TSA Requirements for HGV Drivers in the UK

If you’re gearing up for a Class 1 licence or already rolling an 18‑tonner, you’ll hear the term ‘TSA’ a lot. It stands for Transport Safety Assurance – a set of rules that keep roads safe and keep you from costly penalties. Below is a plain‑English guide to the most important requirements, so you can check the boxes and focus on driving.

Key Documentation and Certifications

The first thing inspectors will ask for is proof you meet the legal standards. Keep these documents together in a tidy folder:

Driver CPC certificate. You need a valid Certificate of Professional Competence, renewed every five years. If your CPC is close to expiring, book the refresher online now – the process is quick and saves you a lot of hassle later.

Medical fitness report. A DVLA‑approved doctor must confirm you’re fit to drive a heavy vehicle. The report lasts for five years for most drivers, but you’ll need a new one sooner if you have a condition that could affect safety.

Vehicle licence (V5C) and MOT. Your truck’s registration document and a current MOT certificate prove the vehicle is road‑legal. Keep the MOT valid – you’ll get a reminder before it expires.

Driver Qualification Card (DQC). This card shows your training history, including the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and any specialist courses like hazardous goods handling.

When you’re pulled over or booked for a road‑worthiness inspection, pull out this folder first. Inspectors respect a driver who’s organized, and it cuts down the waiting time.

Vehicle and Operational Checks

Beyond paperwork, TSA looks at the condition of the vehicle and how you run it day‑to‑day. Follow this checklist every morning before you hit the road:

Tyre pressure and tread depth. Under‑inflated tyres waste fuel and can lead to blowouts. Use a portable gauge and aim for the pressure listed on the tyre sidewall. Tread should be at least 1.6 mm; if it’s lower, replace the tyre immediately.

Brake performance. Test the service brakes by applying steady pressure and listening for any grinding. If the pedal feels spongy, have a mechanic check the hydraulic system.

Lights and reflectors. Turn on all lights – headlights, indicators, brake lights, and reverse lights. Walk around the cab to make sure every bulb shines brightly and isn’t cracked.

Load securement. Verify that cargo is tied down correctly and the weight distribution matches the vehicle’s centre‑of‑gravity guidelines. Loose loads can shift, cause a loss of control, and attract heavy fines.

Exhaust and emissions. A blue or black smoke plume indicates an engine problem. Run the engine for a few minutes and watch the exhaust; any unusual colour should trigger a service.

Doing these checks takes less than five minutes but can prevent breakdowns, accidents, and costly stops at the depot.

Finally, log any issues in your driver’s diary or electronic logbook. Recording problems shows you’re proactive and helps your employer plan maintenance before a failure occurs.

Staying on top of TSA requirements isn’t just about avoiding fines – it builds your reputation as a reliable driver. When you consistently meet the standards, you’ll find more jobs, better pay, and fewer unexpected delays. Keep this guide handy, run the checks daily, and you’ll drive with confidence knowing you’ve ticked every box.