If you’re a fleet manager or a driver of a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), understanding MOT certification is crucial for keeping your vehicle roadworthy and legally compliant. Whether you’re driving a lorry, truck, or trailer, HGV testing ensures your vehicle meets safety and environmental standards. But what does the process involve, and why is it so important? Let’s break it down.
MOT Certification
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a legal requirement in the UK to ensure vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards. While most are familiar with the MOT test for cars, HGVs undergo a more thorough test due to their size, use, and associated risks. The test checks critical safety components like brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, and emissions. You can not drive a vehicle legally if it fails MOT.
HGV MOT Test: When is it Required?
HGVs must undergo an MOT test once they are three years old, and then annually thereafter. This applies to both privately owned and fleet-operated vehicles. Depending on the vehicle’s operations, you may need additional inspections.
Key Areas Covered in an HGV MOT Test
HGV MOT tests cover a range of critical areas:
- Brakes: Brake test checks the effectiveness of the service and parking brakes, brake pads, discs, and ABS is checked.
- Lights and Indicators: All lights, including headlamps, brake lights, and indicators, must be operational.
- Tyres: The tread depth, inflation, and condition of tyres are checked to prevent risks under heavy loads.
- Suspension and Steering: Inspectors check the suspension system for wear, including shock absorbers and steering components.
- Exhaust and Emissions: The exhaust system is checked for leaks, and emissions are tested for compliance.
- Body and Chassis: The vehicle’s body and chassis are examined for damage or corrosion that might affect safety.
- Windshield Wipers and Washers: Wipers and washers must be fully functional to ensure clear visibility.
- Fuel System: The fuel system is checked for leaks or faulty connections.
- Safety Features: Vehicles with additional safety features (airbags, seatbelts) are assessed for proper operation.
Consequences of Failing an HGV MOT Test
If your HGV fails its MOT, you cannot drive it until you fix the issues and it passes a re-test. Failing an MOT can lead to:
- Safety Risks: A failed MOT often indicates underlying safety problems that could result in breakdowns or accidents.
- Fines and Penalties: Driving an unroadworthy vehicle can result in fines, penalties, or legal action.
- Increased Costs: A failed MOT may require repairs or parts replacements, which can add up, especially for commercial vehicles.
Why is HGV MOT Testing Important?
Regular MOT testing is vital for several reasons:
- Safety: Ensures the vehicle is safe to operate, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Environmental Impact: Helps reduce emissions by ensuring vehicles meet environmental standards.
- Compliance: Ensures the vehicle meets legal requirements to avoid penalties.
- Cost Efficiency: Identifies problems early, preventing expensive repairs and breakdowns.
New Rules Related to HGV MOT Testing in 2024
In 2024, the HGV testing process introduced several updates:
- Stricter Emissions Standards: Emissions testing is more rigorous, especially for older vehicles. Operators of older vehicles may face higher upgrade costs if they fail emissions testing.
- Advanced Safety Features: Vehicles with modern safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance will be subject to additional checks.
- Mandatory Calibration After Repairs: You must recalibrate vehicles with repaired electronic systems, such as safety cameras or adaptive cruise control, before they can pass the MOT.
- Enhanced Brake Testing Procedures: Brake systems, particularly on vehicles with air brakes or electronic braking systems (EBS), will undergo more detailed tests.
- Increased Penalties for Non-Compliance: Stricter penalties are now in place for failing to meet MOT standards. Fleet managers must ensure their vehicles pass the MOT to avoid fines and business disruptions.
HGV MOT: How to Prepare
Preparation is key to ensuring your HGV passes the MOT test. Here’s what you can do:
- Regular Inspections: Have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic before the MOT to identify common issues like worn tyres or faulty lights.
- Routine Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to prevent issues like brake wear or engine problems.
- Keep Records: Maintain a log of all repairs and maintenance. This helps during the MOT and shows your commitment to keeping the vehicle roadworthy.
- Check Common Issues: Prior to the test, check lights, tyres, and brakes yourself—these are among the most common reasons for MOT failure.
VOSA Testing Stations
VOSA testing stations are government-run facilities authorized to conduct MOT tests for commercial vehicles, such as HGVs, buses, and trailers. Alternatively, private Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs), authorized by the DVSA, also carry out MOT tests and often offer specialized services for HGVs with quicker turnaround times. You can book the test via email, phone, or through the centre’s website, depending on the location.
VOSA Test Station Locations
To find a VOSA or ATF testing station for HGV testing, use the DVSA’s online tool which is a list that contains test station name, address, phone number and class of vehicle tested by that station.
How to Book Your HGV MOT Test
Booking an HGV MOT for HGV testing is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a Test Centre: Select a nearby DVSA-approved or Authorised Testing Facility.
- Provide Vehicle Details: Ensure all vehicle details are correct.
- Select a Convenient Date: Choose a time that fits your schedule.
- Confirm Payment: Complete payment for the test.
- Prepare for the Test: Ensure the vehicle is ready for the inspection.
HGV and PCV MOT Test Classes
HGVs and PCVs fall under different MOT test classes:
- Class 4: Cars, small vans, and minibuses (up to 3,000kg or 9 to 12 passenger seats).
- Class 5: Large vans, minibuses, buses, and coaches (more than 13 passenger seats).
- Class 7: Goods vehicles from 3,000 kg to 3,500kg.
What to Expect on the Day of Your HGV MOT Test
On the day of the test, arrive early to allow time for paperwork and any pre-test checks. The MOT typically takes 40-60 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s size and test complexity. If the vehicle passes, you’ll receive an MOT certificate valid for the next 12 months. If it doesn’t pass, the test will provide a list of issues you need to address before scheduling a retest.
HGV Test Fees
The cost of an HGV MOT varies based on the number of axles:
- 2-axle vehicle: £91
- 3-axle vehicle: £113
- 4+ axle vehicle: £137
And based on gross weight:
- Up to 3,000kg: £54.85
- Over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg: £58.60
- Over 3,500kg: £137
Trailer MOT Test
Trailer MOT costs are based on the number of axles:
- 1-axle trailer: £41
- 2-axle trailer: £54
- 3-axle trailer: £64
- 4-axle trailer: £64
PSV MOT Test Costs
Public service vehicles, like buses and coaches, undergo a similar MOT process with additional checks for passenger safety. The costs for PCV MOT tests are:
- up to 8 seats: £54.85
- 9 to 12 passenger seats: £57.30 and with a seat belt installation check its £64
- 13 to 16 passenger seats: £59.55 and with a seat belt installation check its £80.50
- more than 16 passenger seats: £80.65 and with a seat belt installation check its £124.50
HGV Retest Cost
For retests, the costs are as follows:
- After 14 days: Full MOT test fee applies
- Within 14 days: £35 to £65
FAQs
An HGV requires an MOT test once a year, starting three years after buying a new vehicle.
Driving an HGV without a valid MOT can result in significant penalties. The driver may receive a £100 fixed penalty notice, and if the case goes to court, the fine could rise to £1,000.
If your HGV fails, it must be repaired and retested. The vehicle cannot be used until it passes.
Inspect tyres, lights, and brakes, and ensure regular maintenance is up to date.
Yes, trailers have their own MOT inspection done and its cost is related to number of axles.
Yes, electric parts like signals, lights, brake lights and fog lights etc are part of MOT test.
A 7.5-tonne truck falls under MOT Class 7, which covers vehicles with a gross weight between 3,000 kg and 3,500 kg.
Conclusion
In conclusion, regular HGV testing is vital for safety, compliance, and cost-efficiency. It helps ensure that critical components are functioning, reducing the risk of accidents and costly breakdowns. With stricter regulations on emissions and safety features, staying on top of MOT testing is more important than ever. By maintaining a consistent testing and maintenance schedule, you can avoid penalties, lower repair costs, and keep your fleet running smoothly.