A Guide to Navigating the New DVSA Regulations for ATFs
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has updated regulations for Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) to enhance brake testing accuracy and consistency. Some of these changes have already taken place with further changes continuing over the course of this year.
These updates ensure that vehicle brakes are tested under real-world conditions, with a more detailed understanding of any faults, in a bid to improve road safety and establish uniform testing standards across the industry. This, in turn, underpins the industry’s ongoing commitment to safety, maintaining compliance, and reducing accidents.
For ATF’s, they offer both challenges, such as equipment upgrades and training, but also new opportunities to offer safer, more efficient services.
New Regulations
Software Updates
In June 2024, all new brake testers were required to be sold with the new software updates. The new updated software provides ATF’s with the following:
Improved Workflows: Streamlined testing procedures to reduce errors and increase operational efficiency.
On-Screen Warnings: Real-time alerts for issues such as binding brakes, ovality thresholds, and potential tyre damage, enabling prompt identification and resolution.
Enhanced Printouts: Detailed and clearer test result reports, providing mechanics and vehicle owners with better insights into brake performance.
Advanced Testing Instructions: Step-by-step guidance for complex brake testing scenarios, ensuring thorough and accurate assessments.
RAG System for Interactive Feedback: Introduce a Red-Amber-Green (RAG) system that provides interactive, real-time feedback during the test. This highlights issues or marginal results while the vehicle is still on the rollers, enabling immediate action.
Simplified Brake Reports: Reports now include additional text to highlight advisories and deficiencies, making them more intuitive for less experienced engineers and vehicle owners. This goes beyond simple pass/fail percentages.
Important Note – All current brake testers purchased prior to June 2024 must be updated with the new software by the end of December 2025, as required by DVSA regulations, or the ATF risks losing compliance and potential closure.
Laden Testing
From April 2025, it will be mandatory for all safety inspections to include laden brake testing, simulating real-world conditions. This ensures more accurate results and aligns with the DVSA’s updated Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness. At JBS Equipment, we strongly recommend early adoption to familiarise teams with the new process and ensure seamless compliance.
Options to ensure compliance:
Laden Roller Brake Tests:
- Testing brakes with a physical load (at least 65% but not less than 50% of the axle design weight) to reflect actual driving conditions.
Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS):
- A technology-based alternative for vehicles unable to carry a load during testing, offering a compliant and efficient solution.
What this means for you
Investment in Upgrades and Training
ATFs, Operators and Service Centres face increased costs to update equipment and train staff on the new testing procedures. Whilst short-term, these investments may seem significant, it is vital to ensure compliance and enhance operational standards. Those who embrace these upgrades early and stay ahead of the curve will transition through the new process with minimal disruption.
Operational Downtime
Equipment installation and calibration may result in temporary disruptions, so it is important to plan for when these changes will happen in order to minimise the impact on daily operations.
Important note – Manufacturers and Suppliers will face a significant increase in demand for compliant roller brake testers and software updates. If left near to the deadline for the changes, ATFs may encounter a delay due to the increased demand. Talk to your manufacturer and supplier early to avoid potential disruption in operation due to non-compliance. For any advice, contact JBS Equipment Ltd ( 01375 893858 or sales@jbsequipment.co.uk ) and we will be happy to assist with any questions you may have.
Long Term Gains
Compliance with the new standards not only improves testing accuracy and overall road safety but also provides early adopters an opportunity to position themselves as trusted providers. This can give your ATF centre a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Fleet Operators who will rely more heavily on ATFs that meet the new standards in order to ensure their vehicles pass safety inspections and maintain roadworthiness will opt for compliant centres to ensure their operations aren’t impacted by the new regulations.
Best Practices for ATFs
- Audit roller brake testers to identify compliance gaps.
- Schedule software updates and hardware replacements well before deadlines.
- Train staff on updated systems and workflows early.
- Inform customers on the changes and the benefits.
- Consider early integration of EBPMS systems.
- Use compliance as a competitive advantage.
- Proactively embrace changes – they are happening!
Commercial Brake Testers
If you need to improve on your current brake tester, take a look at our range of commercial brake testers here, we offer both mobile and inground braketesters upto 20 tonne axle weight.
https://www.jbsequipment.co.uk/garage-equipment/truck-bus-equipment/truck-bus-equipment-brake-testers/
or give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.
Key Dates
April 2025 – Laden Testing becomes mandatory
December 2025 – All Roller Brake Testers must be updated with the new software
Although these changes present a significant impact to the industry, it is vital that ATFs embrace these changes as a positive move, prioritising safety, consistency and efficiency. By adopting these updates proactively, ATFs can avoid disruptions, enhance testing accuracy and position themselves at the forefront of these advancements.
At JBS Equipment, we along with support of the manufacturers offer expertise, compliant solutions and unrivalled support in navigating the change ahead. Most of our products can fit into any existing recess with minimal groundwork required. If you are now considering in house brake testing your facility and or staying ahead of the DVSA requirements, contact us today and will be happy to assist.
