HGV MOT check is an annual inspection required for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over three years old to ensure they meet road safety and environmental standards. The test must be conducted at a certified MOT testing station, typically overseen by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). During the test, qualified inspectors examine critical components
How to Perform an HGV MOT Check
To perform an HGV MOT check, you can easily check the vehicle’s MOT status online through the government’s MOT checker service. By entering the vehicle’s registration number, you can view its MOT status and expiry date, as well as its full MOT history.
This is particularly useful for fleet managers or operators who need to keep track of multiple vehicles. Regular checks help avoid any lapses in MOT coverage and ensure all vehicles remain compliant.
How to Check an HGV MOT History
It’s essential to know how to check the MOT history of an HGV. This can help you identify any previous issues and gauge the vehicle’s maintenance history. You can access the full MOT history through the DVLA/government website by entering the vehicle’s registration number.
Regarding how far back you can check MOT history, the system allows you to access MOT records from as far back as the vehicle’s first test date, typically once it reaches 3 years old. This can be particularly useful when buying used HGVs or for monitoring the ongoing condition of your fleet.
Checking the MOT of HGV Trailers
HGV trailers are an often overlooked part of the MOT process, but they too need to be inspected annually. The HGV trailer MOT check is similar to that of the main vehicle, and it’s just as critical for safety. Trailer tests focus on components such as brakes, suspension, tyres, and lighting. Operators should ensure their trailers are well-maintained to avoid any surprises during the inspection.
For proper compliance with trailer MOT regulations, you should make sure that the trailer is clean, with no debris or dirt that could impede the inspection. Additionally, all lights and braking systems should be checked to ensure they meet legal standards. Most important aspect of trailers that should be inspected and checked properly is the coupling mechanism and suspension system.
MOT Extensions for HGVs
Checking HGV MOT extensions is an important consideration for operators, especially if you’ve been granted a temporary exemption. During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary MOT extensions were allowed, but these are no longer in effect. However, in special cases, a DVSA manager can grant a temporary exemption for up to three months, provided the circumstances meet specific criteria, such as industrial disputes or testing station closures. It’s crucial to ensure that any exemption doesn’t compromise safety, and vehicles should undergo additional maintenance checks during this time.
DVLA’s Role in HGV MOT Checks
The DVLA plays a crucial role in the HGV MOT check process. They are responsible for maintaining records and ensuring that vehicles adhere to MOT regulations. The DVLA also uses its National ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system to track vehicles and identify those that may not be compliant. In cases where vehicles are found to be without a valid MOT, the DVLA can take enforcement action, which can include fines or stopping the vehicle from being used on the road.
Common HGV MOT Issues and How to Avoid Them
Understanding common HGV MOT failures can help you prepare your vehicles to pass the test on the first attempt. Common issues include faulty lights, worn-out brakes, suspension problems, and issues with headlight alignment. One of the best ways to avoid these issues is to conduct a Pre-MOT Inspection to ensure everything is in working order before the official test.
If your vehicle does fail the MOT, you’ll be given a chance to make repairs and have it re-inspected. Be mindful that any significant failure can affect your OCRS (Operator Compliance Risk Score), which may increase the likelihood of roadside inspections and further regulatory scrutiny.
How to Check if a Lorry Has an MOT
To check if a lorry has an MOT, simply visit the UK government’s MOT status checker website. This tool allows you to enter the registration number of the vehicle and instantly check if the MOT is valid, expired, or needs renewal. Additionally, you can view and download any past MOT certificates, which is especially helpful for record-keeping and compliance purposes.
FAQs
You can easily check your HGV’s MOT status online through the UK government’s MOT checker service. By entering the vehicle’s registration number, you can view its current MOT status and the expiry date.
The DVLA plays a key role in maintaining MOT records and ensuring vehicles comply with MOT regulations. The DVLA also uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to track vehicles without valid MOT certificates.
If an HGV fails its MOT, the vehicle cannot legally be used on the road until the issues are repaired. After fixing the problems, the vehicle may need to be re-inspected. A failure can also affect your compliance risk score and lead to regulatory scrutiny.
You can check the full MOT history of an HGV, buses coaches or trailers for tests done since 2018. The history includes details about previous tests, including failures and repairs.
MOT extensions were temporarily available during the COVID-19 pandemic, but these are no longer valid. However, in some cases, the DVSA can grant a temporary exemption of up to 3 months due to specific circumstances like industrial disputes or testing station closures.
Conclusion
Maintaining a valid MOT for your HGVs is crucial for road safety, operational efficiency, and legal compliance. Regularly check MOT statuses, prepare for inspections, and promptly address any failures to avoid fines and enhance fleet safety. Aim for a 100% pass rate on the first attempt to ensure reliability and compliance.
Fleet operators should prioritize regular checks, prepare in advance, and maintain accurate documentation to ensure vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant. Stay proactive, keep records updated, and monitor HGV MOT checks to maintain safety and efficiency.