DVSA to cater for 24 hour commercial vehicle testing

DVSA has launched a more flexible service for commercial vehicle tests, allowing operators the option of testing seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

The new arrangements were formally launched in South Wales and Herefordshire following a successful trial period, and will be rolled out across the UK over the next two years.

Marking the launch at an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) in South Wales, DVSA Chief Executive Alastair Peoples said: “More commercial vehicle tests than ever are now being carried out by DVSA staff at privately-owned sites, reducing the amount of time and money operators need to spend travelling to test stations.

“We are now providing even more flexibility by making tests available whenever customers need them, at any time of the day or week.”

Under the new service, DVSA vehicle standards assessors will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (subject to demand from customers).

ATFs will also have direct access to a centralised support team to help with scheduling availability for DVSA assessors; improved management of pre-funded accounts, which can be used to pay for DVSA services; daily test reports; and reporting problems

The improved service will be available in South Yorkshire later in March 2015 and is expected to be available UK wide by 2017.

There are now over 475 ATFS across Great Britain, accounting for almost 90% of annual tests.