Hgv, psv and MoT (car and light commercial vehicle) testing schemes and inspection manuals will change following a review in relation to additional items mandated under Directive 2010/48/EU. Revised requirements are introduced in January 2012 (with the exception of the change in brake testing procedures for hgvs and psvs to maximum authorised mass rather than design gross vehicle weight, which will be implemented at a later date). However, there will be a 3-month period where customers in all schemes will have the additional items introduced as a result of the directive examined, but a pass with an advisory notice will result if defects are identified. Statutory testing and defect failures will apply to vehicles tested after 8th April 2012.

Extracted from Freight Magazine

The items inspected at annual tests are being analyzed, driven by a change in European law. Extra items will be included, such as airbags, main-beam tell-tale and EBS. FTA is joining forces with DfT and VOSA to find the best ways of meeting the new requirements whilst reducing the impact on the annual test.

10 daytime running lamps (DRLs) have been affiliated for all vehicle categories excluding trailers. DRLs must switch on when the vehicle ignition switch enables starting/running of the engine. The lamps are being brought in gradually for new cars and vans already and will be built into other vehicle categories, icluding trucks, from August 2012. There are no plans to retrofit or for older vehicles to have to useother lights when driving in daylight.

The DfT is reviewing the exemptions from HGV testing, with a view to removing up to 10 categories, including electric vehicles, engineering plant and tower wagons. The items inspected at annual test are also being reviewed, driven by a change in law. Extra items are expected to be included in the test, such as air bags, front fog lamps and headlamp washers, but some items tested might be removed. Both sets of changes are expected to be introduced in January 2012.

Extracted from Commercial Motor