Development of Vehicle Examination Facility Network for Approval Testing

Introduction

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is introducing a new Vehicle Examination Facility (VEF) network to improve access to Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) and Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) tests. This change aims to reduce travel times and costs for transport operators, drivers, and compliance professionals by bringing approval tests closer to customers.

Improving Access to Approvals Tests

Currently, most approval tests are conducted at DVSA’s Goods Vehicle Testing Stations (GVTS) across Great Britain. Many customers must travel significant distances to attend these tests, resulting in lost time and increased expenses.

The new VEF network will allow approval tests to be carried out at third-party sites, similar to the existing model for heavy vehicle annual tests. DVSA examiners will continue to conduct the tests to maintain standards.

VEF sites can operate as:

• Own account sites, testing only their own vehicles
• Open access sites, testing vehicles for third-party customers
• A combination of both

Existing privately owned Testing Facilities (POTFs) may also apply to gain VEF status, enabling them to offer the same benefits as other VEF providers.

Reasons for the Change

The introduction of VEFs offers several advantages:

For approval customers:

• Tests will be located closer to businesses, reducing travel time and costs
• Online submission, payment, and booking processes will simplify test arrangements
• Increased choice regarding where tests can be conducted

For businesses obtaining VEF status:

• Sites can display official DVSA branding, possibly attracting new customers
• Opportunity to generate income from underutilised test lanes

Collaboration with Pilot Sites

The DVSA has worked with pilot sites to test and refine the authorisation and application processes for VEFs. Feedback from these sites has been positive, with any issues addressed promptly.

This collaboration has helped establish appropriate standards for infrastructure and equipment, ensuring that examiners can safely and effectively conduct vehicle approval tests at new VEF locations.

To promote awareness of VEFs, the DVSA has:

• Communicated with regular customers about the benefits of gaining VEF status
• Hosted webinars for eligible businesses outlining the advantages of becoming a VEF site
• Engaged with trade associations to increase industry awareness

Next Steps

In the coming months, the DVSA plans to authorise sites that meet the required standards and expand the VEF network. Ongoing efforts will focus on ensuring the network meets the needs of all approval customers.

Engagement with trade associations will continue to raise awareness of VEFs and their role in the vehicle approval process. Webinars will also be held regularly to support this initiative.

Mi Compliance Insight

Transport operators and compliance professionals should monitor developments regarding the VEF network, as it may offer more convenient testing options and potential cost savings. Businesses interested in becoming VEF sites should consider the benefits of official DVSA recognition and additional revenue opportunities.

For further information or assistance, please contact Mi Compliance via our Contact page.

Source: https://movingon.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/04/creating-a-vehicle-examination-facility-network-for-approvals-tests/