Direct Vision Standard (DVS)
How to apply for a DVS Permit
The permit is free of charge and there is no requirement to display anything in the vehicle. If you are unsure how to apply for a DVS Permit then continue reading below but if you are ready to submit an application, you can apply on the TfL website by following the link below.
Step 1
Find out your star rating
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.
How do I find my DVS Star Rating?
Vehicle operators need to contact their vehicle manufacturer to find out what their DVS star rating is. There is currently no published list available. Operators will need the VIN number of the HGV to hand.
| Manufacturer | Email/Online Form |
| DAF | [email protected] |
| Dennis Eagle | www.dennis-eagle.co.uk/USV |
| MAN | [email protected] |
| Renault | [email protected] |
| Scania | [email protected] |
| Volvo | [email protected] |
| Mercedes-Benz | [email protected] |
| Iveco | [email protected] |
Complete the form on the page below by giving us the registration and VIN number of your trucks over 12 tonnes and we will contact the manufacturer on your behalf.
Once we have your DVS star rating, if any further action is required we can advise you with how to comply, including helping to fit any devices required as part of the Progressive Safe System.
Step 2
Install safety devices that meet the improved DVS Progressive Safe System requirements
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, radar detection systems, 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.
Step 3
Take photos to accompany your permit application
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:
- Be a jpeg or PNG file. Most mobile phones will take jpeg format photos
- Not be larger than 10MB
- Be clear and in focus
- Be taken in colour
- Provide an accurate picture of the vehicle
- Display a readable numberplate
What should the photos show?
Photo 1
- The front and nearside of the vehicle
- Include the front numberplate
- Include the class V mirror (front and nearside)
- Include the VI mirror (front and nearside)
- Side under run protection
Photo 2
- The rear and nearside of the vehicle
- The rear numberplate
- Side under run protection
Step 4
Fill out your application
You are now ready to apply for the DVS permit from Transport for London, which you can do on the TfL website below.
Applying for multiple vehicles?
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.
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.
Contact Brigade
Send us a message or give us a call. Brigade has a worldwide network of approved distributors and installers.
Brigade DVS Kits
Brigade’s products are independently tested to confirm they meet DVS requirements.