Guidance

Authorised testing facility (ATF) service bulletin 01-18: fast tractor annual testing

Published 6 February 2018

This guidance was withdrawn on

This page has been withdrawn because it’s out of date. You can read the latest guidance about running an authorised testing facilitiy (ATF).

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/authorised-testing-facility-atf-bulletin-0118-fast-tractor-annual-testing/authorised-testing-facility-atf-service-bulletin-0118-fast-tractor-annual-testing

1. Overview

Annual testing of ‘fast tractors’ will become mandatory on 20 May 2018 when the EU Roadworthiness directive 2014/45/EU is introduced.

2. Criteria of a fast tractor

Fast tractor vehicles (also referred to as ‘category T’) will require annual testing if they are:

  • able to reach speeds exceeding 40 kilometres per hour
  • used for haulage of a load that is not related to:
    • agriculture
    • horticulture
    • forestry operations
  • used more than 15 miles from their operating location

Vehicles that meet all the criteria are to be included in the existing heavy goods vehicle (HGV) scheme, using the current test standards.

3. When they need to be tested

Fast tractors will be required to have a first annual test 4 years after its first registration and then at 2 year intervals.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is now offering testing for these vehicles to give operators time to get them tested before 20 May 2018.

4. Bookings for fast tractors

Treat these vehicles the same way as an HGV for billing and booking purposes, using the current testing fees.

Vehicle owners need to apply for an HGV first annual test before their vehicle can be tested. This will generate a technical record and a plating certificate (if appropriate), which is required to allow the test to go ahead.

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