DVSA: Inspection manuals updated and categorisation of vehicle defects revised

HGV and PSV inspection manuals have been updated - and the DVSA has also revised guidance on how they categorise vehicle defects at roadside checks.

The manuals will be released as updated versions to come into effect on 1 May 2022.

Revision section

The HGV and PSV manuals are available to view below. All changes to the inspection manuals can be found in the revision record section at the front of each inspection manual:

HGV manual – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hgv-inspection-manual

PSV manual – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/psv-inspection-manual

Revised guidance on categorisation of defects

DVSA has also revised guidance on how they categorise vehicle defects at roadside checks.

This guide outlines the actions DVSA take when roadworthiness defects are found during vehicle inspections.

The changed rules will be enforced from 1 May 2022. DVSA will on that day also publish the revised Enforcement Sanctions Policy.

What’s changed?

The categorisation of defects has been updated to include new items, notes and amendments in parts 1 and 2 of the manual.

There are significant updates to the load security sections, which includes removing the reference to the load security matrix.

There are additional load security defects and notes

Other updates include vehicles missing an obligatory seat belt, electronic stability control (ESC), suspension joints and overrun brakes.

The revised categorisation of defects document is available to view here