Commercial vehicles come in many different types to serve a variety of purposes, from buses and coaches that help people get around to heavy goods vehicles (HGV) that transport goods. All these vehicles must undergo yearly testing to ensure they are suitable for use on the road and meet environmental and safety standards.
Read on to learn more about the crucial role of annual commercial vehicle testing for lorry safety and discover the key elements involved in testing.
Vehicle Testing Facility
Commercial testing must happen at a vehicle testing facility authorised by The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to ensure testing is legitimate and legal. Authorised testing facilities, better known as TFL test lanes, must go through stringent processes to adhere to DVSA protocols, ensuring that testing at all centres is equal and compliant.
What Does the Test Involve?
Comprehensive tests at DVSA-authorised commercial vehicle testing centres are conducted to ensure vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards.
Visual Inspection
During the visual inspection, technicians examine the vehicle’s overall condition, including bodywork, chassis, and undercarriage. They check for signs of damage, corrosion, or wear that could affect safety or performance. Key components like mirrors, windows and tyres are also inspected for compliance with road regulations and safety standards.
Brake Testing
Brake testing is conducted to ensure the vehicle’s braking system performs effectively. This involves checking the service brakes and parking brakes for efficiency and balance. Technicians use brake rollers and specialised equipment to measure brake force and ensure the system meets the required safety standards.
Emission Testing
Emission testing evaluates the vehicle’s exhaust system to ensure it complies with environmental regulations. Technicians measure the quantity of pollutants, like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates that a vehicle emits. This test ensures that commercial vehicles adhere to legal emission standards and do not exceed levels harmful to the environment.
Headlight Testing
Headlight testing assesses the alignment, intensity and aim of vehicle headlights. Properly functioning headlights are crucial for safe driving at night, as they light the driver’s path without dazzling other drivers. Technicians use specialised equipment to inspect headlight performance, altering it to comply with regulatory standards.
Steering Testing
Steering testing checks the responsiveness and condition of the vehicle’s steering system. Technicians evaluate the steering mechanism for play, alignment, and overall performance. This test ensures that the steering system operates smoothly and accurately, which is essential for safe handling and control of the vehicle.
Book A Commercial Vehicle Test!
At Transcare, we have over twenty years of experience in vehicle testing, maintenance and repair. We operate a DVSA-authorised commercial vehicle testing facility in Alfreton, Derbyshire. Our testing centre provides comprehensive DVSA-approved tests that check the lorry safety of all commercial vehicles.
Contact our experts at Transcare to book a commercial vehicle test today!
