Proactively manage MIVRs with expert support

A DVSA Maintenance Investigation Visit Report can be a critical moment for your Operator Licence. We provide comprehensive support to ensure you are fully prepared and achieve a positive outcome — whether you have a visit on the horizon or have already received an adverse report and need to respond within the tight 14-day window. Contact us for proactive support or urgent assistance.

MIVR support options & pricing

Travel to client sites is charged at 49p per mile. Both options include preparation, attendance or guidance during the inspection, help interpreting the findings and support building your post-visit reply and recovery plan.

What exactly is an MIVR?

Picture a DVSA examiner arriving at your operating centre, clipboard in hand, ready to conduct a thorough audit of your maintenance procedures. That is the essence of an MIVR: a comprehensive inspection that leaves no stone unturned, examining every aspect of your maintenance regime to ensure you are meeting the standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

Why would you get an MIVR?

• Routine check-ups — regular health checks confirming you are keeping your vehicles in a roadworthy condition.
• Red flags — concerns about slipping standards, such as a roadside prohibition, poor MOT first-time pass rate, a Red roadworthiness rating on OCRS, a poor TEVR or even a tip-off.
• Follow-ups — after a Public Inquiry or in response to a Request for Evidence (RFE).

What does an MIVR cover?

The examiner digs deep across your whole maintenance operation, including:

• Vehicle inspections — a walk-around of vehicles and trailers, checking for defects that compromise road safety.
• Maintenance records — meticulous scrutiny of safety inspections, preventative maintenance, timely repairs and mandatory roller brake test reports. Examiners use a tool called SIPCAT (Safety Inspection Period Calculator and Analysis Tool) to analyse whether you are fulfilling your PMI commitments, and cross-reference PMI findings against driver defect reports.
• Defect reporting system — how quickly and effectively defects are identified, reported and rectified, and whether your DDI/DDR paper trail demonstrates the full circle of defect management and VOR control.
• Maintenance contracts — whether your GV79D agreements are comprehensive and compliant, how you monitor your provider's performance, and the quality of your two-way communication and audit trail.
• Wheel & tyres — tyre pressure checks, wheel torque and re-torque records, and proactive checks outside regular safety inspections.
• Load security — equipment, procedures, risk assessments, load plans and staff training records.
• Vehicle & site security — perimeter security, CCTV, key control, access control and breach-reporting procedures.
• Transport Manager competence — whether your transport manager is effectively managing the maintenance system and fulfilling their legal responsibilities.

The aftermath: what happens next?

Once the inspection is complete, the examiner compiles the MIVR, documenting their findings and assigning a rating for each section. You will receive a copy and have the opportunity to respond — but you typically have just 14 days to reply, so don't delay. If the report reveals any 'unsatisfactory' areas, seek expert help immediately. A poor MIVR directly impacts your Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS), which can lead to increased scrutiny, further investigations and even a Public Inquiry before the Traffic Commissioner. A well-crafted, comprehensive response can significantly influence the outcome and demonstrate your commitment to compliance.

A word of advice: be proactive

The best way to approach an MIVR is to be proactive — don't wait for the DVSA to come knocking. Take control of your compliance with regular internal audits and expert advice. We can support you with:

• Mock MIVRs — to identify weaknesses in your maintenance system before the DVSA does.
• Compliance audits — covering maintenance, driver hours and operator licensing.
• Expert advice — guidance across all aspects of transport compliance and best practice.
• Public Inquiry support — expert representation if the worst happens.

Get expert MIVR support today

Prevention is always better than cure. By investing in proactive compliance measures, you protect your business, your reputation and — most importantly — the safety of your drivers and other road users. Don't leave compliance to chance — contact Fleet Transport Consultants for MIVR support and stay ahead of the curve.