The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is now in force in Greater London and applies to all vehicles weighing more than 12 tonnes traveling into Greater London. Whether you are operating a vehicle in the UK, or your drivers are traveling 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). If you fall short of the star rating requirements and your vehicle is given a 0-star rating, you will need to fit devices for indirect vision that meet the DVS Safe System requirements. See step 2.
Please note that 1 and 2-star-rated vehicles will all need to be fitted with the DVS Safe System from 2024.
If you fall short of the star rating requirements and your vehicle is given a 0 star rating, you will need to retrospectively fit devices for indirect vision that meet the DVS Safe System requirements. This includes a camera monitor system, Sidescan® sensors, an audible warning alarm 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 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.
