What happens during a DVSA roadside check?

A DVSA roadside check can happen to any HGV operator at any time. Knowing what examiners look for — and having the right records ready — is the difference between a clean pass and a prohibition notice that takes your vehicle off the road.

What is a DVSA roadside check?

A DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) roadside check is a targeted inspection of commercial vehicles carried out by DVSA examiners at the roadside or at designated enforcement sites. Checks can be carried out on any public road in Great Britain at any time of day or night.

DVSA uses intelligence-led targeting to decide which vehicles to stop. Your OCRS score (Operator Compliance Risk Score) is one of the main signals DVSA uses — operators with a red or amber rating are stopped more frequently than those with a green.

Who carries out roadside checks?

DVSA examiners hold the legal power to stop any goods vehicle or bus on a public road. They work alongside DVSA-authorised police officers who can also conduct vehicle checks under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Both have the authority to issue prohibitions and require vehicles to be taken off the road.

What DVSA examiners may inspect

The scope of a roadside check varies. Some are brief document checks; others are full mechanical inspections. Examiners may look at any of the following:

Vehicle condition

• Tyres — condition, tread depth, correct fitment
• Brakes — brake performance test using a decelerometer or roller brake tester at a nearby testing station
• Lights and reflectors — function and condition of all lighting equipment
• Steering — play in the steering wheel and any visible defects
• Bodywork and load security — trailer coupling, curtain sides, tail lift
• Exhaust emissions — particularly for older Euro-standard vehicles
• Height and weight — axle weights and overall vehicle height if overloading is suspected

Driver documents

• Driving licence — valid for the vehicle category being driven
• Digital tachograph card and chart printouts
• Drivers Hours records — previous 28 days on the digital tachograph card plus the current day manual record if applicable
• Driver CPC card (Certificate of Professional Competence) if the driver is conducting commercial carriage
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Goods vehicle operator licence disc (displayed in the cab)

Operator records

Examiners may also ask drivers for records that are normally kept at the operating centre. Drivers should know what records exist and how to contact their operator quickly if needed:

• Daily walkaround check records — the driver should be able to confirm a check was completed before departure
• Defect reports and repair records — evidence that reported defects were actioned before the vehicle left the yard
• Maintenance history for the vehicle
• Evidence of the most recent periodic maintenance inspection (PMI)

What happens if defects are found?

When an examiner finds a defect, the outcome depends on how serious it is. DVSA classifies defects using the same three-tier system used at annual test — dangerous, major, and minor. See our defect reporting guide for a full explanation of each category.

Immediate prohibition (S-marked)

A dangerous defect results in an immediate prohibition notice. The vehicle cannot move until the defect is repaired and a DVSA examiner re-inspects and clears the prohibition. This applies to defects that pose a direct risk to road safety — for example, a failed brake system, a tyre below the legal tread depth limit, or a dangerously unsecured load.

Delayed prohibition (PG9)

For major defects that are not immediately dangerous, DVSA may issue a delayed prohibition (commonly called a PG9). The vehicle can usually be driven back to the operating centre or a workshop to be repaired, but must not be used again in its current condition. The prohibition must be cleared before the next journey.

Drivers Hours offences

If the tachograph analysis reveals a Drivers Hours breach, DVSA can issue a fixed penalty notice at the roadside. Serious or repeated infringements are referred to the Traffic Commissioner, who has the power to curtail or revoke your O-licence compliance.

How prohibitions affect your OCRS

Prohibition notices are recorded against your operator licence number and feed directly into your OCRS rating. A single serious prohibition can move an operator from green to red, significantly increasing the frequency of future checks.

How daily walkaround checks reduce roadside risk

The most effective way to avoid a prohibition at the roadside is to catch defects before a vehicle leaves the yard. A rigorous daily walkaround check covers the same items DVSA examiners inspect — tyres, lights, brakes, load security and more. When drivers complete checks consistently and defects are actioned before departure, the likelihood of encountering a roadside defect drops significantly.

Walkaround records also provide evidence that your system is working. If DVSA does stop one of your vehicles, being able to show a complete, up-to-date defect history demonstrates that your operator has robust maintenance processes in place.

How digital record keeping helps

Paper walkaround check sheets get lost, damaged, or left at the yard when a driver is stopped away from the operating centre. Digital records eliminate that risk. With digital walkaround check software, every check is stored in the cloud the moment the driver submits it. If DVSA contacts your transport manager while a vehicle is stopped, the records are immediately accessible.

HauliK lets drivers complete walkaround checks on their mobile device. Operators can see submitted checks, defect reports, and repair sign-offs in real time — giving you the documentation you need, whenever you need it.

Frequently asked questions

Can DVSA stop any commercial vehicle?

Yes. DVSA examiners have the legal authority to stop any goods vehicle or bus on a public road in Great Britain. Refusing to stop is a criminal offence.

How long does a roadside check take?

A brief document check may take 15–30 minutes. A full mechanical inspection, especially if a brake test at a weigh station is required, can take two hours or more. If a prohibition is issued and the vehicle needs repair before it can move, the delay could be significantly longer.

Does a prohibition affect my operator licence?

Yes. Prohibitions are recorded against your operator licence and contribute to your OCRS score. Repeated prohibitions can trigger a public inquiry before the Traffic Commissioner, who has the power to curtail, suspend or revoke your operator licence.

What should drivers do when stopped?

Drivers should pull over safely, remain calm, and cooperate fully with the examiner. They should present their driving licence, tachograph card, CPC card, and any other documents requested. If drivers are unsure about a record, they should call the operator rather than guess.

Can DVSA check vehicles at the operating centre?

Yes. DVSA can also visit your operating centre unannounced to inspect vehicles, check maintenance records, and assess your compliance systems. These visits carry the same consequences as a roadside check and are more likely if your OCRS is amber or red.