Operator CPC Part 34
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In this week's Operator CPC article, were investigating vehicle plating and testing. Regulations were introduced to ensure that goods vehicles are, at all times, in a roadworthy condition
The Department for Transport (DfT) testing stations carry out the plating and testing of goods vehicles. Additionally, there are a number of other approved premises that can also carry out the requirements as per the criteria set out in the goods vehicle tester's manual. The following vehicles are subject to goods vehicle plating and testing: • Rigid vehicles exceeding 3.5-tonne GVVV • Articulated vehicles (unit or semi-trailer) regardless of weight • Drawbar trailers exceeding 1,020kg unladen weight • Converter dollies regardless of weight
Remember, if you're unsure of the weights and dimensions abbreviations, refer back to our dedicated article from week 31 (CM1 August).
All goods vehicles and trailers subject to DfT plating and testing (as above) must also have a manufacturer's plate, firmly fixed to the vehicle or trailer. The manufacturer's plate must also contain the following information: • manufacturer's name • date of manufacture • vehicle type • engine type • chassis number • number of axles • maximum axle, gross and train weights (as designed) Vehicles as above should also display their ministry plate (VTG6) and will have a Plating Certificate (VTG7), issued alongside the plate, which displays the same information as the ministry plate but also includes the tyre sizes and ply
ratings (which affect the carrying capacity of the vehicle).
Issuing of ministry plate and certificate
Goods vehicles:
When a vehicle is first registered, the supplier must send the V55 (the form with which you register a new vehicle), insurance certificate, supplier's invoice and certificate of conformity along with the appropriate fee to a Vehicle Registration Office (VRO).
The VRO will then forward the certificate of conformity to the Goods Vehicle Centre in Swansea, which will issue the vehicle with a ministry plate and certificate. Trailers:
The ministry plate and certificate are issued for a trailer when it is submitted for its first annual DfT test.
First annual examination
Goods vehicles:
Goods vehicles must then be submitted for their first annual tests no later than the end of the month in which the first anniversary of registration falls. For example, a vehicle registered on 2 June this year would have until the end of June 2014 to be tested. Trailers:
Trailers and semi-trailers must be submitted for test no later than the end of the month in which the first anniversary of the date of supply or purchase falls. For example, a trailer manufactured in April 2012 and subsequently purchased in September 2012, would have to have its first test by the end of September this year.
Applications for the first annual test are made to the Goods Vehicle Centre in Swansea and should be applied for at least one month before the desired date. Annual test appointments can be made direct with the Goods Vehicle Testing Centre.
Test procedure
Goods vehicles:
The goods vehicle will be given a complete mechanical test as per the goods vehicle tester's manual. On successful completion of the mechanical test, the vehicle will be issued with a test certificate (VTG 5), which is valid for 12 months. Trailers: Similarly, when a trailer is submitted for its first
annual test, it will be subject to a mechanical test and, if successful, issued with a test certificate (VTG 5A) and a trailer test disc (VTG 5B), which must be fixed to the trailer.
The trailer will also be issued with a trailer identification number, which must be displayed and shown on the ministry plate and certificate.
Subsequent annual tests
When goods vehicles and trailers are submitted for subsequent annual tests, the mechanical condition is checked again, and new test certificates and discs are issued for a further 12 months. If a vehicle or trailer is submitted for an annual test not more than two months prior to the expiry of the current certificate, then the new certificate will retain the old anniversary date. For example, a vehicle that is due a test on 31 May but was actually tested on 7 April will be issued with a certificate that's valid until 31 May the following year. The annual test is divided into sections: • Inspect the vehicle at ground level • Inspect the underside of the vehicle • Check lights and reflectors • Check the braking efficiency (using designed/constructed weight)
If the vehicle fails on any of the points mentioned above, a re-test will be required. If the vehicle is re-submitted to the same test station within 14 days, only the defective parts are re-examined. If the re-test is after 14 days, a full test will need to be conducted. Authorised examiners can also refuse to carry out the annual test under the following circumstances: • the vehicle is in a dirty or dangerous condition • the vehicle is late arriving for an appointment • there are incorrect details on the application form • the vehicle is producing excessive amounts of smoke • appointment/registration documents are missing
If the vehicle/trailer has been or is used for carrying dangerous substances, the vehicle must be presented for its test with a certificate confirming it's safe to be examined (VTG 15). A temporary exemption certificate (VTG 33), may be issued by the DfT if it is unable to test the vehicle due to exceptional circumstances. The VTG 33 can be valid for up to three months. Any notifiable alterations that could affect the ministry plate and
certificate must be notified to the Goods Vehicle Centre in Swansea using a VTG 10 form. Changes in the following are, for example, classed as notifiable alterations: • chassis or frame • steering or suspension • bodywork • braking system • fixed equipment (e.g. engine) • tyre equipment
The DfT may require the vehicle to be re-plated/tested.
Forms
To clarify some of the forms we've discussed during this article, here's a breakdown and description of each form relating to the plating and testing procedure: VTG 6— Ministry plate fixed to vehicle/trailer VTG 7 — As VTG 6, but contains tyre sizes and ply rating; to be kept in vehicle file VTG5 and 5A — Test certificates that are valid for 12 months VTG 5B — Trailer disc fitted to the trailer VTG 15— Gas-free certificate for dangerous substances VTG 33 — Temporary exemption certificate valid for up to three months VTG 10— Notifiable alterations to vehicle/trailer