HGV Inspections & Compliance

Inspections that keep your licence clean

The DVSA doesn’t just require that your vehicles are maintained — it requires proof that they’re being inspected at the correct intervals and that defects are being recorded and actioned. In a compliance investigation, the quality of your inspection records can be the difference between keeping your operator’s licence and losing it.

What we inspect

Each safety inspection follows the DVSA’s “Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness” and covers every safety-critical system: service and secondary brake performance, air system integrity (for air-braked vehicles), steering play and condition, suspension — springs, air bags, shock absorbers, U-bolts, wheels and tyres — tread depth, pressure, damage, condition, lights, markers, reflectors, and electrical systems, coupling equipment and fifth wheel, chassis — cracks, corrosion, damage, cab and body security, and exhaust and emissions equipment.

Documentation that stands up to scrutiny

Every inspection produces a detailed written report: what was checked, what was found, what’s satisfactory, what needs attention, and what’s been rectified. These records are stored digitally and can be produced for a DVSA audit at short notice. We know what examiners look for because we see the consequences when operators don’t keep proper records.

Inspection intervals

The DVSA allows inspection intervals between 4 and 13 weeks depending on vehicle age, operation type, and fleet performance history. Most operators work to 6 or 8 weeks. If you’re unsure what interval your fleet should be on, we can advise based on your specific circumstances.

Defect management

When we find a defect, we categorise it by severity and advise whether it needs immediate rectification or can be scheduled. Safety-critical defects are flagged and communicated to you straight away — no vehicle leaves the workshop with an unresolved safety issue.