The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is now in force in Greater London and applies to all vehicles weighing more than 12 tonnes travelling into Greater London. Whether you are operating a vehicle in the UK, or your drivers are travelling into London from overseas, all vehicles will require a DVS permit.
Our experts at Brigade have put together a step-by-step guide with details of how to apply for a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) permit including all the relevant links and information you’ll need to operate a vehicle in Greater London. Complete our free online DVS Star Rating Form to find out the star rating for your vehicle.
Check your star rating with your manufacturer, or Brigade can do it for you for free. Simply complete our online DVS Star Rating Form, fill in your details, and we will get back to you.
Manufacturers can take a maximum of two weeks to respond in busy periods so ensure you allow enough time.
If your HGV is rated 1 to 5 stars, you can apply for a permit without the need to provide any additional evidence (skip to step 4). Vehicles which are 0 star rated must comply with the DVS Safe System. From October 2024, all vehicles that are 0, 1 and 2 star rated must comply with the improved DVS Progressive Safe System, which requires the fitting of extra devices. Proof of installation must be supplied to TfL when you apply for your permit. It is also worth noting that if the vehicle is required on certain sites, the FORS and CLOCS specifications may be enforced.
If you fall short of the star rating requirements and your vehicle is given a 0, 1 or 2 star rating, you will need to retrospectively fit devices for indirect vision that meet the DVS Progressive Safe System requirements. This includes a camera monitor system, Sidescan® sensors, an audible Moving Off Information System (MOIS) and a warning sticker.
Once these products have been fitted you will need to take two photographs to provide as evidence to Transport for London.
You will need to upload photographic evidence of the DVS Progressive Safe System devices on your vehicle at the point of applying for your permit. This means the products must be fitted prior to making your application.
Here’s our advice on how to take photos for a successful DVS permit application:
Your photos must:
Photo 1
Photo 2
You are now ready to apply for the DVS permit from Transport for London, which you can do via this web address: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-safety-permit-application/
Operators can apply for between 5 to 3,000 vehicles at one time. You will need all vehicle numberplates and will have to indicate whether the vehicles are UK registered or non-UK. To do this, download and complete the CSV file available on the government website:
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-safety-permit-application/templates/MPATemplate.csv
Once you have uploaded the completed CSV file, you will receive a confirmation email with a permit application number. Within 28 days you will receive separate emails to advise you of the outcome of the application.
