Industry Update: DVSA updates heavy vehicle brake testing safety regulations for April 2025

Since 2023, heavy goods vehicle operators have had the option of using an Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring system (EBPMS) or a calibrated roller brake test during their annual HGV MOT. 

However, commencing in April 2025, all HGVs are required to undergo a minimum of four laden roller brake tests annually, as opposed to just one. EBPMS will still be a credible way to undergo brake testing, but laden roller brake tests will now be mandatory.

Reliable brake testing is crucial to ensure road safety, helping to identify any potential brake issues that may lead to accidents on the road, minimising risks to the HGV drivers and other road users.

What does this update mean for you?

If you provide roller brake testing, the new regulations in force from April 2025 require vehicles to be loaded to at least 65% of their design axle weight.

Previously, a vehicle would be unloaded during an unladen roller brake test, meaning that the brakes wouldn't be tested under normal operating conditions on the roads, laden with goods. Testing unladen vehicles may lead to inaccurate results, and vehicles may pass a brake test despite brakes underperforming when laden. By testing in conditions more reflective of everyday operations, potential issues and problems can be identified before they become a danger.

Achieving the required 65% of the vehicle design axle weight when performing a laden roller brake test can be done in a number of ways:

• Loading the vehicle yourself
• Asking the ATF to provide a load simulation (fees may apply)
• Hiring ballasted trailers from the ATF (fees may apply)

Heavy goods vehicle on a commercial roller brake tester, installed and maintained by CCS Garage Equipment

Installing your roller brake tester

Our CCS Garage Equipment installation engineer team is fully trained and accredited to manage and install commercial roller brake testers, safely and with excellent industry understanding of how workshops operate. From concept and workshop design, to groundworks and installation, CCS will manage all aspects of your roller brake tester installation and will train your personnel on site in the safe operation, handling and maintenance of your new roller brake tester.

Maintaining your commercial roller brake tester installed by CCS Garage Equipment

Just like other garage equipment, roller brake testers must be well kept and maintained, ensuring that vehicles are tested and results reported accurately. You must make sure that the rollers are clean, in good condition and well gritted, which will increase your tester's efficiency and reliability. Your brake tester should also be serviced and be calibrated in line with the manufacturers' instructions.

CCS offers a regular schedule of planned garage equipment maintenance to garages across the UK and Ireland. Our engineers are commercial vehicle workshop specialists, undertaking regular planned maintenance and repair of equipment, including commercial roller brake testers. Our service managers manage, plan and schedule your maintenance programme, ensuring that your engineer is with you on time with the equipment needed to properly care for and maintain your brake tester to the manufacturer’s specifications and in line with the updated DVSA standards.

Professional garage equipment installation & maintenance for commercial workshops by CCS Garage Equipment

For over 30 years, CCS Garage Equipment has successfully delivered specialist garage equipment installations and maintenance for commercial vehicle workshops throughout the UK and Ireland.

Backed by exceptional industry and regulatory understanding, garage equipment consultancy to deliver operationally efficient, reliable and state-of-the-art working spaces, CCS' garage equipment and vehicle lift installation teams create contemporary, functional and future-proofed workshops for fleet operators, dealerships and brands including Adams Morey,  FedEx, Co-Op, Northgate Vehicle Hire, TIP Trailer Services and many more.

With LEEA and GEA accreditations and a large team working throughout the UK and Ireland, commercial vehicle workshops are driven forward by CCS' eye-catching designs, versatile equipment and the highest of safety standards.