HGV, PSV and trailer annual test - how to check expiry, trailer IDs and what the result history tells you

Where the records are

Since 2018 the DVSA MOT history service holds heavy-vehicle annual test results alongside car MOTs: HGVs, PSVs and trailers tested at ATFs. Passes are no longer printed - the result is the online record. You can look a vehicle up on GOV.UK by registration; trailers are looked up by the DVSA trailer ID (one letter and six digits, e.g. C123456, shown on the test certificate and the ministry plate), entered in the registration field.

OperatorCompliance queries the DVSA service for every vehicle and trailer on your list, stores the test history (result, expiry, odometer, defects, test station) and alerts 30 days before expiry and the day after.

Reading the history

• Expiry date - the next test is due by this date. There is no grace period; using an untested vehicle is an offence and an immediate prohibition risk.
• Result and defects - "PASSED" with advisories still tells you where the vehicle is heading; a pass after rectification at test (PRS) counts against first-time pass rate.
• Odometer trend - useful for mileage-based inspection regimes and for spotting gaps.
• Recalls - the record flags an outstanding manufacturer safety recall; DVSA expects it rectified at the next inspection and recorded on the maintenance file.

Why first-time pass rate matters

Annual test performance feeds OCRS (roadworthiness score) and is one of the first things a vehicle examiner looks at. Industry norm for HGVs is above 80% initial pass; significantly below that suggests inspections are not finding what the tester finds. Present vehicles to pass: a full safety inspection within the inspection interval before the test, laden roller brake test, and headlamp aim.

Trailers

Trailers over 1,020 kg unladen (most commercial trailers) need an annual test from their first anniversary. The trailer ID is permanent; registration for European travel (Trailer Registration Scheme) is separate. Specify trailers on VOL where practical - it improves your pass-rate statistics and OCRS accuracy. Traction-only operators towing third-party trailers remain responsible for roadworthiness and need the test and inspection records from the owner.

Vans (class 7 MOT) and PSVs

Vans up to 3.5 t take the class 7 MOT at three years then annually; PSVs take the annual test from year one. Both are on the same DVSA record and both are checked by OperatorCompliance by registration.