How to Prepare for a DVSA Roadside Inspection

DVSA examiners carry out roadside inspections to check that vehicles are roadworthy and that drivers are complying with regulations. An inspector may check the vehicle's condition — tyres, brakes, lights, steering, and bodywork — and ask to see the driver's licence, CPC card, and tachograph records.

If a serious defect is found, the vehicle can be issued with a prohibition, meaning it cannot continue its journey until the defect is fixed. Repeated or serious prohibitions can lead to action against the operator's licence, including a Public Inquiry before the Traffic Commissioner.

To demonstrate roadworthiness at the roadside, you should be able to show:

• Recent walkaround check records for the vehicle
• A defect history showing that defects are reported and repaired
• Proof that the driver holds a valid licence and CPC certificate
• MOT certificate and insurance documentation
• Evidence of a preventative maintenance system (PMI schedule)

Paper check sheets can be lost, damaged, or left at the depot. Digital records stored in a system like FleetForge are accessible from a driver's or manager's phone, meaning walkaround check history, defect records, and vehicle documents can be shown to an inspector on the spot.

FleetForge stores every walkaround check against the vehicle with date, time, and driver. Defects are logged with photos and tracked through to repair sign-off. This creates a complete, defensible record of your roadworthiness system.

The DVSA HGV inspection manual categorises defects as minor, major, or dangerous. Major and dangerous defects can result in an immediate prohibition. Common causes include:

• Worn or defective tyres, including tread depth below the legal limit
• Brake system defects, including worn brake pads or air leaks
• Defective lights, including headlights, indicators, and brake lights
• Missing or defective mirrors
• Bodywork or chassis defects that pose a safety risk

Daily walkaround checks help identify these issues before a vehicle leaves the depot, reducing the risk of a roadside prohibition.