DVSA – Equipment Specifications

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DVSA – Vehicle Equipment Specifications UK:

When it comes to vehicles, knowledge is power. In this guide, Garage Equipment Association (GEA) will explore the specifications of your vehicle is essential for making informed decisions about maintenance, upgrades, and more. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) offers an invaluable resource in the form of Vehicle Equipment Specifications for the UK.

Enter the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) – the authority overseeing vehicle safety and standards. DVSA meticulously lays down the specifications for vehicle equipment across the UK. From brakes and lights to mirrors and tires, they ensure vehicles meet the required safety standards on the road.

By setting these guidelines, DVSA aims to guarantee roadworthiness, enhancing driver safety and minimizing accidents. Understanding their specifications is vital for all vehicle owners, ensuring compliance and safer journeys for everyone on Britain’s roads.

DVSA - Equipment Specifications
DVSA - Equipment Specifications

Unraveling The Significance of (DVSA) Car Equipment Specifications:

Car Equipment Specifications hold a pivotal role in ensuring your vehicle operates at its best. These specifications cover various aspects, including the engine, transmission, dimensions, and safety features of your car. Knowing the exact details of your vehicle’s specifications empowers you to make choices that can enhance its performance and safety.

Look no further than the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). Their car equipment specifications hold immense importance, regulating the safety features every vehicle must adhere to.

From brakes and lights to steering and tires, DVSA ensures cars meet stringent safety criteria. These specifications aren’t just guidelines; they’re the backbone of road safety, aiming to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

Understanding the significance of DVSA’s car equipment specifications isn’t just essential, it’s pivotal for a safer driving experience on the roads of the United Kingdom.

DVSA Specifications: 

General guidance 

RBT’s 

All brake efficiency measurements should be rounded DOWN to the whole number whereas imbalance / ovality values should be rounded UP to the next whole number. (Not using standard mathematics formulas/ formatting)
Slip value, many of the individual specification refer to 20-30% range, we are standardising where possible @ 27% +/- 3%

Values for both normal (user) operation and calibration should be in Kgf for brake force and KG for weighing.

Calibrations unless specified differently need to within 3% of reference values, all calibration equipment must have traceability to a national standard.



MOT Testing Requirements Direct Link To Gov UK Website

This will link you to the .gov website and the latest version of the DVSA manual. For site requires you will need to view section D and then any specific for the class of testing.

Test Equipment Interface To MTS

03.07.2019

This specification details the method of transfer and the specific data sets required for the transfer of MOT information from connectable test lane equipment in use at VTS premises.

Roller Brake Tester – HGV & PSV

Change document for the 2022 specification from the 2011 spec.

Roller Brake Tester HGV & PSV 2022 SPEC

Effective from 1st Aug 2022
Rev 9.0 Sept 23

Roller Brake Tester – HGV & PSV 1999 SPEC

Superseded 2011

Roller Brake Tester HGV & PSV 2011 SPEC

Superseded 2023

Wheel Play Detector HGV & PSV

2008 Spec

Wheel Play Detector Class IV & VII

2005 Spec

Tyre Tread Depth Gauge

1999 Spec

13 Pin Euro Trailer Socket Wiring Tester

2010 Spec

Wheel Turning Plates Class III, IV & VII

1999 Spec

Brake Pedal Application Device

2005 Spec

Roller Brake Tester – Class I & II

1999 Spec

Roller Brake Tester – Class IV

1999 Spec
Updated 2005
Updated 2019

Roller Brake Tester – Class IV

Flow Chart

Roller Brake Tester – Class VII

1999 Spec
Updated 2005
Updated 2019

Roller Brake Tester – Class VII

Flow Chart

Headlamp Beamsetter (Class IV, VII & HGV)

2005 Spec (May)
Updated 2005 (July)

HBT Aiming Screens Class IV, VII & HGV

Headlight Beamsetter Class I & II

1999 Spec

Plate Brake Tester – Class I & II

1999 Spec

Plate Brake Tester – Class III & IV

1999 Spec
updated 2006

Plate Brake Tester – Class VII

1999 Spec
updated 2006

Brake Decelerometer All Classes

1999 Spec
Updated 2006

Update Diesel Smoketest Limits Flowchart

06.03.2020

Diesel Smoke Meter (Specification)

Superseded version 5.3
(April 2023)

Diesel Smoke Meter (Specification)

Current version 5.4 (July 2023)
Original issue date 2001

Exhaust Gas Analyser (Specification)

1995 Spec
update 2004