FW Abbott building with branded ford van

Reliable Brake Testing for Heavy Vehicles

Brake performance has a major impact on the safety of every HGV on the road. With the weight and braking force involved, small issues can quickly become serious failures if they are not identified early. Our roller brake tester measures key performance indicators including:

  • Service brake efficiency
  • Parking brake performance
  • Brake imbalance
  • Wheel lock-up
  • Overall braking response

The system gives precise readings so you know the real condition of your brakes before arriving at your annual MOT test. By testing early, you reduce the risk of unexpected failures, costly retests and unplanned downtime.

Why Use Our Roller Brake Tester?

DVSA-compliant results

Our equipment meets the standards used in HGV MOT testing, ensuring the readings reflect the true performance requirements.

Accurate diagnosis

The roller brake tester identifies issues such as worn linings, sticking adjusters, air pressure problems or imbalanced braking. This accuracy lets our technicians fix faults before they become MOT failures.

Ideal for fleet operators

If you manage multiple vehicles, scheduled brake testing helps track condition over time and prevent maintenance delays. Fleet checks can be booked in blocks for maximum efficiency.

Supports MOT preparation

Many HGV MOT failures relate to poor brake efficiency. Testing your brakes with our roller brake tester before the MOT presents your vehicle in the best condition for a pass.

Suitable for all heavy vehicles

Our facility handles rigid trucks, tractor units and most trailers. The tester accommodates a wide range of axle weights and configurations.
DAF Service Dealer
DAFaid Wellingborough

What to Expect During a Brake Test

On arrival, we take your vehicle through a quick inspection to ensure it is ready for the roller brake tester. The vehicle is then positioned on the rollers, and each axle is tested under controlled load. Our system records braking force, pressure balance and wheel lock for all axles.

You receive a printed or digital report showing the performance of every brake component. If repairs are needed, our HGV technicians can complete the work on site and retest your vehicle when ready.

Getting Your HGV Ready for the Test

To get the most accurate results from a roller brake tester:

  • Ensure your vehicle is properly laden or ballasted to realistic operating weight.
  • Check tyres for correct inflation and condition.
  • Confirm the air system is working and fully built up before arrival.
  • Avoid presenting vehicles with known air leaks or mechanical faults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my HGV need a roller brake test?
Brake performance is one of the most common causes of MOT failure. A roller brake tester gives accurate readings so you can identify faults early and improve safety.

Most tests take around 20–30 minutes, depending on the number of axles. We aim for minimal downtime.

Yes. A loaded vehicle provides more accurate results, and an unladen vehicle may show low brake efficiency.

Yes. Our technicians can repair most HGV brake issues on site and retest the vehicle afterward.

Absolutely. We test both tractor units and trailers, including multi-axle configurations.

Absolutely. We test both tractor units and trailers, including multi-axle configurations.

DVSA guidance recommends testing an HGV or trailer with a roller brake tester at least four times per year, including the annual MOT test. Where practical, a calibrated roller brake tester (RBT) should be used during a scheduled safety inspection. Regular tests help operators monitor brake performance throughout the year rather than discovering problems shortly before the MOT.

A brake test report records the braking effort produced by each wheel and axle. It also shows the calculated brake efficiencies for the service brake, secondary brake and parking brake where applicable. The report may highlight brake imbalance, binding brakes, premature wheel lock or low brake force. Keeping each report provides a useful maintenance history for your vehicle or fleet.

Brake efficiency compares the total brake force generated by the vehicle with its relevant design weight. The roller brake tester records the maximum brake efforts achieved before the wheels lock or the test ends. These results are then used to calculate the efficiency of the brake system. Correct vehicle details and realistic loading are important for producing useful results.

A lightly loaded vehicle may not generate enough grip between its tyres and the rollers. This can make the wheels lock before maximum braking effort is reached, producing results that do not show the brakes’ full capability. Operators should aim to present each axle at approximately 65% of its design axle weight unless the vehicle is exempt or cannot be loaded because of its design.

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