DVS Inspections: Minibuses

When do you need an inspection

Every minibus registered in Jersey must be inspected by DVS every year.

The inspection can be carried out up to 2 months before its due date. The date the inspection is due is based on the vehicles First Date of Use. This can be found on the registration document and will be the earliest date of registration.

Use the vehicle inspection date calculator to check when your vehicle is next due.

Vehicle inspection date calculator

We will write to the owner at their registered address in advance, but it's the registered owners responsibility to make sure that it is inspected in time.

When an inspection is not required

An inspection is not required if your vehicle is not being used on the road, for example it is being stored or restored. As soon as you intend to use your minibus on the road, an inspection will be required.

You do not require an inspection if your minibus is over 40 years old.

Booking an inspection

Registered owners will receive a letter from DVS two months before the inspection deadline. This will tell you when your inspection is due and how to book.

To make a booking call DVS on +44 (0) 1534 448600 or come in person to DVS office.

The inspection costs £96 and you must pay at time of booking.

What happens if my minibus passes the inspection

If your minibus passes the inspection, a Certificate of Satisfaction will be given to the person presenting the vehicle, the record of passing will also be held at DVS against the vehicle's registration record.

You won't need to display anything in your vehicle, but a police officer may ask you to provide the Certificate of Satisfaction within a set time period if you're not able to show it at the time of asking.

Jersey legislation does not require you to carry any documentation to prove that it has been inspected. If you are taking your minibus outside Jersey, you need to check the paperwork you are legally required to have in the country you're travelling in.

What happens if my minibus fails the inspection

The person presenting the vehicle will be given a failure notice, and verbal explanation of why your vehicle has not passed.

The failure notice will indicate the level of failure and the inspector will say whether your vehicle is safe to drive away from the test station or whether you will need to arrange to have it removed from DVS.

If you are allowed to drive the vehicle away it may only be for a single journey to a place off the road or where you can get the repairs done.

If you have the repairs done and the vehicle passes the inspection within 30 days you'll only have to pay £48. You'll have to pay the full inspection fee again after 30 days.

About the inspection and what it covers

The inspection will be carried out at the DVS facility at La Collette.

You are required to bring the vehicle for inspection in a clean and roadworthy condition. It is advisable to have your vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic, as per the owners manual.

When you arrive at DVS you should report to reception.

A DVS inspector will inspect your minibus against the standards below, which will take 45 minutes.

The inspector will advise you of the outcome.

What we'll inspect

Your minibus will be inspected against the DVS Inspection Check Sheet for passenger carrying vehicles. The legal and technical standards are set out in the DVS Inspection Manual Minibus.

The inspection covers:

Vehicle area	Inspection
Body, vehicle structure and general items	free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas no sharp edges likely to cause injury
Towbars	secure condition inappropriate repairs or modification
Fuel system	no leaks pipes and hoses are secure and in a good condition the fuel cap fastens and seals securely Make sure that the key is available as the fuel cap will need to be opened
Exhaust emissions	Depending on the vehicle's age and fuel type, that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions If your vehicle is diesel, to reduce the possibility of damage and increase the chances of passing, you should: keep your vehicle maintained at all time have the camshaft drive belt replaced at the recommended intervals go to the inspection with a fully warmed up engine - it will produce less smoke and is safer to test not tamper with the governor settings
Exhaust system	secure and complete a catalyst isn't missing where one was fitted as standard without serious leaks and not too noisy
Seatbelts	the mandatory seatbelts are in place they are suitable for the vehicle they are in a good condition they work properly they are attached securely
Malfunction indicator lamps (MILs)	Dashboard warning lights for: air bags seatbelt pretensioners (which remove the slack from a seatbelt in the event of a collision) seatbelt load limiters (which release a small amount of belt when it's too tight)
Seats	the driver's seat can be adjusted all seats are securely fitted and that seat backs can be fixed in the upright position
Doors	the latch is secure in the closed position all doors open from inside and outside the vehicle hinges and catches are secure and in a good condition
Mirrors	the minimum number their condition and security Indirect vision devices will also be inspected
Brakes	their condition, including inappropriate repairs or modifications their operation and performance (the efficiency test) - the wheels and trims aren't removed as part of the test the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) (where fitted)
Tyres and wheels	condition security tyre size and type tread depth Spare wheels and tyres are not inspected
Registration plates	condition secure attachment colour characters correctly formed and spaced
Lights	condition operation, including high intensity discharge (HID) and light emitting diode (LED) the headlamps for cleaning, self levelling and security headlamp aim main beam warning light working
Wipers and washers	they work properly so the driver has a clear view of the road
Windscreen	condition the driver's view of the road
Horn	that it works properly it's suitable for the vehicle
Steering and suspension	condition steering oil level they work correctly no inappropriate repairs or modification including corrosion to power steering pipes or hoses the steering lock mechanism works properly The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the electronic power steering.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	A single VIN is displayed.
Electrical	Visible electrical wiring and the battery will be checked

The DVS inspection isn't the same as a vehicle service and so doesn't include the general mechanical condition of the vehicle.