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Institute of Transport Administration

Educating Transport Management since 1944

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Revised Guidance on Categorisation of Defects

1 Nov 2019

DVSA guidance on how they categorise vehicle defects in roadside checks and vehicle tests has been updated today.

This guide outlines the actions to take when roadworthiness defects are found during vehicle inspections.

It aims to promote consistency amongst DVSA and Authorised Constable examiners.

It is also useful for vehicle owners, operators and drivers for awareness of DVSA standards.

The changes include:

•          the introduction of tyre pressure measurement at the roadside for single      fitment tyres

•          engine malfunction indicator lamp defects and additional notes for           emission control system faults

•          extra notes for assessing lighting defects and number plates

•          updates to indirect vision devices

•          new defects for modified seatbelts.

The revision record (Appendix A of the manual) has also been updated, which identifies all the changes in this guide.

Find the revised Categorisation of Defects Publication here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/categorisation-of-defects