Change coming for NC class vehicles with a cardan shaft brake

From 1 September 2027, all NC class vehicles with a cardan shaft park brake (CSPB) must pass a roller brake machine (RBM) test to get a certificate of fitness (CoF).

We’re introducing this requirement following our latest analysis which has identified these vehicles as the highest-risk group of vehicles fitted with a CSPB because:

  • the alternative stall test method is less effective than RBM testing at checking the CSPB is working well

  • NC class vehicles have a gross vehicle mass of more than 12 tonnes, increasing the risk of harm if there’s an issue.

Changing the testing requirement is a targeted and proportionate safety response affecting around 120 vehicles, and is part of our broader programme of work to reduce CSPB safety risks.

Over the months ahead CoF inspectors may have customers contacting you to:

  • confirm an NC class vehicle does not have a CSPB

  • confirm an NC class vehicle’s CSPB can be tested on an RBM

  • test an NC class vehicle on an RBM after it has been modified and certified.

For more information