Is your fleet roadworthy?
Regular vehicle roadworthy inspections are not only a legal requirement to consider, but can ensure that your car does not fail you when you need it. Read here for more information.

Roadworthiness checks are not just a legal requirement; they are crucial to responsible fleet management and driver safety.
While legal requirements may vary, neglecting regular vehicle inspections can have dire consequences.
Legal requirements
• Passenger vehicles typically only require roadworthiness testing when ownership changes.
• Public transport (including minibuses) and heavy commercial vehicles require annual roadworthiness checks.
• Buses must undergo roadworthiness checks every six months.

Beyond legal compliance
Eugene Herbert, the CEO of MasterDrive, emphasised that roadworthiness checks go beyond legal obligations. “Fleet managers should prioritise regular vehicle inspections, regardless of legal requirements, particularly for passenger vehicles that may be used for extended periods before a mandatory check is due.
“As a provider of driver training, MasterDrive recognises the critical importance of roadworthy vehicles. Training cannot effectively take place in a vehicle that fails to meet basic safety standards. Unfortunately, we encounter an unacceptable number of unroadworthy vehicles during our training programmes.”
Shared responsibility
The responsibility for ensuring vehicle roadworthiness lies with both fleet managers and drivers. “While fleet managers are ultimately responsible for initiating repairs or replacements, drivers play a vital role in identifying potential issues early on. Implementing robust pre-trip inspection procedures with zero tolerance for neglect is crucial. These inspections serve as the first line of defence in identifying problems and ensuring timely corrective action. Road safety is a collective effort that requires the active participation of all individuals.”
Conducting roadworthy checks
There are two primary approaches to conducting regular roadworthiness checks – in-house inspections and professional inspections.
In-house inspections will cover the following:
• Engine
• Lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights)
• Tyres (tread depth, pressure)
• Brakes (brakes, brake fluid, handbrake)
• Steering and alignment
• Suspension (shocks)
• Exhaust system
• Windows and windscreen (cracks, wipers)
• Doors

Professional inspections
Outsourcing inspections to professionals, such as those affiliated with the Vehicle Testing Association, can be highly beneficial.
Professionals possess the expertise to quickly identify and rectify problems more efficiently than in-house teams.
The importance of roadworthy vehicles
“The confidence that comes with knowing your fleet is roadworthy is invaluable,” said Herbert. “It ensures both drivers and the company can operate with peace of mind, knowing their vehicles will not fail them when it matters most.”
Source: MotorPress