Heavy Vehicle Testing Updates

21st March 2023

Digital plating certificates and trailer in service letters

From 20 March 2023, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency will introduce digital heavy vehicle and trailer plating certificates and trailer entry into service letters. Digital copies will be delivered more quickly than those processed by post.

Applicants will need to print a copy of the relevant document once it has been emailed to them. They will be able to ask for a paper copy in the post as an alternative.

To meet legal requirements, the plate must be securely fixed so that it is legible at all times, in a noticeable and readily accessible position and in the cab of the vehicle, if it has one.

You can find out more about HGV and trailer ministry plates and plating certificates on GOV.UK.

Changes to the HGV and PSV manuals
From 1 April 2023, some changes will take effect in the HGV and PSV inspection manuals.

We've published copies of the updated manuals now on GOV.UK for you to read, so you can familiarise yourself with the changes before 1 April 2023.

PSV Inspection Manual

HGV Inspection Manual