National roller brake testing

The National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM) sets out the inspection requirements for brake performance. However, to achieve consistent inspections a national procedure for in-service brake testing using roller brake testers is also required.

National Roller Brake Testing (RBT) procedure (PDF, 1.4MB)

This document outlines the steps for conducting roller brake testing and the requirements for the individual conducting the test to ensure the braking performance of vehicles is accurately assessed.

Development of the procedure

The National RBT procedure was rolled out in two stages from February 2018.

Stage 1

Stage 1 of the rollout is now complete and required roller brake testers to be updated to provide both dynamic and static test results. Once this was completed, brake performance tests were required to be conducted in accordance with the alternative phase-in procedure.

Stage 2

Stage 2 of the rollout is now complete and required more comprehensive software updates to be made. All roller brake testers are now required to be updated in accordance with Stage 2 requirements as of 1 August 2024.

More Information

For more information about the National RBT procedure please refer to VSG21 - National roller brake testing procedure (PDF, 182KB).