You must get your commercial vehicle tested every year to make sure it’s roadworthy. This is known as the annual test . There are extra tests coaches and buses may need to take to: qualify for free entrance to the London Low Emission Zone ( LEZ ) by getting a Low Emissions Certificate ( LEC ) meet seat belt safety rules

Reduced emissions test

You can get your vehicle tested for a Low Emissions Certificate ( LEC ). This lets you drive in the Low Emission Zone ( LEZ ) without paying. The Reduced Pollution Certificate (RPC) scheme to reduce your vehicle tax ended on 31 December 2016. Eligibility Your vehicle can be tested for a Low Emissions Certificate if it: was registered in the UK before 1 October 2006 is fitted with a full filter to Low Emission Zone emissions standards You don’t need a Low Emission Certificate for a vehicle with a Euro 4, 5 or 6 engine. Converted and re-engined vehicles Contact DVLA if the vehicle has either: been fitted or converted to run solely on petrol had an approved gas conversion Contact Transport for London ( TfL ) if your vehicle has been ‘re-engined’ to meet Low Emission Zone standards. TfL Low Emission Zone lezlondon@tfl.gov.uk or make an enquiry online Telephone: 0343 222 1111 International: +44 (0)343 222 1111 Monday to Friday, 8am to 10pm Saturday, 9am to 3pm Find out about call charges Book a Low Emissions Certificate test Contact an authorised testing facility or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ( DVSA ) test station to book the test. You need: your vehicle registration number your vehicle identification or chassis number the make, model and date of manufacture details of any modifications made to meet the emissions standard to pay the fee It’s cheaper to have the test done at the same time as the vehicle’s annual test . What to take to the test If it’s been tested before you must take the vehicle’s previous Low Emissions Certificate or Reduced Pollution Certificate. The test can be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if you don’t take the certificate. What happens at the test The test is in 2 parts: physical inspection to check any modifications, such as a filter fitted to the exhaust smoke opacity test to check emissions Test result You’ll get a Low Emissions Certificate if your vehicle passes the test. DVSA will pass your details to TfL automatically. It takes around 3 days for your details to be updated so you can drive in the Low Emission Zone. If your vehicle is registered outside Great Britain, you need to register with TfL yourself. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t register it. If your vehicle fails You can appeal the result. Fill in form LEC3 and send it to DVSA . The address is on the form. Renewing a Low Emissions Certificate The Low Emissions Certificate has an expiry date on it. You need to get your vehicle tested again by this date if you want to continue driving in the Low Emission Zone without paying. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving in the Low Emission Zone without a valid Low Emissions Certificate.

Seat belt installation tests

Manufacturers of some buses, coaches and minibuses must make sure their seat belts meet certain safety rules. Vehicles that need to be tested If your vehicle has additional seat belts fitted beyond those required by law, it must be tested if: it’s a private passenger vehicle with more than 8 passenger seats and was first used on or after 1 October 2001 it’s a public service vehicle Exemptions Private passenger vehicles registered before 1 October 2001 are exempt. Buses made to carry standing passengers are also exempt, but if they have seat belts these must be tested. Public service vehicles that need a Certificate of Initial Fitness ( COIF ) have their seat belts checked as part of this process. Arrange a test You can get your passenger vehicle’s seat belt installation tested at one of the following centres: Vehicle Occupant Safety Centre Millbrook proving ground Transport research laboratory Manufacturers can test their own seat belts as long as they have the right equipment and staff. Testing seat belts is usually part of obtaining a COIF on new vehicles. You can get more advice about testing your passenger vehicle’s seat belts from DVSA . DVSA enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk Telephone: 0300 123 9000 Find out about call charges

Specialist tests for coaches and buses

Overview

You must get your commercial vehicle tested every year to make sure it’s roadworthy. This is known as the annual test.

There are extra tests coaches and buses may need to take to:

qualify for free entrance to the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) by getting a Low Emissions Certificate (LEC)
meet seat belt safety rules

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Specialist tests for coaches and buses

Overview

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Specialist tests for coaches and buses

Overview

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