What You Need to Know About Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring

Big Changes to Brake Testing
Published by Fleet Witness | May 2025
From April 2025, the DVSA has introduced a major change to brake testing requirements for UK operators: a minimum of four brake performance tests per year is now mandatory for most heavy goods vehicles and trailers.
That’s one test every quarter — unless you’re using an Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS).
Here’s what the changes mean for your fleet, and how Fleet Witness can help you reduce testing, cut costs, and stay compliant.

What’s Changed?
Under the updated DVSA guidance, every operator must now carry out four independent brake performance assessments per year — this includes roller brake tests or road tests using calibrated decelerometers.
But there’s an important exception:
- If you have an approved EBPMS installed and providing continuous performance data, this requirement can drop to just one annual brake test (typically done during the MOT).
Why This Matters for Fleet Operators
Why This Matters for Fleet Operators
Four brake tests per year means:
- Increased downtime for every vehicle
- Workshop scheduling pressures
- Higher maintenance and testing costs
- More chances for missed tests — and compliance risk
An EBPMS offers an alternative: real-time, continuous brake performance monitoring that not only satisfies DVSA compliance, but also helps you proactively manage safety and performance.

Key Benefits of Moving to EBPMS
- 💷 Save thousands per year in test and labour costs
- 🕒 Slash downtime caused by quarterly brake tests
- 🧾 Streamline compliance reporting with auto-generated summaries
- ⚙️ Spot issues early with real-time brake efficiency alerts
- 🚛 Keep vehicles on the road longer without compromising safety
Fleet Witness EBPMS – Coming September 2025
We’re currently developing our own EBPMS solution, due for release in September 2025, to help operators stay ahead of the curve.
Our system will:
- Monitor brake efficiency using live telematics data
- Automatically flag underperforming assets
- Deliver clear DVSA-compliant reports
- Help operators reduce required tests from 4 to 1 annually
- Integrate directly with our Fleet Witness platform
The goal? Simplify compliance while improving fleet safety, uptime, and cost-efficiency.
Be the First to Try It
We’re now accepting expressions of interest for early access and pilot testing. If you want to be among the first to trial our EBPMS system before its official release in September, get in touch.
👉 Register your interest here
A member of our team will be in touch to discuss how EBPM could work for your fleet.
Want To Learn More?
If you aspire to enhance your fleet operations, just like Verran Freight, take the first step today. Give us a call or drop us an email, and together we can explore how our solutions can transform your business. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to optimise your fleet’s performance and maximise your success.
Contact us now and unlock a new era of efficiency and profitability for your company.