HGV licence holders rely on their driving skill to keep themselves and other road users safe, but there is also another highly important factor involved which needs to be constantly monitored. This factor is the roadworthiness of your vehicle, as not only does failing to properly maintain it put lives at risk, but you also increase the likelihood of a roadside prohibition.
HGV vehicles are highly complex machines, with countless systems and moving parts that all need to work well together at peak efficiency. From air brakes to tachographs, there are numerous parts of a vehicle that those hoping to hold on to their HGV licence need to keep in good working order.
Annual HGV Safety Inspections
In the same way, as a car must pass a yearly MOT test to remain road legal, HGV vehicles must pass a yearly HGV safety inspection by VOSA (The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) or by a VOSA accredited testing facility. Any HGV licence holder who’s been through one will tell you that it’s a really thorough test and for a good reason.
So, What Gets Tested?
Unlike daily walkaround checks carried out by those with a HGV every day, an annual HGV safety inspection is a comprehensive one that will usually require a second person (usually the driver) to help the testing agent. The test requires the vehicle to pass a series of minimum standards that assess the vehicle’s roadworthiness.
Topside
Usually conducted on a suitable hardstanding, the first part of the test involves look at a variety of factors, such as:
- Checking the vehicle’s identity against the VTG6 Plate
- Ensuring mirrors and fairings are securely fixed and in good condition
- Making sure driver and passenger doors open and close securely
- Checking that tyres are in good condition and of the right rating for the vehicle
- Ensuring that spray suppressors are of sufficient size
- Checking all lights, including indicators, repeaters, headlights and fog lights are operational and aligned correctly
Every visible part of the vehicle is checked, with the tester moving methodically over the entire structure, including inside the driver’s cab. It’s important to say at this point that HGV licence holders should be routinely checking many of the elements included in an annual safety inspection to ensure roadworthiness at all times.
Underside
There are just as many components underneath the vehicle that need to be assessed over a pit, such as:
- Axle alignment
- Steering
- Air brake function
- Shaker plates
- Foot brakes
- Potential oil and fuel leaks
- Bearings
The expert eye of the VOSA accredited inspector will be looking for signs of wear and tear, loose bolts and all manner of warning signs. It may seem to some that it’s too rigorous, but every part of the test is carried out with the safety of everyone on the road in mind and is entirely necessary.
Want to Find Out More?
If you want to learn more about annual HGV safety inspections, you can get everything you need to know in intricate detail by reading The VOSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness on the government website. This pdf document will give you everything you need to know to perform your own checks and understand what to expect when inspection time comes around.
However, if you are considering training for your HGV licence, you can find out all about the different types that are available for each type of vehicle and what’s involved in obtaining them by filling in the enquiry form or call us on 08000315765
