Progressive Safe System

We continue to work with vehicle manufacturers to assign star ratings for their vehicles. Check to see if we hold your star rating and apply for a permit. Find information and guidance about the application process.

You can find our Guidance for operators on our Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme page. 

Overview: Progressive Safe System 

Requirement 1: A Camera Monitoring System (CMS) must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle, to eliminate the remaining blind spot at the nearside. A CMS can also be used as an alternative to fitting Class V and VI mirrors. 

Our guidance states that an additional CMS does not need to be fitted where one already exists in the vehicle, or where the vehicle is type approved to UNECE Regulations 151 and 159. This will apply where the same safety benefits are achieved, and may include a CMS fitted to replace mirrors, or as part of a Blind Spot Information System (BSIS). 

We recommend that installers consider where to install cameras based on the size of the blind spot that needs to be covered, and to avoid causing an external projection that could come into contact with road users adjacent to the vehicle. 

In many cases, a mounting height above two metres may be appropriate but installers should consider the context of the specific vehicle. 

Requirement 2: Class V and VI mirrors, or a CMS that replaces the mirrors, or a combination of both, must be fitted to the front and nearside of the vehicle. 

Requirement 3: A Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) must ensure full coverage down the nearside of the vehicle to detect vulnerable road users. It must not activate in relation to roadside furniture or stationary vehicles. This aims to prevent left turn collisions. 

Requirement 4: A Moving Off Information System (MOIS) must be fitted to the front of the vehicle, to warn the driver of the presence of a vulnerable road user and prevent collisions at the front blind spot zone when a vehicle moves off from rest. 

Requirement 5: Side under-run protection must be fitted to both sides of the vehicle, except where this would not be practicable. 

Requirement 6: Audible warnings must be fitted to provide an adequate warning to road users when a vehicle is turning left (or turning right, for left-hand drive vehicles). This makes sure that compliant vehicles can warn of an intended manoeuvre. 

Requirement 7: External warning signage must be displayed on vehicles to provide clear visual warning of the hazards around the vehicle. 

We recommend larger (at least A3) size signs where possible, recognising that this may not be possible for all vehicle designs. Where larger signage is not practical, operators should do what works best for their vehicle, while making sure that signage used is clear and legible. 

Contact your manufacturer to find your vehicle's DVS star rating

If we don't know the star rating of your vehicle, we will need information from the manufacturer before we can grant you a permit. Alternatively, you can self-certify your vehicle's star rating if you know that it has a rating of zero, one or two.  

You can contact your manufacturer to request a DVS star rating for your vehicle(s) or to enquire about the rating of a new vehicle. You will need to provide the chassis number (VIN) for existing vehicle(s). 

Your manufacturer will then calculate the star rating of your vehicle based on the approved DVS technical protocol and send you a document or email confirming your vehicle's DVS star rating. 

If we've asked you to submit a star rating from your manufacturer, you can upload the confirmation they've sent you through the contact us form.  

We will then update our records so you can apply for a permit. We will aim to respond within 28 days.

A world-leading standard 

The DVS has been developed in consultation with an expert panel of researchers, academics and representatives from the freight industry, Europe's foremost HGV manufacturers and regulatory bodies. 

We are also working with other European cities and the European Union to push for long-term improvements by mandating direct vision in EU vehicle design and safety regulations. 

Driver training

While highly recommended, driver training is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining a permit.