Specialist tests for lorries

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TIR test for quicker border crossings

The TIR system allows UK customs officials to pack and seal goods before they’re transported outside the EU. This means that the load will not need to be opened and inspected by customs officials at border crossings.

To meet the TIR requirements your vehicle must pass a test to make sure that:

  • nothing can be put into or taken from the vehicle without it being obvious
  • the goods compartment is built so that it has to be accessed from both inside and outside to be removed and replaced

Vehicles have to be made to the TIR convention standards. Most lorries made in the UK are not built to the TIR standard and cannot easily be changed to meet the standard.

Book a TIR test

There are 2 ways to get vehicles approved. You can either:

  • get individual vehicles approved by having each one inspected
  • get a design approved for a series of vehicles

Get individual vehicles approved

Fill in an application to book an individual vehicle inspection and pay the fee. You need to fill in a form and pay a fee for each vehicle you want to be approved.

The TIR test certificate lasts for 2 years from the date it’s issued. You then need to book another inspection every 2 years to keep the vehicle approved. You have to fill in the inspection form and pay the fee each time.

Fee type Cost
Initial inspection for an individual vehicle £106
Two-yearly inspection for an individual vehicle £106
Re-inspection for an individual vehicle after a failed test £70

Fees may be different in Northern Ireland.

Get a design approved for a series of vehicles

Fill in an application to get a vehicle load compartment design approved and pay the fee.

After the design is approved, you have to apply for a ‘certificate of conformity’ for each vehicle made to that design. You have to pay a fee for each vehicle. DVSA will inspect a sample of the vehicles.

The certificate lasts for 2 years from the date it’s issued. You then need to book an inspection for each vehicle made to the design every 2 years to keep them approved. You have to pay the inspection fee each time.

Fee type Cost
Approval of a design for a series of vehicles £644
Certificate of conformity for each vehicle made to the design £14
Two-yearly inspection for each vehicle made to the design £106
Re-inspection for a vehicle after a failed test £70
Make a change to an approved design £106
Replacement certificate of conformity £14

Fees may be different in Northern Ireland.

Where you can get the vehicle tested

Call DVSA to find out where you can have it done.

DVSA Helpline
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

Cancelling a test

You’ll need to give at least 3 days notice to cancel an inspection. Otherwise the fee will not be refunded.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Transport goods out of the UK by road: step by step

  1. Step 1 Apply for operator licences and permits

    1. Check if you need a vehicle operator licence
    2. Apply for a vehicle operator licence

    You'll need other licences and permits, depending on the countries you're driving to or through.

    1. Check which licences and permits you need

  2. Step 2 Register and get approval for your vehicle

    You may need to register your trailer to drive through or to the EU if it weighs over 750kg.

    1. Register your trailer to take it abroad

    You’ll need to get specialist vehicle approvals to transport any of the following:

  3. Step 3 Make sure your driver is eligible to drive abroad

    1. Check your driver has the documents they need to drive abroad

    The driver must carry these documents with them.

  4. Step 4 Check the rules for the goods you're carrying

    1. Find out what you need to do if you're exporting your own goods

    There are rules for transporting certain goods. Your driver may need to follow set routes or stop at specific check points. Check the rules for:

    1. Find out what you need to apply for if you’re moving goods temporarily out of the UK

    If you're transporting goods outside the EU they must have been cleared by customs (given ‘permission to progress’). The exporter can tell you if this has happened.

  5. Step 5 Make sure your driver has the right export documents

    Your driver will need copies of:

    • any export licences
    • the road consignment note (‘CMR note’)
    • the Movement Reference Number (MRN) from the export declaration - if you're moving goods out of the EU
    • the MRN and the Local Reference Number (LRN) - if you're moving goods under the Common Transit convention (CTC)
    • the ATA Carnet document - if you're moving goods out of the EU temporarily
    • the TiR Carnet document - if you’re moving goods in a sealed load compartment with a seal number

    The exporter should be able to give all of these to you.

    You'll also need to have a customs seal approval certificate for the vehicle if you’re moving goods in a sealed load compartment. You'll get this when your vehicle passes the TiR test.

    You may need to use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) to move goods through some ports.

    1. Check how to move goods through ports that use the GVMS

  6. Step 6 Find out what vehicle documents your driver needs to carry

    1. Check what HGV and trailer documents your driver must carry
    2. Check what driving documents your driver must carry

  7. Step 7 Check you are ready for the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or Holyhead

    You may need to attend an inland border facility if you're leaving from the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or Holyhead.

    1. Check whether you need to attend an inland border facility

  8. Step 8 Check local road rules

    1. Check the road rules for European countries on the AA website
    2. Check travel advice for countries outside Europe

    When you have your documents, insurance and any extra equipment you need, you can transport goods abroad.