The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

The annual test for lorries, trailers and buses is similar to the MOT test that cars take each year.

The annual test is for:

• motor vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3,500 kilograms (kg)
• vehicles that are built or have been adapted to form part of an articulated vehicle
• semi-trailers
• horseboxes with a gross weight of more than 3,500 kg
• ‘A’ frame trailers and converter dollies manufactured on or after 1 January 1979
• trailers with an unladen weight of more than 1,020 kg with powered braking systems (instead of standard overrun brakes and as well as the required parking brake)
• all public service vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats - not including the driver’s seat

Check Form V112/G for a list of vehicles that are exempt from the annual test. You might still need to get an MOT for the vehicle.

About the test

Lorries and buses (including coaches) must be tested each year. The first test should be 12 months after the vehicle was first registered with DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

Trailers must be tested 1 year after they were first sold or supplied.

The test can be done at a DVSA Goods Vehicle Testing Station (GVTS) or a privately owned Authorised Testing Facility (ATF). Both use DVSA staff and the same test standards.

Before the test

You can get your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic to prepare for the test.

Get testing manuals for different vehicles.

You can also download a guide on how to check the roadworthiness of horseboxes and trailers.

You can book up to 93 days ahead, using the online test booking system for either a single test or multiple tests. You must be already registered with DVSA to use the multiple test booking service.

Find your nearest test station and their contact details

Fees for the annual test vary depending on the size and type of your vehicle.

You can download DVSA’s current annual test, re-test and appeals fees for goods vehicles and for public service vehicles.

Fees may be different in Northern Ireland.

Bring the following documents to the test centre:

• your appointment letter if you have one
• the vehicle’s last annual test certificate
• the vehicle’s plating certificate
• if your vehicle is exempt - a tachograph exemption form

You’ll need to drive your own vehicle throughout the test unless otherwise asked.

Horseboxes

You should load the horsebox with heavy items like bags of feed, fertiliser or straw bales. This is so that the centre can check the brakes work properly.

Tell the testing centre about any changes you’ve made to the horsebox since its last test.

There is more information about testing standards for horseboxes in the guide for horsebox and trailer owners.

Repairs

If an inspector thinks minor repairs are needed to your vehicle and they can be done quickly and safely you may be allowed to do so, but only if it doesn't delay the testing of other vehicles

DVSA staff can't provide tools or materials or help with repairs.

Failing the test

If your vehicle fails the annual test you'll have to take it away and get the faults fixed.

Unlike with an MOT, most centres won't be able to make the repairs for you. Once they're made you'll have to book another test and pay a retest fee.

Major faults

Some faults are so serious that the vehicle can't be allowed on the road. In this case, the inspector may allow on-site emergency repairs.

Appeals

You can appeal if you don't agree with the test result. Ask the test inspector for details of the appeals process.

You need to submit an appeal form within 14 days of the test:

• form VTG17 for HGV and trailer annual tests
• form VTP17 for PSV annual tests

Send the appeal to the address on the form or to the testing centre that carried out the test.

You’ll also need to pay an appeal fee.