Guidance

MOT inspection manual: public service vehicles (PSVs)

Inspection processes and standards for bus and coach MOT tests (annual tests).

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published
18 July 2013
Last updated
26 June 2025 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Public service vehicle (PSV) inspection manual

PDF, 3.96 MB, 177 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible-formats@dvsa-publishing.zendesk.com. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This manual is for everyone who takes part in PSV examinations and maintenance and explains:

  • acceptable reasons for failure
  • application of specific relevant requirements
  • procedures and standards used during testing

You cannot buy printed copies of the manual from DVSA, but you’re allowed to print your own copies.

Updates to this page

Published 18 July 2013
Last updated 26 June 2025 show all updates

  1. Added the PSV inspection manual (from 1 July 2025).

  2. Added the PSV inspection manual (from 1 April 2025).

  3. Added the PSV inspection manual (from 1 June 2024).

  4. Added the PSV inspection manual (from 1 April 2023). Full details are set out in the change table in the document.

  5. Added Public service vehicle (PSV) inspection manual (from 1 May 2022)

  6. Updated to latest version of PSV inspection manual. Changes include: - updates to section 26 'Speedometer/Tachograph' - updates to section 33 'Speed Limiter' Full details of changes can be found in the revision record in the PSV inspection manual.

  7. Added the PSV inspection manual (from 1 February 2021) and PSV inspection manual: changes from 1 February 2021

  8. Updated the PSV inspection manual with the latest version. Full details are set out in the change table in the document.

  9. Updated with the latest version of the manual.

  10. Added the version of the PSV inspection manual that will apply from 13 September 2018. Full details are set out in the change table in the document.

  11. Updated the PSV inspection manual that applies from 20 May 2018, and removed the manual that applied until 19 May 2018.

  12. Updated the public service vehicles (PSV) inspection manual and change table that will apply from 20 May 2018.

  13. Added a draft version of the PSV inspection manual that will apply from 20 May 2018.

  14. Added the PSV inspection manual that will apply from 1 October 2015.

  15. Added the PSV inspection manual that comes into effect from 1 April 2015.

  16. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Part of Get an annual test (MOT) for a lorry, bus or trailer: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check when your test is due and get reminders

    1. Check when your annual test is due
    2. Get reminders by email or text message

  2. Step 2 Book the test

    1. Find your nearest test centre and book your test

    The cost will vary depending on where you take the test.

    1. Check the fees for heavy goods vehicles or trailers
    2. Check the fees for public service vehicles

    Fill in an application form before you book your test if it's the first time it's been tested and it's:

  3. Step 3 Prepare your vehicle

    1. Check your vehicle’s headlamp aim
    2. Check the brakes if it's a heavy goods vehicle
    3. Check what to do if your vehicle carries dangerous goods

    You can get your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic to prepare for the test. They should be using the test standards in the:

  4. and Prepare the documents you need

    1. Check what documents you need to take with you

    You need to bring extra documents if your vehicle is used to carry dangerous goods, or if it's exempt from having a tachograph or speed limiter.

  5. Step 4 Take your vehicle to the test

    1. Find out what happens at the test centre

    At the end of the test, you'll be told if your vehicle has passed or failed.