Braking performance assessment requirements from April 2025

In a significant move to enhance road safety, the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that, effective April 2025, there is an expectation that every safety inspection will include a brake performance assessment using either an RBT, a suitable electronic brake performance monitoring system (EBPMS) or a decelerometer with temperature readings. If EBPMS is not used it is expected there is a minimum of four laden brake tests spread evenly across the year, this can include the annual test.

Acceptable reasons for not carrying out a laden brake assessment.

Vehicles where laden brake assessments may not be possible or where additional loading would be difficult are listed below (this is not an exhaustive list), however there is an expectation that at least four of the assessments will use an RBT unless the construction or weight of the vehicle prevents its use.

Vehicles where under normal operating conditions (more than 70% of the time) run at less than 65% of the permitted axle weights. This may include car transporters where they are designed for that specific task
Furniture removal vehicles – Only when designed and constructed as a furniture removal vehicle
ADR – Only when the load is considered dangerous and specialist facilities are not available
Vehicles operating at 50% or more of permitted axle weights when unladen – This could include fixed plant, mobile libraries, compactor vehicles, exhibition type vehicles, bullion vehicles, etc.

Where a laden brake test is not carried out a risk assessment detailing the reasons, must be completed by a competent person who understands braking systems and its components at every safety inspection.

There must be an evaluation of the vehicle/ trailer performance report before every safety inspection by a competent person who can interpret the data. The evaluation must be signed, dated, and attached to the vehicle record together with the performance data report. The evaluation and data report may be a single document.

To allow flexibility vehicles can be presented for brake testing up to 14 days before the safety inspection date; this allows the operator to conduct a laden brake test during the vehicle/trailer normal activities without the need to specially load it.

Reliable brake testing is crucial to ensure road safety, helping to identify any potential brake issues that may lead to accidents on the road, minimising risks to the HGV drivers and other road users.

What does this update mean for you?

To follow best practice and comply with the proposed new legislation, the DVSA expect that with every safety inspection a brake performance assessment is completed with an RBT, suitable electronic brake performance monitoring system (EBPMS) or using a decelerometer and taking temperature readings as the sole method for evaluating brake performance.

In some cases, a loaded brake test may be impractical. As such, if a vehicle or trailer consistently operates under specific conditions, exemptions may apply. Examples include:

ADR vehicles: when the load is considered dangerous, and specialist facilities are unavailable.
Livestock carriers: when recreating the load is not possible.
Noxious load carriers: only if the vehicle is specifically designed for this purpose.
Furniture removal vehicles: only if the vehicle is specifically designed for this purpose.
Public service vehicles: this includes prisoner transfer vehicles.
Vehicles that operate at 50% or more of permitted axle weight when unladen. This could include fixed plant, mobile libraries, compactor vehicles or bullion transport vehicles.
Vehicles that more than 70% of the time run at less than 65% of the permitted axle weights, these may include car transporters or unladen tri-axle semi-trailers.

For businesses running vehicles not fitted with an EBPMS (currently only available on trailers) or exempt, a minimum of four laden RBT assessments are required, these are to be spread evenly across the year and include the existing requirement to conduct a RBT at each MOT test. To ensure minimal disruption, these tests can be completed as early as 14 days before the next safety inspection date.

A risk assessment (example here) must be available to support every safety inspection where a laden brake test is not completed. The operator will still be responsible for a risk assessment is in place to justify any exemption. This assessment should be:

Available to review during every safety inspection.

Updated annually, or whenever there is a change in vehicle use.

Retained with vehicle maintenance documents for 15 months.

What Should Our Customers Do?

At Mac’s Truck Rental, we are dedicated to providing safe and roadworthy vehicles to our customers and as part of this dedication we will be working with our customers to ensure they re-main compliant.

To achieve this, we will continue to complete our standard 4 laden RBTs per year across our managed fleets, while supporting our customers’ unique operational needs but will offer an increase in the frequency of the laden brake tests being conducted at the customer’s request. (Conditions apply).

We will be available to assist our customers, offering advice on how the new requirements affect their operations, any potential cost implications and providing information on keeping their own fleet in compliance.

For more information on the Braking performance assessment requirements from April 2025 and further reading please see below links.

Guide to maintaining roadworthiness: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6751b5d044885d072cecbd62/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness-commercial-goods-and-public-service-vehicles.pdf

Brake test risk assessment: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67362fbaf6920bfb5abc7bc1/annex-7-example-of-a-brake-assessment-risk-assessment-template.pdf

Understanding your HGV or trailer’s brake test report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/understanding-your-hgv-or-trailers-brake-test-report/understanding-your-hgv-or-trailers-brake-test-report

EBPMS Industry Standard Specification:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electronic-braking-performance-monitoring-systems/electronic-braking-performance-monitoring-system-ebpms-industry-standard-specification

Fill in your details below to get more information from the team at Mac’s Truck Rental, whether you’re looking into contract hire or simply want to know more about one of our trucks.

Leasing a pick-up truck used to be easy, you just needed to consider the price, engine size, and reliability. However, times have changed and so have pick-up manufacturers. In recent years, manufacturers have moved towards high-spec versions of their commercial pick-up trucks. With sophisticated accessories and styling, the type of luxury options someone would expect to find in an executive car. With many business lease customers, realising LCV pick-ups are classed as commercial vehicles. Therefore, enabling them to take advantage of the tax and VAT savings. Here Mac’s Truck Rental looks into some of the best light commercial vehicle (LCV) pick-ups you can lease today:

Isuzu D-Max

In terms of the Isuzu D-Max, safety is its main strong point. Various autonomous driving aids, which has enabled it to achieve five stars under the Euro NCAP car assessment program. There are a variety of options to choose from to suit all requirements. From a single cab with a long bed to carry a maximum payload of 1205kg. Or an extended cab with a double five-seater cab, ideal for a weekend family trip. With a 1.9-litre diesel engine with 162bhp and 360Nm of torque. All models can tow up to 3,500kg except the rear-wheel drive model, which can pull 2,500kg. It’s a practical workhorse and matches the Ford Ranger in this area.

One of the main downsides of the Isuzu D-Max is it can feel very bouncy when the bed is empty. Thus, sending shudders down your body when anything is hit. While a Ranger is an altogether more supple and comfortable vehicle. Furthermore, the D-Max is easy to guide on corners, however, suffers if a mid-corner bump arises. A Ranger has more precise steering giving you greater confidence.

The design of the D-Max can seem quite aggressive with a double-fang front grille and various coloured trims. The interior of the Isuzu D-Max is well laid out with lumbar support on the driver’s seat in all versions. Including a 7” touchscreen infotainment system, which responds swiftly to commands and has robust buttons and toggles. It also includes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With further options to upgrade to 9” screen and keyless entry.

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is one of the most famous brand names in the pick-up world. Earing its fame through being tough and reliable even in the hardest environments around the world. With various customisable options, the double cab is one of the popular choices for a work and family life balance. With plenty of room for tall adults, although those over six feet will have less headroom than in the equivalent Ford Ranger.

The basic entry-level Toyota Hilux has a 2.4L diesel engine with 148bhp, enough to haul 3500kg loads using the tow bar or carry up to 1,030kg in the load bed. Or the 2020 option of a 2.8L engine, with 201bhp, providing better performance than the entry-level pick-up. Taking 10.1 seconds from 0-62mph with a manual gearbox and 10.7 seconds when equipped with an automatic. Designed with stiff rear suspension to handle large weights in the bed. However, this can cause the back of the truck to feel a little bouncy over speed bumps and rough roads. Although, many reviews have found it is smoother than the Isuzu D-Max for a smoother ride the Ranger is best.

The interior of the Hilux is sophisticated with the overall feel more like a car than a pick-up. There are a variety of trim levels available, a 7” touchscreen infotainment system, sat-nav, heated leather seats, and a suite of luxury and safety features. The Hilux features the Toyota Safety Sense as standard, which includes lane departure warning, road sign assist, pre-collision alert, and adaptive cruise control.

As the name suggested you do sit high up in the Hilux, making the side steps extremely useful. Although, this height enables the driver to see the end of the bonnet with thin windscreen pillars. However, the view out of the back is harder due to the small rear window and high bed, making a reversing camera essential.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak Pick-Up

The Ford Ranger was voted pick-up of the year in Auto Express awards in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. It is also one of the UK’s bestselling pick-up trucks. Currently, there are 47 different variations when looking for a Ford Ranger. A customer will need to choose between three body styles including the single and double cab. In addition to a drivetrain of either 4×4 or 4×2. Lastly, engine size, of 2.2-litre, 3.2-litre, 2.0-litre single turbo or 2.0-litre BiTurbo. Then you have the options of different editions such as the Wildtrak.

Navigating all of these options can be a minefield and there is such a thing as too much choice. However, if you require a light commercial vehicle that can swiftly be used as an everyday family car, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is ideal.

Alongside, its impressive 2.0L EcoBlue 213 PS (157 kW) diesel engine and four-wheel drive, there aren’t many places the Ranger can’t go. Powerful enough to carry whatever you throw in it, whether that be your work kit and materials or your family and their luggage. With a towing capacity of 3500kg and load bed capability of 1024kg. There are many reviews out there on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak pick-up based on the driving experience. Many believe the Ford Ranger Wildtrak provides a settled experience at any speed with its locking rear differential to improve off-road ability.

Offering an impressive blend of comfort and good on-road dynamics, without sacrificing its working truck abilities. Many reviews state they prefer an SUV or pick-up truck due to its high-up driving position. The Ford Ranger Wildtrak does just that, with lumbar adjustment as standard. With a large amount of space in the back with four doors plus space for five. As well as being aesthetically pleasing with 18″ alloy wheels and partial-leather seat trim design. Additionally, an 8″ touchscreen and navigation as standard with Ford’s latest Sync 3 software. The Sync 3 system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

Rent a pick-up truck from Mac’s Truck Rental today. Offering the Ford Ranger Wildtrak with 2.0L EcoBlue 213 PS. With a 12 or 24-month business lease, at competitive prices, with hassle-free service and full aftersales care. No hidden servicing or repair fees as your Ford Ranger Wildtrak will be fully maintained by our expert technicians for the life of the lease. When the time comes, you can choose to renew or simply upgrade. Contact us today!