As part of the Heavy Vehicle Testing Review, The Department for Transport has asked the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to consider allowing more Authorised Testing Facilities to open.
The DVSA has temporarily paused applications for new Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) and stopped accepting new applications to set up ATFs in 2017. The DVSA and industry bodies have reviewed this policy and developed a plan with several steps to allow applications for new ATFs.
DVSA will now accept new applications if a proposed ATF:
- Is a move of premises for an existing ATF, but it is within the same geographic area?
- Already has ‘approval in principle’ from DVSA
- Is in an area with a substantial shortage of ATFs, currently Orkney and mainland Highlands of Scotland
- Is in Southern England and is offering testing of fully laden fuel tankers (this is often known as a full pet. reg. site) or ADR testing
- Will significantly improve the service to heavy vehicle operators, by reduced journey times or other efficiency benefits. Applications made under this criteria will be prioritised based on the certainty and scale of improvement in service the proposed ATF can offer.
Operators may also be interested in joining the ATF network by opening a testing site. Applications can be made under any of the five criteria from 3 June 2021. Guidance on how to apply to open an ATF.
The DVSA knows there will be businesses which do not qualify under these criteria, and there will be further announcements on how these criteria will be widened in the future.
The DVSA is working with industry bodies to develop this plan and welcomes feedback on the future priorities. Contact BVRLA’s Director of Fleet Services Amanda Brandon with any feedback.
