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How Often Should HGV Brakes Be Tested?
Plan brake assessments around your maintenance system.
DVSA expects a brake performance assessment at every safety inspection. A single annual MOT is not a complete maintenance plan.
This guide is a starting point for HGV and trailer operators in Great Britain. Agree the appropriate programme with your transport manager and maintenance provider.
01 At each safety inspection
A laden test on a calibrated roller brake tester provides individual-wheel and overall performance information.
A laden roller test completed within the preceding 14 days can support the inspection, provided its report reaches the inspector and is retained.
Plan testing dates alongside vehicle availability, loading and workshop appointments. Give one person responsibility for keeping the schedule and checking that reports reach the right people.
02 The annual testing programme
Without EBPMS, DVSA expects at least four laden brake tests spread evenly through the year; the annual test can count towards these.
This does not replace the assessment at every safety inspection. Where neither suitable laden-test evidence nor a satisfactory EBPMS evaluation is available, a competent person must complete a risk assessment.
Check the full guidance for acceptable reasons, assessment methods and vehicle-specific conditions before setting your programme.
03 Trailers and monitoring
For trailers using EBPMS, a competent person must evaluate the performance report before each safety inspection and keep the signed, dated evaluation with the data.
Insufficient monitoring data or brake work affecting performance can require a laden test.
Discuss data availability, report review and escalation arrangements with your maintenance provider. Do not assume that having monitoring equipment fitted means the evidence has been reviewed.
04 Put the plan into practice
Our suggested planning checklist: identify each vehicle and trailer, its inspection dates, the assessment method, who supplies the evidence and who reviews it.
In the savings calculator, enter the tests and external journeys your own equipment would actually replace. The calculator example is not a recommended testing frequency.
ACP can discuss equipment, installation and support for your programme.
Guidance checked: 29 September 2026. Refer to DVSA for the full current requirements.
DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness →
Talk to the ACP brake tester team →
01785 851179 — Option 3