In April 2025, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) released an update to its Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, advising of a significant change to brake performance test requirements. This means every heavy goods vehicle safety inspection must now include a brake performance assessment, leaving operators thinking that what was once a future concern is now an immediate reality.
Under the new requirements, a Roller Brake Test (RBT) is no longer the sole method for producing a brake performance test report. Operators can stay DVSA compliant by using either a laden RBT or an Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS). Each method has its advantages, and what works for one company may not work for another, therefore, key factors like fleet size and additional costs must be taken into consideration.
In the DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness (Section 5.3) it highlights the importance of brake performance testing during safety inspections. Since 1 January 2023, regulations have stated that trailers must undergo brake testing at least four times a year, with one test required during the annual MOT. Unless exempt, each test must be conducted with the trailer laden, carrying at least 65% of its maximum weight capacity. In cases where a full load is impractical, a minimum load of 50% (but no less) may be acceptable.
However, there are some exceptions. If you’re an operator, the DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness now covers the following: Risk assessments when not carrying out a laden brake performance assessment; acceptable reasons for not carrying out a laden brake performance assessment; and laden brake testing and risk assessment examples.
It is important that all fleet operators understand the new requirements and the expectations involved. With its braking expertise and commitment to compliance, BPW is here to help operators navigate these changes and choose the right brake performance assessment method for their business.
THE CRITICAL DECISION FACING FLEET OPERATORS: For some fleet operators, a laden RBT will remain the preferred choice, offering a direct, physical assessment of braking performance. But for those looking for a more informed data-driven insight, EBPMS is the smarter alternative. This decision is not just a matter of compliance: it is a strategic decision that could influence a fleet’s overall efficiency, safety, and profit.
ROLLER BRAKE TESTING - THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH: The RBT has long been the industry standard for brake performance testing. During this procedure, the service brake is applied to the maximum, where the braking force for each wheel station is recorded. While RBT remains a trusted compliance method, for some, meeting the new requirements now poses a logistical challenge.
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Not all operators have access to a test centre or the necessary loading equipment. As a result, operators have been forced to hire additional staff dedicated to loading and unloading trailers, significantly increasing operational costs. With more brake tests required, downtime and overheads continue to rise.
EBPMS – A SMARTER, DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTION: For fleet operators looking to take compliance to the next level, BPW idem Telematics EBPMS demonstrates compliance with the current DVSA requirements as set out in the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness. Unlike an RBT, which requires a planned visit to a test centre, EBPMS continuously monitors braking performance in real-time while the vehicle is in service.
EBPMS gathers data collected from the Electronic Braking System (EBS), combined with its telematics system, to generate real-time data reports. The longer the system is used, the more accurate the data becomes.
By continuously monitoring brake performance, operators can identify potential issues well before the next maintenance interval. Providing there is sufficient data, EBPMS can be programmed to generate reports in line with a fleet maintenance schedule.
It is important to remember that EBPMS cannot entirely replace an RBT. They are two different methods of measuring brake performance; therefore, a RBT must be performed during the annual MOT.
Additionally, EBPMS cannot assess parking brake performance. According to the DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, at minimum, a visual check must be conducted during a parking brake safety inspection. Further tests must be carried out if there is any doubt about the parking brake performance. Alternative methods, such as a drag test or coupling test, can be used to assess the parking brake function. A coupling test typically forms part of a daily operational check during a coupling procedure.
RBT OR EBPMS, THE CHOICE IS YOURS – BUT THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW: Although the April 2025 compliance deadline has passed, fleet operators still have time to determine the best compliance strategy for their fleet.
One question remains: will you continue to use traditional laden RBT with its logistical demands, or will you transition to the smarter, data-driven alternative BPW idem Telematics EBPMS, designed to reduce downtime and improve efficiency?
BPW - WELCOME TO OUR NETWORK: Over 125 years of braking experience, and more than four million braking systems on the road worldwide. So, when it comes to monitoring your brakes, it makes sense to trust BPW idem Telematics. BPW provide expert guidance and is committed to supporting the transport industry as it moves from a traditional to a smarter way of working.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS - BUT THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW.
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14 May 2025
For further press information, contact Rebecca Wesley or Emma Makings-Hone at BPW Limited:
Telephone: 0116 281 6100 | Email: [email protected] |
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