About the scheme
The Commercial Vehicle Operator's Licence ensures that certain commercially operated vehicles and trailers are well maintained to a standard set of conditions. The licence scheme started in May 2018 with the inspection of Heavy Goods Vehicles and Trailers. This is being followed by the inspection of Medium Sized Goods Vehicles from May 2019.
The Inspections
All commercially operated goods vehicles must have an Annual Roadworthiness Inspection (ARI). All vehicles will be inspected using the Goods Vehicles Inspection Manual.
Goods Vehicles Inspection Manual
The inspection will take place at the Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS) test station, La Collette.
On passing the inspection the vehicle will be issued with a Certificate of Compliance (CoC).
Certificates are valid for 12 months from date of issue.
When vehicles or trailers are due for inspection
If your vehicle has an Exemption Licence (P30), inspections will continue as before.
If you are operating vehicles that fall within the scheme but are not on the Vehicle Registration System, such as trailers, you must
contact DVS.
You can book your vehicle in for its ARI by email to dvsbookings@gov.je or you can call DVS on +44 (0) 1534 448631.
Using a vehicle or trailer without a valid CoC, may result in you committing an offence and you could be prosecuted.
Inspection of Heavy Goods Vehicles
From 14 May 2019, all commercial heavy goods vehicles using public roads for trade or business purposes should have been inspected and have a valid CoC.
- goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 7,500kgs
- semi-trailers and draw bar trailers (with an un-laden weight more than 1,020kgs)
- short-term rental vehicles hired for as little as one day
Inspection of Medium Goods Vehicles
From 14 May 2019 Medium Goods Vehicles are required to have annual roadworthiness inspections. From this date commercially operated goods vehicles with a GVW of more than 3.5 tonnes can be inspected.
Bookings can be made anytime during the 12 months. All vehicles within this category must have had their first inspection and have a valid CoC before 14 May 2020.
When scheduling your vehicle, you may wish to consider.
- spacing out your vehicle’s inspections over 12 months to assist with your maintenance and inspection planning.
- if you decide to wait until the end of the period to schedule your inspection and there are no appointments available, you run the risk of not being able to use your vehicle on the roads after 14 May 2020.
Cost of the Annual Roadworthiness Inspection
The cost of an inspection is £196.80, the same as the P30 inspections.
There is a charge of £98.40 if your vehicle or trailer fails and needs to be retested using the test station.
Vehicle Operator Licencing
The issuing of operator licences requires new legislation, which is being developed. All operators will be given advance notice of when the scheme is ready and when applications can be made.
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