The DVSA has published refreshed Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Inspection Manuals, due to take effect from 1 April 2026. The revised guidance will be used across Great Britain for annual tests and roadside checks, making it essential reading for fleet operators, transport managers and workshop teams.
Released on GOV.UK, the updated manuals set out the latest standards inspectors must apply when assessing commercial vehicles. They cover defect categories, reasons for failure and the step-by-step processes examiners should follow, replacing earlier versions of the guidance currently in use.
Although the overall test framework remains broadly the same, the 2026 editions aim to improve consistency and reduce confusion. The DVSA has tightened up wording, restructured sections and added clearer explanations of terms used throughout. This comes as vehicles continue to incorporate more complex design features and advanced safety systems.
Several technical areas have been sharpened, including inspection guidance on sideguards, braking components and corrosion. There is also clearer direction on how load indexes relate to GB plated weights, alongside corrections designed to help inspectors and operators interpret requirements in the same way.
The DVSA has not presented the changes as a major shift in enforcement, but operators are being urged to review the updates early. Even small adjustments can affect pass rates, roadside outcomes and expectations around routine maintenance between tests. Fleets that align their checks and records with the new manuals should be better placed to avoid failures and stay compliant.
