Inspections & MOT Preparation

An annual MOT test is not the only legal inspection obligation for HGV operators. Under the terms of a standard operator’s licence, you are legally required to carry out regular safety inspections on all vehicles in your fleet — with signed records kept and available for inspection by the Traffic Commissioner or DVSA on request. Failure to comply can result in the curtailment or loss of your operator’s licence.

HFG Commercials carries out both DVSA safety inspections and pre-MOT preparation checks for operators across Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire, helping fleets meet their legal obligations and avoid the cost of unexpected MOT failures.

DVSA Safety Inspections — HGV

DVSA guidance recommends that most HGVs are inspected at intervals of no more than six weeks, though the correct interval for your fleet depends on vehicle age, annual mileage, and operating conditions. Vehicles over 12 years old must not exceed a six-week gap. Newer, low-mileage vehicles operated on good roads may have longer intervals approved — but this must be documented and justified to a traffic commissioner.

All safety inspections must be carried out to the DVSA’s published standard and recorded on a signed inspection sheet. At HFG we follow the DVSA Roadworthiness Manual checklist in full, covering: brakes (lining thickness, air system, chambers, slack adjusters, handbrake), steering (free play, joints, column), suspension (springs, air bags, U-bolts, hangers), wheels and tyres (tread, condition, pressures, wheel fixings), lights, reflectors, and electrical systems, mirrors, glass, and wipers, engine bay (fluid leaks, belt condition, exhaust), load security hardware where fitted (hooks, ratchets, straps, curtainsiders), cab interior (seatbelts, seats, instrument panel warnings), and fire extinguisher and first aid kit where required.

Records must be retained for at least 15 months. We provide you with a completed DVSA-format signed inspection sheet at the end of every inspection, ready for your compliance file.

Pre-MOT Checks — Avoid Costly Failures

The most expensive MOT failure is the one you didn’t see coming. A pre-MOT check — carried out one to two weeks before your test date — gives us enough time to identify and rectify defects before your vehicle faces the DVSA examiner. A roller brake test can also be included where appropriate, giving you confidence in brake performance before test day.

We’ll give you a clear written list of anything that needs attention, and with reasonable notice we can schedule repairs so your vehicle presents in the best possible condition. Failed MOTs mean more downtime, additional testing fees, and the risk of a delayed licence renewal — a pre-MOT check makes sound commercial sense.

Van Safety Checks — MAN TGE and All Makes

Light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes GVW are not subject to the same operator’s licence obligations as HGVs, but regular safety checks are still best practice — and required by many fleet policies, lease agreements, and commercial insurance terms. We carry out van safety inspections and pre-MOT checks for MAN TGE vans and all other makes of light commercial vehicle.