Published: 28 April 2025 By: Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Applies to: England, Scotland & Wales View on GOV.UK
The latest edition of the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness (GTMR) sets out the expectations for operators, transport managers and maintenance providers responsible for keeping commercial goods and passenger-carrying vehicles in a fit and serviceable condition. It continues the long-established principles of road safety and compliance, while introducing updated standards for modern fleets.
What’s in the GTMR 2025
Clarifies responsibilities for roadworthiness covering drivers, operators and maintenance providers.
Sets out requirements for inspection and repair facilities, standards of equipment and operator oversight.
Strengthens guidance on record-keeping, monitoring and system reviews.
Key changes in the 2025 edition
The term “fit and serviceable” now goes beyond an MOT pass — it means fully roadworthy in daily operation.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and electronic braking components are now explicitly within scope for maintenance checks.
Operators working in arduous conditions (urban delivery, off-road use, multiple driver shifts) may be required to carry out more than one walk-round check every 24 hours.
Brake Performance Assessment (BPA) is now required at every safety inspection — ideally a laden roller brake test. If impractical, a competent person must complete a risk assessment and document alternative testing (e.g., decelerometer or EBPMS).
New guidance on Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS) and parking brake assessments, recognising digital data as valid evidence when properly managed.
Launch of the Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS) to benchmark maintenance provider competence and standards — participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged.
Why it matters
Let’s be frank — relying on “the way we’ve always done it” no longer cuts it. The 2025 guide sets a higher bar. Operators who fail to review their inspection systems, documentation and oversight risk falling short of what the Traffic Commissioners and DVSA now expect. Compliance isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about proof that your vehicles are genuinely roadworthy every single day.
What you should do
Review walk-round procedures: include scenarios of arduous use, ensure drivers know defect reporting duties and that vehicles aren’t used until declared roadworthy.
Include brake performance testing: ensure a laden roller brake test is carried out wherever feasible, or document an alternative with a written risk assessment.
Check maintenance provider standards: verify competence, equipment and contracts; benchmark against the new MPRS framework.
Audit your record-keeping: all safety inspection and defect data must be accessible, date-stamped and auditable — digital or paper.
Brief drivers and managers: provide updated training on brake testing, ADAS, EBPMS and defect escalation.
Final word
The GTMR 2025 doesn’t change the core principles — it reinforces them. The message is clear: traditional discipline in maintenance, applied to modern systems, remains the backbone of safe operation. Review your arrangements, make the changes, and you’ll stand firm in the eyes of both the DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner.
If you’d like professional support in reviewing or updating your maintenance systems, feel free to get in touch.
