What is the DVSA and what do they do?

All drivers will have dealings with the DVSA in some form, but few of us truly understand what the DVSA is and what it does. Below we provide answers to some of the questions most commonly asked about the DVSA.

What is the DVSA?

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, (DVSA), formerly known as the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, (VOSA), is a government agency responsible for ensuring that drivers and vehicles meet stringent safety and environmental standards.

What does the DVSA do?

The DVSA is responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of drivers and vehicles. It has a wide range of responsibilities which include:

• conducting driving tests
• approving driving instructors and MOT testers
• testing lorries and buses to make sure they are safe to drive
• performing roadside checks
• monitoring vehicle recalls to ensure safety
• regulating MOT services
• ensuring commercial vehicle operators, drivers, and vehicles meet safety and roadworthiness standards
• identifying and addressing road traffic offences
• managing the award of operator licenses and compliance with their requirements
• setting and enforcing safety and maintenance standards for vehicles
• enforcing legal compliance across the transport industry
• providing educational resources and guidance to support compliance and promote best practices
• reviewing data and records to monitor operator compliance.

The DVSA works with other organisations, such as the Traffic Commissioner, Police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and courts, to achieve its goals.

Can the DVSA pull me over?

Yes, DVSA officers have the power to stop vehicles on the road.

They can carry out spot checks on vehicles and issue prohibitions if necessary. A prohibition prevents you from driving until you get a problem with your vehicle fixed.

What powers do DVSA officers have?

DVSA officers have the power to:

• stop vehicles on the road
• inspect vehicles for safety and compliance
• prevent the use of unsafe vehicles
• inspect operating centres
• investigate potential violations of the drivers’ hours rules
• review an operator’s maintenance practices and record-keeping
• manage cases and represent the DVSA at a magistrates court
• in certain situations, enter vehicles and private properties.

Can the DVSA issue fines?

Yes, the DVSA can issue fines, which are called ‘fixed penalties’. These fines can be issued for various offences, including:

• overloading a vehicle
• drivers’ hours offences
• roadworthiness offences.

The severity of the fine depends on the circumstances and seriousness of the offence. The proceeds of DVSA fines are used to fund public services.

What is the difference between the DVLA and DVSA?

The DVLA, (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), and DVSA are both part of the Department for Transport, but they have different roles. The DVLA handles the licensing and registration of drivers and vehicles, whereas the DVSA is focused on conducting driving tests, ensuring road safety and enforcing vehicle standards.

What is the role of the Traffic Commissioner?

If the DVSA suspect that an operator has broken conditions on their licence or committed some other form of transport offence, they can refer the company to the Traffic Commissioner. The Traffic Commissioner may then decide to convene a hearing to decide whether to take regulatory action.

Find out more about Traffic Commissioner hearings.