Collection

Authorised testing facilities (ATFs): guidance, forms and updates

Guidance, forms and updates for authorised testing facilities (ATFs) that test heavy goods vehicles, trailers and public service vehicles.

• From: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
• Published: 3 July 2014
• Last updated: 3 June 2021 — See all updates

An ATF tests that heavy goods vehicles, trailers and public service vehicles like buses are roadworthy and meet safety and environmental standards.

Set up an ATF

Guides and forms for setting up an ATF.

• Set up an authorised testing facility (ATF) to test HGVs, trailers and buses
  • 23 May 2024
  • Guidance
• Authorised testing facility (ATF): branding guide
  • 14 October 2014
  • Guidance
• Apply for an authorised testing facility (ATF) pre-funded account
  • 16 September 2010
  • Form

Run an ATF

Guides and forms for running an ATF.

Contact an ATF network business manager if you have any problems or questions about annual tests being provided at your ATF.

• Induct DVSA assessors working at your vehicle testing site
  • 18 April 2022
  • Guidance
• Manage your authorised testing facility (ATF)
  • 3 June 2021
  • Guidance
• Accepting dangerous goods vehicles for ADR or annual tests
  • 30 November 2022
  • Guidance

Approved equipment

You must have at least the minimum level of equipment for each vehicle class you’re authorised to test.

The equipment listed is acceptable for testing cars, lorries, buses, coaches and trailers at ATFs. It must be bought from an approved manufacturer.

Only equipment on the Class 5 list with the appropriate computer control system, or clearly marked with HGV (for testing lorries) or PSV (for testing buses and coaches), is acceptable.

You’ll also need a range of generic equipment which can be bought from any suitable manufacturer and include:

• brake airline valve lift gauge
• communication system
• inspection hand lamp
• load simulation provision
• pit jack

You must make sure that all your equipment is in good working order and calibrated where appropriate.

• MOT equipment approved by DVSA
  • 19 April 2021
  • Guidance

Published 3 July 2014
Last updated 3 June 2021 + show all updates

1. 3 June 2021

   Removed - documents that have been withdrawn as they were out of date and no longer relevant. - "The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has temporarily stopped accepting applications to set up new ATFs."

2. 12 August 2019

   Added 'Induct DVSA assessors working at your vehicle testing site' to the document collection.

3. 21 February 2018

   Added ATF bulletin 02-18 to the document collection.

4. 19 December 2014

   Added 'ATF contract for next generation testing arrangements' to the document collection.

5. 15 August 2014

   Added 'ATF e-bulletin issue 9: August 2014' to the collection.

6. 14 August 2014

   Added 'Lorry, bus and trailer annual test fees to fall' news story to the collection.

7. 3 July 2014

   First published.