DVSA highlights truck maintenance and compliance issues that fleet management software could easily remedy

A recent Logistics UK Transport Manager conference saw Caroline Hicks of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) outline the status of truck (HGV) maintenance and compliance for fleet operators.

Caroline is DVSA’s head of regulatory services and transformation and noted the complacency of some operators in the mechanical condition of their trucks.

What struck Jaama was how many of the issues regarding safety, compliance and adherence to legislation could easily be remedied by operators adopting a modern fleet management system such as Key2.

Hicks reported that “compliance rates for commercial vehicles had remained almost static at between 11 % and 13 % for the past 15 years and despite enforcement efforts, the condition of many fleets had not significantly improved.
Hicks warned that many vehicles were being maintained only enough to pass the annual MOT test, hoping they wouldn’t be stopped for the remainder of the year. DVSA roadside checks found 14 % of trucks were non-compliant, while annual tests reported a 10% failure rate.

Many defects being found by DVSA examiners should have been detected earlier in driver checks or maintenance processes and Hicks encouraged operators that if something does go wrong, ask why did it go wrong?

  • Here is a checklist for truck operators based on Hicks’ commentary

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✅Review whether your maintenance schedule is sufficient for your truck’s usage profile (e.g., final-mile vs motorway).

  • ✅Improve driver walk-around check procedures and ensure defects are flagged before they set off on their deliveries and are addressed immediately.

  • ✅Audit your maintenance provider(s) and internal processes for gaps (record keeping, response times to defects, spare parts availability).

  • ✅Monitor defect-trend data - what types of faults keep recurring and address root cause (truck, usage, route, driver behaviour).

  • ✅Use telematics and remote vehicle diagnostics where feasible — for compliance and proactive operator health management.

  • ✅Engage in schemes like DVSA Earned Recognition (if eligible) which demonstrate strong compliance culture and reduced stops for approved operators and supporting increased targeting for non-compliant operators.