AFRICAN 
STANDARD  DARS  
1355 -5 
First Edition 2020  
 
 Reference No. ARS 1355 -5:2020 (E) 
ICS 43.020  
 
 
© ARSO 2020  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vehicle standards — Specification for vehicle roadworthiness — 
Part 5: Roadworthiness — Requirements for testing equipment  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
ii © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
Table of contents  
 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  1 
4 Grading  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  2 
4.1 Classification of test lanes  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 2 
5 Equipment required  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  3 
5.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 3 
5.2 Testing and test e quipment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 4 
5.3 Maintenance, record -keeping and calibration of equipment  ................................ ..................  6 
5.4 Precautions regarding purchasing of equipment  ................................ ................................ ... 6 
5.5 Selection of the type and capability of the equipment  ................................ ...........................  6 
5.6 Requirements for Class I Test Lane: Motor Cycles  ................................ ...............................  6 
5.7 Requirements for Class II Test Lane: Light Vehicles  ................................ ............................  8 
5.8 Requirements for Class III Test Lane: Heavy Vehicles  ................................ .......................  13 
Annex A (normative)  Standard Design Specification and Technical Requirements for a Vehicle Test 
Station  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  17 
A.1 Introduction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  17 
A.2 Vehicle Test Station  Components  ................................ ................................ ............................  17 
A.3 Symbology  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  18 
A.4 Roadworthiness Test Business Process  ................................ ................................ ..................  19 
A.5 National Transport Information System (NTIS)  ................................ ................................ ........  20 
A.6 Office Infrastructure Requirements  ................................ ................................ ..........................  22 
A.7 Roadworthiness Test Yard Requirements  ................................ ................................ ...............  31 
A.8 Roadworthiness Test Lane Requirements  ................................ ................................ ...............  32 
A.9 VTS Conceptual Layouts  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  36 
A.9.1  Grade A  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  36 
A.9.2  Grade B  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  39 
A.9.3  Grade C  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  40 
A.10 Bill of Materials  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  41 
A.10.1  VTS Yard & Test Lanes Equipment  ................................ ................................ ................  41 
A.10.2  Testing Equipment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  42 
A.10.3  Office Equipment  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  44 
Annex B (normative)  Standard Specifications for a Vehicle Testing Module  ................................ ...... 46 
B.1 Introduction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  46 
B.2 Business Processes  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  46 
B.2.1  Vehicle introduction, registration & licensing  ................................ ................................ ... 46 
B.2.2  Vehicle Testing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  47 
B.2.3  Deregistration  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  48 
B.2.4  Supporting Processes  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 49 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  iii B.3 Func tional Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  49 
B.3.1  Vehicle module parameters  ................................ ................................ .............................  49 
B.3.2 Vehicle Introductions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 53 
B.3.3  Obtain Certificate of Fitness  ................................ ................................ ............................  54 
B.3.4  Manage Vehicle Test Bookings  ................................ ................................ .......................  55 
B.3.5  Perform Vehicle Test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 55 
B.3.6  Maintain Vehicle Particulars  ................................ ................................ ............................  64 
B.3.7  Manage Vehicle Deregistration  ................................ ................................ .......................  66 
B.3.8  Issue Certificate of Fitness  ................................ ................................ ..............................  67 
B.3.9  Queries & Reports  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  67 
B.4 Application Forms  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  70 
B.5 Output Documents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  71 
Annex C (normative)  Roller brake tester  ................................ ................................ ...............................  74 
Annex D (normative)  Wheel alignment gauges  ................................ ................................ .....................  80 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  82 
 
  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
iv © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Foreword  
 
The African Organization for Standardization (ARS O) is an African intergovernmental organization 
established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Organization of 
African Unity (AU)  in 1977 . One of the fundamental mandates of ARSO is to develop and harmoniz e 
African Standards (ARS) for the purpose of enhancing Africa’s i nternal trading capacity, increase 
Africa’s product and service competitiveness globally and uplift the welfare of African communities. The 
work of preparing African  Standards is normally carried out through ARSO  technical committees. Each 
Member State  interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the 
right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, Regional Economic Communities 
(RECs), governmental and non -governmental  organizations , in liaison with ARSO , also take part in the 
work.  
 
ARSO  Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.  
 
The main task of technical committees is to prepare ARSO  Standards. Draft ARSO  Standards adopted 
by the technical co mmittees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an ARSO  
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.  
 
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of 
patent rights. ARSO  shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
 
This African Standard was prepared by the ARSO Technical (Harmonization ) Committee Number 08-
4/59 on Automotive Technology and  Engineering (ARSO/THC 0 8-4/ARSO/TC 59 ). 
 
 
 
© African Organisation for Standardisation  2020 — All rights reserved*  
 
ARSO Central S ecretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P. O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
 
Tel. +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
 
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org  
Web: www.arso -oran.org  
  
                                                 
* © 2020 ARSO — All rights of exploitation reserved worldwide for African Member States’ NSBs.  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  v  
Copyright notice  
 
This ARSO document is copyright -protected by ARSO. While the reproduction of this document 
by participants in the ARSO standards development process is permitted without prior permission 
from ARSO, neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or 
transmitted in any form for any other purpose without prior written permission from ARSO.  
 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document for  the purpose of selling it should be 
addressed as shown below or to ARSO’s member body in the country of the requester:  
 
 
© African Organisation for Standardisation 20 20 — All rights reserved  
 
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P.O. Box  57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
 
Tel: +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
 
 
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org  
Web: www.arso -oran.org  
 
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement. 
Violators may be p rosecuted.  
 
 
 
  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
vi © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Introduction  
 
This standard consists of the following parts under the general title “Specification for vehicle 
roadworthiness”  
 
Part 1: Roadworthiness of vehicles already in service  
 
Part 2: Roadworthiness of vehicles prior to entry into service and thereafter  
 
Part 3: Roadworthiness — Supporting information  
 
Part 4: Roadworthiness — Requirements for vehicle examin ers 
 
Part 5: Roadworthiness — Requirements for testing equipment  
 
Part 6: Roadworthiness — Requirements for combinations of vehicles  
 
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  1  
Vehicle standards — Specification for vehicle roadworthiness — 
Part 5: Roadworthiness — Requirements for testing equipment  
 
 
1 Scope  
 
This specification contains information on the selection and installation of testing equipment required to 
test the roadworthiness of vehicles in accordance with the requirements for the range of defined test lane 
classes that comprise the defined vehicle test station categories.  
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following referenced do cuments are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
 
ARS 1355 -1, Vehicle Standards — Specification for Vehicle Roadworthiness — Part 1: Roadworthiness 
of vehicles already in use  
 
ARS 1355 -2: Vehicle standards — Specification for vehicle roadworthiness — Part 2: Roadworthiness 
of vehicles prior to entry into service, and thereafter  
 
ARS 13 55-3: Vehicle Standards — Specification for vehicle Roadworthiness — Part 3: Roadworthiness 
— Supporting information  
 
ARS 1379: Definitions and classifications of power -driven vehicles and trailers  
 
3 Terms and definitions  
 
For the purpose of this standard the following definitions and abbreviations apply.  
 
3.1 Definitions  
 
3.1.1  
gross combination mass  
GCM  
maximum design mass of a combination vehicles and their load as specified by the manufacturer of the 
drawing vehicle on the vehicle plate  
 
3.1.2  
gross vehicle mass  
GVM  
maximum design mass of a vehicle and its load as specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle on the 
vehicle plate  
 
3.1.3  
registration plate  / licence plate  / number plate  
the appropriately  manufactured and e mbossed  plate , which is attached to the front and rear of a motor 
vehicle or the rear of a trailer and a motorcycle  
 
3.1.4 
vehicle category  
in accordance with ARS 1379 by appli cation of  the UN ECE Regulations  included under Parts 2 and 3  
 
3.2 Abbreviations  
 
ATM automat ed teller machine  
 
AFRICAN STANDARD  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
2 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  ANPR  automatic number plate recognition  
 
CCTV closed circuit television  
 
COF  Certificate of Fitness issued after a periodic roadworthiness test which is to be displayed on 
the vehicle to which it relates  
 
EFT electronic fund  transfer  
 
GPS  Global Positioning System  
 
NTIS  National Transport Information System  
 
UN ECE  United Nations Economic Commission for Europe  
 
UPS uninterruptable power supply  
 
VIN vehicle identification number issued, affixed to and recorded on a vehicle in accordance with 
ISO 3779, ISO 3780 and ISO 4030 or FMVSS 115, also included in the definition of chassis 
number in domestic legislation  
 
VTS vehicle test station  
 
4 Grading  
 
4.1 Classification of test lanes  
 
Test lanes are classified in accordance with the test capacity of the installed equipment to test each of 
the following categories of vehicles  as specified in ARS 1379 : 
 
a) Class I:  
 
i) Category L1 – Two wheeled vehicles with engine capacity of less than 50 cm3 – Mopeds 
and motorcycles only.  
 
ii) Category L 3 – Two wheeled vehicles with engine capacity exceeding 50 cm3 – 
Motorcycles  
 
b) Class II:  
 
i) Vehicles as specified in Class I.  
 
ii) Category L2 – Three wheeled vehicles  
 
iii) Category L 4 – Three wheeled vehicles  
 
iv) Category L 5 – Three wheeled vehicles  
 
v) Category L6 – Four wheeled vehicles  
 
vi) Category L7 – Four wheeled vehicles, other than those in L6, whose unladen mass is 
not more than 400 kg (550 kg for vehicles intended for carrying goods)  
 
vii) Category M1 – Passenger vehicles with seats for not more than 8 passengers in addition 
to the driver of the vehicle.  
 
viii) Category N1 – Goods vehicles with at least 4 wheels the GVM of which does not exceed 
3 500 kg, or  at least 3 wheels the GVM of which exceeds 1  000 kg but does not exceed 
3 500 kg.  
 
ix) Category O1 – Single axle trailer, other than a semi -trailer, the GVM of which does not 
exceed 750 kg.  
 
x) Category O2 – Trailer, other than category O1 trailer, the GV M of which does not exceed 
3 500 kg.  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  3  
c) Class III:  
 
i) Vehicles as specified in Classes I and II.  
 
ii) Category M2 – Passenger vehicles with seats for more than 8 passengers in addition to 
the driver of the vehicle, the GVM of which does not exceed 5  000 kg. 
 
iii) Category M3 – Passenger vehicles with seats for more than 8 passengers in addition to 
the driver of the vehicle, the GVM of which exceeds 5  000 kg.  
 
iv) Category N2 – Goods vehicles with at least 4 wheels the GVM of which exceeds 3  500 
kg, but do es not exceed 12  000 kg.  
 
v) Category N3 – Goods vehicles with at least 4 wheels the GVM of which exceeds 12  000 
kg. 
 
vi) Category O3 – Trailer the GVM of which exceeds 3  500 kg, but does not exceed 10  000 
kg. 
 
vii) Category O4 – Trailer the GVM of which e xceeds 10  000 kg.  
 
4.1.1  Grading of vehicle test stations  
 
Vehicle test stations (VTS) shall be graded in accordance with  the available test lane classes as 
prescribed in  
Table 1. 
 
Table 1 — Required Class of Roadworthiness Test Lane  
 
VTS 
Grade  Vehicle Description  Vehicle 
Category 
Codes  Roadworthiness Test Lane  
Class III  Class II  Class I  
A All Vehicle Classes  Codes L1, L2, 
L3, L4, L5, L6, 
L7, M1, M2, M3, 
N1, N2, N3, O1, 
O2, O3 and O4  Mandatory  Optionala Optionala 
B Light Vehicles (incl. Tri/ 
Quadricycles) with a GVM 
(or GCM in the case of 
articulated motor vehicles) 
NOT exceeding 3  500 kg  Codes L1, L2, 
L4, L5, L6, L7, 
M1, N1, O1 and 
O2 Not 
applicable  Mandatory  Optionala 
C Motorcycles and Mopeds  Code L1  and L3  Not 
applicable  Not 
applicable  Mandatory  
a It is optional for Grade A and Grade B VTS to install either Class II or Class  I Test Lanes to allow 
for additional testing capacity and increased throughput.  
 
5 Equipment required  
 
5.1 General  
 
The equipment required for the testing of vehicles shall comply with Annex A, Annex B, Annex C and 
Annex D  and include the following.  
 
a) Brake roller tester suitable for the class of vehicle to be tested, including:  
 
i) Brake Rollers  
 
ii) Integrated Load Sensors for weighing wheel/axle loads  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
4 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
iii) Conveyer Rollers (for the testing of permanent four wheel drive vehicles)  
 
iv) Roller Covers  
 
b) Decelerometer (optional)  
 
c) Headlamp beam tester aiming device – rail mounted  
 
d) Standing mirrors for lighting function checks  
 
e) Tailpipe emission testing equipment if supporting legislation for emission levels exists  
 
f) Scuff gauge / Side Slip Tester for wheel alignment  
 
g) Wheel Play Detection Equipment  
 
h) Suspension Testing Equipment  
 
i) Air brake couplings  
 
j) 5th wheel and kingpin test gauges  
 
k) Inspection p it, including hydraulic/trolley jack suitable for the class of vehicle to be tested  or 
hydraulic platform lift for light vehicles  only 
 
l) 12V inspection lamp equipment  
 
m) Steel t ape measure, crowbar, tyre tread depth gauge, wheel chocks  
 
n) Cameras and systems to authenticate vehicle presence and examiner presence for duration of 
test. 
 
5.2 Testing and test equipment  
 
5.2.1  Introduction  
 
A hand held mobile computing device must be used by the vehicle examiner to manage the test process. 
The hand held mobile computing device integrates with the testing equipment and allows the vehicle 
examiner to walk around and inspect and test a vehicle unhindered. During the pre -test inspection, the 
vehicle identification details are recorded on the hand held mobile computing device, including the 
registration/licence number, VIN and engine number. T he test process includes a number of automated 
tests and a visual inspection component. The hand held mobile computing device allows the electronic 
conducting of automated tests and the electronic recording of the findings together with the capturing of 
the observations from the visual inspection for recording on the NTIS and issuing of the COF.  
 
ANPR cameras must be positioned to identify vehicles entering the test lane, during the test process and 
leaving the test lane after the test. This ensures that ph otographic proof is available and that the correct 
vehicle is linked to the test results.  
 
All the tests to be performed at the VTS are listed below.  The requirements regarding the determination 
of the automated test results and electronic recording there of are specified in Annex B , the Standard 
Specifications for a Vehicle and Vehicle Testing Module of the NTIS.  
 
5.2.2  Automated Tests  
 
5.2.2.1  Brake Test  
 
Brake tests are performed to determine whether the vehicle’s brake efficiency and brake balance is 
sufficient.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  5 A brake roller tester with integrated load sensors is required to perform a brake test. The equipment must 
enable automated recording of the test results on the NTIS without any human intervention, be installed 
on its own isolator and must be protected against weather damage.  
 
5.2.2.2  Wheel Alignment (Scuff / Side Slip) Test  
 
Wheel alignment (scuff / side slip) tests are performed to determine whether the wheels are sufficiently 
aligned.  
 
Wheel alignment (scuff / side slip) test equipment is re quired to perform a wheel alignment (scuff / side 
slip) test.  The equipment must enable automated recording of the test results on the NTIS without any 
human intervention.  
 
5.2.2.3  Emissions test 
 
Emissions tests are performed to determine whether the vehicle’s emissions are within the legally 
permitted range if supporting legislation for emission levels exists.  
 
Tailpipe emission testing equipment is required to perform an emissions test. The equipment must 
enable automated recording of the test result s on the NTIS without any human intervention.  
 
5.2.2.4  Light test 
 
Light tests are performed to determine whether the vehicle’s light intensities and positions adhere to the 
legal requirements.  
 
A headlamp beam tester aiming device is required to perform a  light test.  The equipment must enable 
automated recording of the test results on the NTIS without any human intervention, must be properly 
aligned and with its rails positioned at right angles to the path of the vehicle in relation to where the 
vehicle u nder test will be located and a working space of at least 1m must be provided to allow the 
operator to move behind the headlamp measuring equipment.  
 
5.2.3 Visual tests 
 
Visual tests are performed to determine whether there are defects on the vehicle that cannot be identified 
through automated testing. The visual test results are captured on the handheld mobile computing device 
for recording on the NTIS.  
 
The equipment required to perform the visual tests are listed below:  
 
a) Hydraulic/ Trolley Jack Liftin g Equipment – must be capable of lifting the front axle of a fully 
laden vehicle.  Specific capability varies based on the relevant vehicle categories.   The front axle 
of a laden heavy vehicle weighs 8  000 kg.  
 
b) Wheel Play Detection Equipment  
 
c) Suspens ion Testing Equipment  
 
d) 12V Inspection Lamp  
 
e) Steel Tape Measure  
 
f) Crowbars (<1m and >1m)  
 
g) Tyre Tread Depth Gauge  
 
h) Standing Mirrors for Lighting Function Checks  
 
i) Wheel Chocks  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
6 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  5.3 Maintenance, record -keeping and calibration of equipment  
 
a) Measuring equipment such as brake roller testers, decelerometer, headlamp tester, scuff 
gauge/side slip tester and any emission testing equipment and weighing equipment must be 
calibrated regularly by qualified independent personnel to ensure that vehicles  are not failed or 
passed incorrectly.  
 
b) The intervals between calibrations depend on recommendations given in the supplier’s manuals, 
the frequency of use of the equipment and the ongoing assessments by the vehicle examiners 
of readings obtained. In -house calibrations may be used to reduce the frequency of independent 
calibrations.  
 
c) A register of the equipment must be maintained showing date purchased or installed; contact 
details of supplier and installer and of calibration service providers; make, m odel and serial 
number of each piece of testing equipment; date and description of last maintenance or repair 
operations carried out; date of last calibration together with the readings taken and the errors 
noted; whether adjustment to eliminate errors wer e performed and details of what was done.  
 
5.4 Precautions regarding purchasing of equipment  
 
a) Ensure the potential supplier has an adequate “footprint” of service delivery and product back -
up in the country or has concrete irrevocable plans to provide s uch. 
 
b) Obtain the views of users of equipment on offer, even if from users in neighbouring countries.  
 
c) Ensure that the equipment is capable and suitable for the classes of vehicles which the test 
station is intended to test now, and for probable futur e requirements.  
 
d) In the case of a brake roller tester ensure that the required output torque is from a motor of 
comparable power to its competitors and not simply geared to produce the required torque at 
the rollers but at much lower roller speeds.  
 
e) Procedures for purchasing must be documented and strictly followed to avoid wasteful 
expenditure such as the purchase of unsuitable equipment.  
 
5.5 Selection of the type and capability of the equipment  
 
Establish which vehicle categories are to be tested in a particular facility and ensure provision is made 
for the possible future extension to the categories of vehicles to be covered.   In particular, the difference 
between equipment designed to test Light  Vehicles such as cars and light delivery vehicles is not suitable 
for Heavy Motor Vehicles, but the converse may be true.  
 
5.6 Requirements for Class I Test Lane: Motor Cycles  
 
5.6.1  Test Lane  
 
The test lane in Figure 1 below shall be used for motorcycles/  mopeds only as the testing equipment 
required is not sufficient to test vehicles designated for Classes II and III too.  The equipment illustrated 
there on are defined as:  
 
(1) Pre-Inspection (Handheld Mobile Device)  
 
(2) Brake Test (Brake Roller Tester)  
 
(3) Wheel Alignment Test (Scuff / Side Slip Equipment)  
 
(4) Visual Test (Suspension and Wheel Play Detection Equipment)  
 
(5) Visual Test (Hydraulic Lifting Equipment)  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  7 (6) Light Test (Headlamp Beam Equipment)  
 
(7) Emission Test (Tailpipe Emission Equipment)  
 
1
 2 3 4
4m+
9m+2.4m+ 3.6m+
2.4m+2.4m+
5 6ANPR Camera Overview Camera Overview Camera
Top View
Side View
7
 
Figure 1 — Class I (Motorcycle/Moped) Test Lane  
 
5.6.2  Equipment  
 
The minimum equipment required for a Class I test lane shall be the following:  
 
a) Brake Roller Tester (with integrated Load Sensor)  
 
b) Wheel Alignment Tester (Scuff / Side Slip Tester)  
 
c) Tailpipe Emissions Tester  
 
d) Headlamp beam Tester  
 
e) Standing Mirrors  
 
f) Visual Test  Handheld Mobile Device  
 
g) Wheel Play Detector  
 
h) Suspension Testing Equipment  
 
i) Hydraulic Lift  
 
j) 12V Inspection Lamp  
 
k) Steel Tape Measure (3 -10 m) 
 
l) Crowbar (Short)  
 
m) Tyre Thread Depth Gauge  
 
n) Wheel Chocks  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
8 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  5.6.3  Site 
 
A Class I test lane does not require an inspection pit.  The site shall comply with Annex A  and the 
following is required in terms of size and accessibility of the site:  
 
a) Must have entrances and exits for vehicles and which must be at least 2.4  m high a nd 2.4  m 
wide.  The installation of a swinging or sliding barrier (i.e. door) that will close the entrances and 
exits must not impact these prescribed minimum dimensions.  
 
b) The width of the test lane must be at least 3.6  m so as to allow ample space arou nd a vehicle.  
 
c) The length of the test lane must be at least 9.0  m. 
 
d) Headroom inside the building where the vehicle must travel to be at least 2.4  m. 
 
e) Must be well ventilated to prevent the build -up of exhaust fumes preferably with exhaust 
extraction ducts for connection to tailpipes.  
 
f) Must be easily accessible to vehicles with parking facilities for vehicle arrivals which do not rely 
on public roads or public spaces.  
 
5.6.4  System to authentic ate vehicle presence and examiner presence for duration of test  
 
The system requirements specified in Annex B  shall be complied with, in particular the following:  
 
a) Cameras positioned and actuated to record evidence of the vehicle entering, being tested and 
leaving the test lane after roadworthiness inspection with automatic date, time, ANPR and GPS 
recording on the images/photographs.  
 
b) Means of linking examiner’s system credentials to images/  photographs and records of 
roadworthiness inspection such t hat the evidential recordings relating to each test performed 
cannot be tampered with or erased by the test station or the staff employed by the test station.  
 
c) Additional measures to minimize fraud may be implemented too.  
 
5.7 Requirements for Class II Test Lane: Light Vehicles  
 
5.7.1  Test Lane  
 
The test lane in Figure 2 below shall be used for Light Vehicles (incl. Tri -/Quadricycles) and 
Motorcycles/Mopeds as the testing equipment required for Class II is more than sufficient to test vehicles 
designated for Cl ass I too.  The equipment illustrated thereon are defined as:  
 
(1) Pre-Inspection (Handheld Mobile Computing Device)  
 
(2) Brake Test (Brake Roller Tester)  
 
(3) Wheel Alignment Test (Scuff / Side Slip Equipment)  
 
(4) Visual Test (Suspension and Wheel Play Detection Equipment)  
 
(5) Visual Test (Hydraulic Lifting Equipment)  
 
(6) Light Test (Headlamp Beam Equipment)  
 
(7) Emission Test (Tailpipe Emission Equipment)  
 
(8) Visual Test (Inspection Pit)  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  9 
1
 2 3 4
8
4m+
9m+2.4m+ 3.6m+
2.4m+2.4m+
5 6ANPR Camera Overview Camera Overview Camera
Top View
Side View
7
 
Figure 2: Class II (Light Vehicle) Test Lane  Alternative 1 (two-post platform lift)  
 
 
1
 2 3 4
8
4m+
9m+2.4m+ 3.6m+
2.4m+2.4m+
5 6ANPR Camera Overview Camera Overview Camera
Top View
Side View
7
 
Figure 3: Class II (Light Vehicle) Test Lane : Testing Lane Alternative 2 (two-post platform lift)  
 
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
10 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  
1
 2 3 4
8
4m+
9m+2.4m+ 3.6m+
2.4m+2.4m+
5 6ANPR Camera Overview Camera Overview Camera
Top View
Side View
7
 
Figure 4: Class II (Light Vehicle) Test Lane : Testing Lane Alternative 3 (four-post platform lift)  
 
5.7.2  Equipment  
 
The minimum equipment required for a Class II test lane shall be the following:  
 
a) Brake Roller Tester (with  integrated Load Sensor)  
 
b) Wheel Alignment Tester (Scuff / Side Slip Tester)  
 
c) Tailpipe Emissions Tester  
 
d) Headlamp beam Tester  
 
e) Standing Mirrors  
 
f) Visual Test Handheld Mobile Computing Device  
 
g) Inspection pit or hydraulic platform hoist  with a minimum of 3  000 kg  lifting capacity  
 
h) Wheel Play Detector  
 
i) Suspension Testing Equipment  
 
j) Hydraulic Lift/trolley jack  with 2  000 kg lifting capacity  
 
k) 12V Inspection Lamp  
 
l) Steel Tape Measure (3 -10 m) 
 
m) Crowbar (short and long)  
 
n) Tyre Thread Depth Gauge  
 
o) Wheel Chocks  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  11 5.7.3  Site 
 
The site shall comply with Annex A  and the following is required in terms of size and accessibility of the 
test lane:  
 
a) Must have entrances and exits for vehicles and which must be at least 2.4  m high and 2.4  m 
wide.  The installation of a swinging or sliding barrier (i.e. door) that will close the entrances and 
exits must not impact these prescribed minimum dimensions.  
 
b) An Overhead Height Restriction Beam with height indicator may be installed at a height of at 
least 0.05  m below the height of the entrances and exits.  If an Overhead Height Restriction 
Beam is installed, it must  be installed forward of the entrance to the Test Lane to pre -emptively 
stop too large vehicles from entering the Test Lane which may result in damage to the 
infrastructure.  
 
c) The Overhead Height Restriction Beam may be either a physical beam or infrared light beam, 
which must trigger an alarm.  
 
d) The width of the Test Lane must be at least 3.6  m so as to allow ample space a round a vehicle;  
 
e) The length of the Test Lane must be at least 9.0  m; and  
 
f) Headroom inside the building where the vehicle must travel to be at least 2.4  m. 
 
g) Must be such that vehicles can be driven through the premises and over the testing equipme nt 
and out of the premises to gain easy and safe access to a public road.  Reversing is permissible.  
 
h) Must be well ventilated to prevent the build -up of exhaust fumes preferably with exhaust 
extraction ducts for connection to tailpipes.  
 
i) Must be easily accessible to vehicles with parking facilities for vehicle arrivals which do not rely 
on public roads or public spaces.  
 
5.7.4  Provision and dimensions and equipment for vehicle inspection using an inspection pit  
 
a) Must have an inspection pit  with safe access for the vehicle examiner as below or a hydraulic 
lifting platform as specified . 
 
b) An inspection  pit must be of minimum width 760  mm and maximum width 920  mm and have a 
minimum depth of 1  500 mm and a maximum depth of 1  800 mm along a length of at least 5  m. 
The width dimensions of 920  mm may be increased to 1  300 mm if it is intended to also use the 
pit for heavy vehicles.  
 
c) Be built to withstand the maximum weight of vehicles to be tested, including their maximum 
loads . 
 
d) Must be provided with safe access for examiners with provision for ease of exit in an emergency 
some distance from the normal entry access.  
 
e) Must be located, protected and sealed to prevent water draining into it.  
 
f) Equipment to detect wheel play and steering  play may be incorporated.  
 
g) Equipment to enable both front wheels to be lifted simultaneously using the jacking points 
provided by the vehicle manufacturer for beam axles or for independent front suspensions.  
 
NOTE Front a xle mass load can be 2  000 kg on a fully laden vehicle.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
12 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  5.7.5  Provision and dimensions and equipment for a hydraulic lifting platform  
 
a) For the visual inspection of light vehicles, a hydraulic lifting platform may be installed instead of 
an inspection pit . 
 
b) The hydraulic lifting platform must be at least 3.9  m long and have raised edges or vertical rails 
with an ability to be raise a 3  000 kg vehicle at least 1.5  m from the floor.  
 
5.7.6  Headlamp aim testing equipment  
 
a) Headlamp aim measuring equipment must be properly aligned and with its rails positioned at 
right angles to the path of the vehicle in relation to where the vehicle under test will be situated.  
 
b) Must be mounted on rails at the end of a flat floor area at least 3.6  m long and 2.1  m wide being 
level within 6  mm o ver any 3  m length in any direction at any place within the 3.6  m x 2.1  m flat 
area.  
 
c) A space of at least 1  m must be provided to allow the operator to move behind the headlamp 
measuring equipment.  
 
5.7.7  Brake Testing Equipment  
 
a) A decelerometer may be provided for road testing of overall braking performance in addition to 
the brake roller test. A brake roller tester with automatic recording of results including axle weight 
shall be provided to establish whether each wheel brake is  operating satisfactorily.  
 
b) The brake roller tester must be installed in a lane at least 9  m long and at least 2.4  m wide in a 
substantially flat floor area 3.5  m to the front and rear of the rollers although the gradient beyond 
these dimensions may be  up to 10%.  
 
c) Safety of vehicle examiners must be ensured for example by providing an isolator to prevent 
operation when someone is in the pit.  
 
d) 4 x wheel chocks must be available.  
 
e) For testing of permanent 4 wheel drive vehicles, conveyor rollers shall be used for the 
axle/wheels not being tested on the rollers of the brake roller tester.  
 
f) The brake roller tester may be positioned outside the buildings provided the rollers are protected 
by a canopy or similar to prevent weather damage and provid ed the operator is able to view its 
operation and readings from an undercover position.  
 
5.7.8  System to authenticate vehicle presence and examiner presence for duration of test  
 
The system requirements specified in Annex B  shall be complied with, in parti cular the following:  
 
a) Cameras positioned and actuated to record evidence of the vehicle entering, being tested and 
leaving the test lane after roadworthiness inspection with automatic date, time, ANPR and GPS 
recording on the images/photographs.  
 
b) Means of linking examiner’s system credentials to images/photographs and records of 
roadworthiness inspection such that the evidential recordings relating to each test performed 
cannot be tampered with or erased by the test station or the staff employed by th e test station.  
 
c) Additional measures to minimize fraud may be implemented too.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  13 5.8 Requirements for Class III Test Lane: Heavy Vehicles  
 
5.8.1  Test Lane  
 
The test lane in Figure 5 and Figure 6 below shall be used for Heavy Vehicles, Light Vehicles and 
Motorcycles/Mopeds as the testing equipment required for Class III is more than sufficient to test vehicles 
designated for Classes I and II too. The equipment illustrated thereon are defined as:  
 
(1) Pre-Inspection (Handheld Mobile Computing Device)  
 
(2) Brake Test (Brake Roller Tester)  
 
(3) Wheel Alignment Test (Scuff / Side Slip Equipment)  
 
(4) Visual Test (Suspension and Wheel Play Detection Equipment)  
 
(5) Visual Test (Hydraulic Lifting Equipme nt) 
 
(6) Light Test (Headlamp Beam Equipment)  
 
(7) Emission Test (Tailpipe Emission Equipment)  
 
(8) Visual Test (Inspection Pit)  
 
1
 2 3 4
8
13m+
22m+4.2m+ 4.5m+
4.7m+5m+
5 6ANPR Camera Overview Camera Overview Camera
Top View
Side View
7
 
Figure 5 — Class III (Heavy Vehicle) Test Lane Alternative 1  
 
For Class III there are two layout alternatives to consider. Alternative 1 specified in Figure 5 allows for a 
single vehicle to be tested at any given tim e, but Alternative 2 specified in Figure 6 allows for two vehicles 
to be tested simultaneously through moving the brake test forward a minimum of 22  m to allow a heavy 
vehicle to move forward across the brake roller tester while its brakes are being tested without impeding 
the visual inspection of a second vehicle by another vehicle examiner at the pit.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
14 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  
1
 2 3 4
8
13m+
22m+4.2m+ 4.5m+
4.7m+5m+
5 6ANPR Camera Overview Camera Overview Camera
Top View
Side View
7
22m+
 
Figure 6: Class III (Heavy Vehicle) Test Lane Alternative 2  
 
5.8.2  Equipment  
 
The minimum equipment required for a Class III test lane shall be the following:  
 
a) Brake Roller Tester (with integrated Load Sensor)  
 
b) Wheel Alignment Tester (Scuff / Side Slip Tester)  
 
c) Tailpipe Emissions Tester  
 
d) Headlamp beam Tester  
 
e) Standing Mirrors  
 
f) Visual Test Handheld Mobile Computing Device  
 
g) Inspection pit  
 
h) Wheel Play Detector  
 
i) Suspension Testing Equipment  
 
j) Hydraulic Lift/Trolley Jack  with 10  000 kg lifting capacity  
 
k) Vehicle Height Gauge  
 
l) 12V Inspection Lamp  
 
m) Steel Tape Measure (10  m & 30  m) 
 
n) Crowbar (short and long)  
 
o) Tyre Thread Depth Gauge  
 
p) Wheel Chocks  
 
q) Kingpin Straight Edge  
 
r) Kingpin Gauge  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  15  
5.8.3  Site 
 
The site shall comply with Annex A  and the following is required in terms of size and accessibility of the 
test lane:  
 
a) Must be such that vehicles can be driven through the premises and over the testing equipment 
and out of the premises to gain easy access to a public road, without having to reverse out.  
 
b) Must be well ventilated to prevent the build -up of exhaust fumes preferably with exhaust 
extraction ducts for connection to tailpipes.  
 
c) Must be easily accessible to vehicles and with parking facilities for vehicle arrivals which do not 
rely on public roads or public spaces.  
 
5.8.4  Main dimensions for vehicle access  
 
a) Must have entrances and exits for vehicles and which must be at least 4.7  m high and 4.2  m 
wide 
 
b) The width of the test bay must be at least 4.5  m so as to allow ample space around a vehicle  
 
c) Headroom inside the building where the vehicle must tra vel to be at least 5.0  m 
 
5.8.5  Provision and dimensions of pit for vehicle inspection  
 
A Class III test lane shall have an inspection pit  with safe access for the vehicle examiner complying with 
the following:  
 
a) Minimum width 800  mm and maximum width 1  300 mm which has a minimum depth of 1  400 mm 
and a maximum depth of 1  800 mm along a length of at least 18  m. 
 
b) Built to withstand the maximum weight of vehicles to be tested, including their maximum loads.  
 
c) Provided with safe access for examiners wit h provision for ease of exit in an emergency some 
distance from the normal entry access.  
 
d) Must be located, protected and sealed to prevent water draining into it.  
 
e) Equipment to detect wheel play and steering play may be incorporated.  
 
f) Equipment to  enable both front wheels to be lifted simultaneously using the jacking points 
provided by the vehicle manufacturer for beam axles or for independent front suspensions.  
 
NOTE Front axle ma ss load can be 8  000 kg on a fully laden vehicle.  
 
5.8.6  Headlamp aim testing equipment  
 
a) Headlamp aim measuring equipment must be properly aligned and with its rails positioned at 
right angles to the path of the vehicle in relation to where the vehicle under test will be situated.  
 
b) Must be mounted on rails at the e nd of a flat floor area at least 11  m long and 3  m wide being 
level within 6mm over any 3  m length in any direction at any place within the 11  m x 3  m flat 
area.  
 
c) A space of at least 1  m must be provided to allow the operator to move behind the headlamp  
measuring equipment.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
16 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  5.8.7  Brake Testing Equipment  
 
a) A decelerometer may be provided for road testing of overall braking performance but a brake 
roller tester must be provided with wheel weighing and automatic results recording of force and 
weight to establish whether each wheel brake is operating satisfactorily.  
 
b) The brake roller tester must be installed in a lane at least 22  m long and at least 4  m wide in a 
substantially flat area with gradients less than 5%.  
 
c) Safety of vehicle examiners must be ensured for example by providing an isolator to prevent 
operation when someone is in the pit.  
 
d) 4 x wheel chocks must be available.  
 
e) The brake roller tester may be positioned outside the buildings provided the rollers are protected 
by a canopy or similar to prevent weather damage and provided the operator is able to view its 
operation and readings from an undercover position.  
 
5.8.8  System to authenticate vehicle presence and examiner presence for duration of test  
 
The system requirements specified  in Annex B shall be complied with, in particular the following:  
 
a) Cameras positioned and actuated to record evidence of the vehicle entering, being tested and 
leaving the test lane after roadworthiness inspection with automatic date, time, ANPR and GPS 
recording on the images/photographs.  
 
b) Means of linking examiner’s system credentials to images/photographs and records of 
roadworthiness inspection such that the evidential recordings relating to each test performed 
cannot be tampered with or erased by the test station or the staff employed by the test station.  
 
c) Additional measures to minimize fraud may be implemented too.  
 
 
  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  17 Annex A  
(normative)  
 
Standard Design Specification and Technical Requirements for a Vehicle Test 
Station  
 
A.1 Introduction  
 
Vehicle Test Station s (VTSs ) are to provide administrative functions of the vehicle register that include 
Roadworthiness Testing in pursuit of issuing a Certificate of Fitness.  The office infrastructure of a VTS 
is to provide for facilities where Roadworthiness Test applications are processed on the National 
Transport Information System (NTIS) using the appropriate equipment.  
 
The Roadworthiness Test Yard infrastructure of a VTS is to provide for Test Lane(s) where a 
Roadworthiness Test can be cond ucted. To this extent, a Roadworthiness Test Yard includes all 
infrastructure and equipment required to perform a Roadworthiness Test on motor vehicles (of various 
classes) and includes:  
 
a) Test Lane(s) with the required Test Equipment;  
b) Turning Circle (Infor mative Guide);  
c) Office Infrastructure, including back -office areas, Data Centre and Information and 
Communications Technology (ICT) areas and public service areas;  
d) Mechanical Infrastructure, including air conditioning, ventilation, fire detection, gas suppr ession, 
water reticulation and water storage;  
e) Electrical Infrastructure, including bulk supply, backup supply, Uninterrupt able Power Supply 
(UPS) supply and lighting;  
f) Telecommunications Infrastructure, including physical access control and Closed -Circuit 
Television (CCTV); and  
g) Customer and Staff Parking, including parking for heavy vehicles if applicable.  
The VTS entrance and exit, parking and Roadworthiness Test Yard must be designed with specific test 
equipment, test procedures, turning radiuses and pavem ent requirements as applicable to the vehicle 
classes that are to be tested at the VTS.  
 
A.2 Vehicle Test Station  Components  
 
Table 2 lists and describes the components of a VTS.  
 
Table 2: VTS Components  
# Component  Description  
1 Test Yard  The plot of land on which the VTS and all its buildings are 
situated.  
2 Queueing Lane(s)  A dedicated area in which motor vehicles queue for sequential 
processing in relevant the Test Lane associated to the 
vehicle's class.  
3 Test Lane(s)  A dedicated covered area in which specialised Test 
Equipment is installed for performing part of a Roadworthiness 
Test on one or more class of motor vehicle.  
4 Inspection Pit  A cavity in the Test Lane from which the Vehicle Examiner 
can inspect the motor vehicle's undercarriage and mechanical 
components.  
5 Test Equipment  Speci alised equipment for determining the roadworthiness of 
a motor vehicle i n terms of  an array of different tests.  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
18 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  # Component  Description  
6 Turning Circle  A dedicated area outside the Test Lane(s) for performing part 
of a Roadworthiness Test on one or more class of motor 
vehicle.  
7 Office Infrastructure  Administrative buildings including back -office areas, Data 
Centre & ICT areas and public service areas.  
8 Mechanical Infrastructure  Systems installed in various areas within the Test Yard 
including air conditioning, ventilation, f ire detection, gas 
suppression, water reticulation and water storage.  
9 Electrical Infrastructure  Systems installed in various areas within the Test Yard 
including bulk supply, backup supply, UPS supply and lighting.  
10 Telecommunications 
Infrastructure  Systems installed in various areas within the Test Yard 
including physical access control and CCTV.  
11 Customer & Staff Parking  Dedicated parking for VTS staff and Customers, the latter that 
must be able to accommodate heavy vehicles if applicable.  
 
A.3 Symbology  
 
A.3.1  Equipment Symbols  
 
Table 3 depicts the symbols used in the VTS Office and Test Lane(s).  
 
Table 3: Equipment Symbols  
# Symbol  Equipment  
1 
 Handheld Mobile Computing Device  
2 
 Camera  
3 
 Roller Brake Tester (with integrated Load Sensors)  
4 
 Wheel Alignment Tester (Scuff / Side Slip Equipment)  
5 
 Suspension  Testing Equipment  
6 
 Wheel Play Detection Equipment  
7 
 Hydraulic Lifting Equipment  
8 
 Headlamp Beam Tester Aiming Device  
9 
 Tailpipe Emission Equipment  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  19 # Symbol  Equipment  
10 
Wireless
Access Point
 Range Extender / Wireless Access Point  
11 
 Outdoor enclosure (Power supply, Transformer and 
Network point)  
12 
 Workstation  
13  Network  
14 
 Power converter  
15 
 Printer  
 
A.3.2 Other Symbols  
 
Table 4 depicts the other symbols used in the VTS.  
 
Table 4: Other Symbols  
# Symbol  Object  
1 
 Motorcycle or Moped  
2 
 Light Motor Vehicle  
3 
 Heavy Motor Vehicle  
4 
 Vehicle Examiner  
 
 
A.4 Roadworthiness Test Business Process  
 
Figure 7 below illustrates the standard process to be followed within a VTS, for both vehicle test and 
filing procedure within the office  to improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the VTS . Firstly, 
the public applies for their Certificate of Fitness, this can either be done at the VTS or online. In Figure 7 
process A illustrates the process  of applying for a COF in person at the VTS and process B for applying 
for a COF online. The application form should be completed and the Applicant must  make the payment 
for the test. After the payment is made and the applicant’s slot is available, the Veh icle Examiner initiates 
the test by creating the instance on a Handheld Mobile Computing Device  with the application installed.  
 
A camera is positioned at the entrance of the Test Lane to capture a photo of the vehicle as it enters the 
VTS ( see Bill of Mat erialError! Reference source not found. ), after the image of the vehicle is captured 
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
20 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  he testing of the vehicle commence.  There is no particular order in which the tests should be performed 
and will be determined by the layout of the VTS.  
 
A camera is also position ed at the exit of the Test Lane, which will capture another photo as the vehicle 
exists the Test Lane. The Vehicle Testing Module of the NTIS must retrieve/obtain the test results from 
the Test Equipment directly without human intervention or 3rd party application software. After the test is 
completed, the results are compiled and the Vehicle Examiner submits the test results on the Handheld 
Mobile Computing Device . If the test was passed, a Deposit Slip is issued to the Applicant, whom makes 
payment for the COF. Upon payment, the Applicant collects the COF.  
 
For full transparency, both the payment and test results must  be integrated into the  Vehicle and Vehicle 
Testing Module of the NTIS. This includes all relevant information attaining to the testing of the vehicle, 
such as the date of which process is completed, VTS used, Vehicle Examiner and all payments made 
throughout this process.  
 
The online process (process B in Figure 7) shall consist of sequential numbering system for clients, 
requirements, details of said client, the date and time of the booking and the online documentation 
submission, including personal and vehicle details.  
 
Business Process
Start
Deposit slip for test 
fee is issued to the 
applicant at the 
VTS.
End
User captures 
application form at 
the VTS .
Applicant makes the 
payment for the 
test at the VTS .
The test is initiated 
on the PDA by the 
Vehicle Examiner .
Image of vehicle is 
captured .
Tests are 
performed .
Results are 
uploaded from the 
PDA.
Applicant makes the 
payment for the 
COF.
Applicant collects 
COF.
Applicant makes the 
online payment for 
the test .
Applicant books a 
test slot online .
Applicant captures 
application form 
online .
Image of vehicle is 
captured .A – In Person Application 
Pass
FailB – Online Application 
 
Figure 7: Business Process  
 
 
A.5 National Transport Information System  (NTIS)  
 
The VTS must have access to the Vehicle, Vehicle Testing, Infrastructure, Driver and Transgression 
Modules of the NTIS with the functionalities and equipment as prescribed and outlined in the NTIS 
specifications. The Vehicle and Vehicle Testing Module of t he NTIS must interface with the Infrastructure, 
Vehicle, Driver and Transgression System modules of the NTIS as specified in the following clause s. 
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  21 A.5.1  Infrastructure Module Interface  
 
Infrastructure Module as integrated with the Vehicle and Vehicle Testing Module must validate the 
following infrastructure requirements:  
 
a) VTS grading:  The VTS may only test roadworthiness for vehicle categories as applicable to the 
grade classification  of the VTS, as specified in  Clause  4.  The Roadworthiness Test Yard must 
provide for the class of Test Lane that is designed for the vehicle class as tested.  
 
b) Vehicle Examiner grading:  A Vehicle Examiner may only capture Roadworthiness Test results 
for vehicle classes as applicable to the grade classification of the Vehicle Examiner in 
combination with that of the VTS, as specified in  ARS 1355 -4. 
 
c) Valid Vehicle Examiner inspections and tests were conducted:  
 
i) Vehicle Examiner is linked to the VTS where the Roadworthiness Test was performed;  
 
ii) Roadworthiness Test does not overlap with another at the same time;  
 
iii) Vehicle was tested by one Vehicle Examiner at a time, and  
 
iv) Vehicle Examiner has not exceeded the maximum number of allowed tests  for the day.  
 
A.5.2  Driver Module Interface  
 
The Driver Module of the NTIS as integrated with the Vehicle and Vehicle Testing Module must validate 
the Vehicle Examiner's Driving Licence:  
 
a) Vehicle Examiner’s Driving Licence must be valid at the time when performing and capturing 
Roadworthiness Test results.  
 
b) Vehicle Examiner must hold a valid Driving Licence code for the vehicle to be tested.  
 
A.5.3  Vehicle and Vehicle Testing Module Interface  
 
The Vehicle and Vehicle Testing Module of the NTIS mus t validate the following vehicle requirements:  
 
a) Vehicle registration:  The vehicle must be registered on the Vehicle Module of the NTIS and, if 
applicable, have a valid vehicle licence.  
 
b) Stolen flag:  The vehicle must not be reported as stolen.  
 
c) Vehicle category:  The vehicle to be tested must comply with the vehicle class of the VTS grading, 
as specified in  Clause  4. 
 
A.5.4  Transgression Module Interface  
 
Transgression Module as integrated with the Vehicle and Vehicle Testing Module of the NTIS mu st 
validate the requirements  relating to Outstanding fines . Owners may not proceed with applications if 
unresolved fines exist. Transgression information and outstanding fines payable, inclusive of civil debt 
collection costs as recorded by domestic and fo reign law enforcement agencies, following the finalisation 
of the transgressions in case of the following:  
 
a) Transgressions which were paid;  
 
b) Transgressions where the accused was found guilty in a court of law; and  
 
c) Transgressions where the accused  did not respond within the period allowed and are thus 
assumed to be guilty.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
22 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  A.5.5  Vehicle Testing Module NTIS Requirements  
 
The Vehicle Testing Module of the NTIS must facilitate the following business processes and functions 
that are to be computerised  and automated as specified in the following Clause s. 
 
A.5.5.1  Biometric Login  
 
Biometric login is required of all VTS staff.  
 
A.5.5.2  Roadworthiness Test Bookings  
 
Administer Roadworthiness Test bookings for the following:  
 
a) Roadworthiness of a specific  vehicle class as per the grading of the VTS.  
 
b) No specialised equipment is required to record Roadworthiness Test bookings. The bookings 
can be provided through an online / web portal. Bookings can be provided at a dedicated public 
counter(s) using a NT IS workstation.  
 
A.5.5.3  Roadworthiness Test  
 
The Roadworthiness Test must be controlled by the NTIS by means of a Handheld Mobile Computing 
Device . Camera footage and Roadworthiness Test results must be captured automatically for all 
integrated equipment, and manually for both visual inspections and equipment that cannot be integrated 
on a Handheld Mobile Computing Device . To this end, all non-integ rated equipment will form part of the 
visual test, as the result must be captured on the Handheld Mobile Computing Device . 
 
A.5.5.4  Issuing of Documents  
 
The format and manner in which documents are issued are subject to the NTIS architecture and 
functiona lity as implemented. COFs are to be issued on pre-printed A4 paper with the required security 
features for offline authentication.  
 
A.6 Office Infrastructure Requirements  
 
A.6.1  Back Office Areas  
 
A.6.1.1  Physical Access Control  
 
All entrances to back office areas as well as all security sensitive areas such as the archive room, storage 
room and data centre, must  be controlled through an access card or biometric access system to prevent 
entry by unauthorised persons.  
 
A.6.1.2  VTS Manager  
 
VTS manager of the facility which is also equipped with a closed circuit television (CCTV) monitor that 
display random footage of the CCTV cameras that survey the public service areas and Roadworthiness 
Testing yard.  
 
A.6.1.3  Meeting or Boardroom  
 
A meeting or boardroom is optional to conduct meetings with visitors and/or staff.  
 
A.6.1.4  General Storage  
 
General storage of general office supplies and consumables. Provision for storage must  also be made 
for photocopier paper, printer cartridges, and Roadworthiness Test Yard equipment. In addition to the 
above, provision must  also be made for garden and Roadworthiness Test Yard maintenance tools and 
equipment to be stored in a lockable room o r shed.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  23 A.6.1.5  Secure Storage Space or Vault  
 
Secure storage space where blank face value certificates are securely stored with limited access by only 
approved personnel, i.e. manager or supervisor. The secure storage room of at least 2  m x 3  m should 
include shelves or conventional lateral file cabinets for storage of documents as well as a lockable 
cabinet. The security provisions include:  
 
a) Fire resistant access door and/or strong room door, with key locking mechanism.  
 
b) Biometric access control in  addition to the standard key locking mechanism of the access door.  
 
c) CCTV surveillance outside and within the storeroom.  
 
d) Concrete or burglar -proof ceiling.  
 
e) Storage room may not have any windows.  
 
A.6.1.6  Staff Wellness Facilities  
 
Staff wellness  facilities are to be provided for all the Vehicle Examiners and staff that works at the public 
service counters, these facilities include:  
 
a) Kitchen that is equipped with cupboards and a sink, fridge/freezer, microwave and a kettle or 
tee/coffee machine;  
 
b) Resting room with air conditioning,  
 
c) Personal locker, and  
 
d) Staff ablution facilities . 
 
A.6.2  Data Centre and ICT Areas  
 
Data centre or computer room must  provide for the hosting of the following ICT systems and equipment:  
 
1. Small cabinet for hosting environmental monitoring equipment to provide  alarm notifications through 
the sending text or emails to the IT staff responsible for the data centre, in case of a fire detection, 
heat or power failure within the data centre.  
2. Cabinet for  the NTIS equipment and devices for application access, security (firewall), content 
switches, wide area network routers (conventional data lines and fibre) and local Wi -Fi route rs. 
Noted that for high availability of the NTIS multiple wide area network co mmunication must be 
provided through different telecom service providers to the central NTIS data centre.  
3. Cabinet for the local area network devices, i.e. intelligent network switches (Gigabyte switches), 
patch panels for the cabling of all the network poi nts in all offices at the VTS that must access the 
NTIS, office file server, CCTV display and electronic archive solution.  
4. Cabinet for the biometric access control system and local office file server to be used for internet 
access, office documents and ema ils. 
5. Large cabinet for CCTV surveillance server, data storage and archive device (at least 6 months of 
footage for the purpose of possible fraud investigations) as well as camera cabling and conversion 
devices. Alternatively, two cabinets can be provided, one for the CCTV solution server and data 
storage and a second cabinet for the CCTV camera cabling and conversion devices.  
6. Cabinet for electronic archiving solution, i.e. application and/or data server with external data 
storage devices.  
7. Cabinet for the Co mputer Room UPS power supply to provide clean and uninterrupted power supply 
all the above -mentioned cabinets with servers, data storage and network equipment. At least a 
5kVA Online UPS with 8 hours of power backup through external battery packs are to be  mounted DARS 1355 -5:2020  
24 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  in the cabinet. This cabinet or Computer Room UPS must be connected to the uninterrupted power 
supply as provided through the VTS building / facility UPS.  
8. Cabinet or floor space for the VTS building / facility UPS to provide clean and uninterrupted power 
supply for all computers equipment at the VTS. This clean and uninterrupted power supply is 
required to protect the computer and sensitive equipment from power surges / spikes. The VTS 
building / facility UPS is to be integrated with th e backup power generator and power connection 
from the local authority or government.  
9. Fire monitoring and fire suppression systems to automatically extinguish a fire within the data centre. 
Non-water based fire suspension system in preferred such as a clea n-agent or inert gases. In case 
of the latter, space provision must  be made for at least two large wall mounted gas cylinders.  
10. The data centre or computer room must  be designed and equipped with a power connection and 
distribution box that is accessible fr om outside of the data centre or computer room. The power 
connection and distribution box must be surge protected and must  be designed and wired to balance 
the power distribution of both:  
a. Normal power as required for lights and air conditioners, kitchen, p rinters and general use, and  
b. Facility UPS power connections as required for the protection of computer equipment and 
sensitive equipment within the data centre or computer room, VTS offices, public service 
counters, exam rooms and outside CCTV cameras.  
The above can be implemented through separate distribution boxes.  
11. Raised floor for under floor power cabling that complies with antistatic requirements, i.e. electrostatic 
dissipative floor that is grounded to release static electricity.  
12. Adequate conduits an d separate overhead data and power cabling cradles for the cabling 
requirements of the respective cabinets in the data centre or computer room as listed above.  
13. Fire resistant access door and/or strong room door, with key locking mechanism.  
14. Biometric acces s control in addition to the standard key locking mechanism of the access door.  
15. CCTV surveillance outside and within the data centre.  
16. Concrete or burglar proof ceiling.  
17. Data centre / computer room may not have any windows.  
18. Adequate cooling of the data cent re / computer room by means of one or more air conditioners 
(+9000 BTU). In case of multiple air conditioners, it’s recommended that different circuit breakers 
be used and that the air conditioners be connected to the environment monitoring devices.  
A.6.3  Public Service Areas  
 
The VTS must  provide for office space that is conducive to the function and services that are rendered 
to vehicle owners and vehicle merchant / dealers.  
 
All public service areas must  be designed to allow adequate light preferably natural light and sufficient 
ventilation and cooling, i.e. air conditioners.  All public service areas, counters and service points are to 
be clearly indicated with overhead information and notice boards in o rder to inform the applicants where 
the relevant applications are to be submitted or where services are rendered, where to wait and/or queue.  
 
The Public Service Areas provision requirements are specified in the following clause s. 
 
A.6.3.1  Information Desk  
 
An information desk or public enquiry desk must  be provided where applicants can obtain the relevant 
application forms to be completed with guidance from the information desk officer.  The guidance should 
include information regarding the application, th e process to follow, the counter where to submit the DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  25 application, confirm whether all the required procedures have been followed and whether all the required 
supporting documentation is available to be submitted with the application.  
 
The Information Desk  is to be located within or near the entrance of the public counter area. The location 
must  allow the information desk officer to direct applicants to the appropriate public service counter.  
 
The design of the Information Desk must  facilitate interaction between the officer and the applicants for 
the purpose of exchange of information and forms. The Information Desk must  provide for an orderly 
storage of the respective application forms that are used at the VTS for the functions and  services 
rendered to the public.  
 
The public enquiry and information desk may also be used as:  
 
a) Control point to verify that an applicant has complied and attached all the mandatory supporting 
documents of an application before allowed to proceed to a specific service counter. For the 
latter but subject to security considerations, the information desk may be equipped with 
workstation(s) to access the NTIS to verify and confirm application requirements or to print 
applications forms.  
 
b) Electronic queue  registration and ticket issuance ( optional). Upon arrival and confirmation of the 
purpose of the business and compliance with the application requirements, the applicant can be 
registered on the electronic queuing system and directed to a demarcated waiti ng area. 
Thereafter, the applicant will be called via an electronic load speaker intercom or electronic 
overhead display to proceed to a specific service point at the public service counter based on a 
predefined workflow process.   
 
c) Subject to online ap plication and/or payment options that are provided at the VTS, the 
Information Desk can also be the control point where Wi -Fi vouchers are issued to applicants in 
order to use their own devices to process online application and/or electronic payment.  
 
d) Optional equipment that can be included is a NTIS workstation and document printer, should it 
be required for the officials to perform NTIS system enquiries for the public.  
 
A.6.3.2  Public Area to Complete Application Forms (Optional)  
 
Space must  be provided with counter tops or tables where applicants can complete applications forms 
before they proceed to the relevant public service counter. This can be integrated within the open space 
in front of the Public Service Counters or as part of the wai ting areas.  
 
A.6.3.3  Payment Area, with Internet and/or Wi -Fi 
 
The NTIS does not allow for any cash or hard currency payments at public counters except for handheld 
debit and credit card payments devices. A dedicated payment area is to be provided where ap plicants 
can record and process transactional payments. The following payment options, facilities and equipment 
are to be provided, subject to the availability thereof:  
 
a) In case of a national government owned Bank or Public Private Partnership with a pr ivate 
financial institution or Commercial Bank, where the financial institution or bank has a Satellite 
Office or Teller(s) at the VTS where cash payments can be made by applicants directly into the 
bank account that is used for receiving transactional fee s or other payments that can be 
confirmed by the NTIS.  
 
b) Automated Teller Machines (ATM) at the VTS where direct payment options are provided by 
commercial banks through their ATM system functionality and integration with the NTIS.  
 
c) Dedicated public workstation or fixed mounted tablet kiosks with optional A4 printers where:  
 
i) Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) can be made through his/her own bank’s online payment 
portal, or  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
26 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  ii) Online payments can be made through a dedicated payment gateway as provide d as 
integrated with the NTIS.  
 
iii) Optional: Print of Proof of Payments.  
 
d) Areas with restricted Wi -Fi, where applicants can be issued with Wi -Fi tokens that are valid for 
short period of time, i.e. 10 -15 minutes, in order to perform EFTs, online payments or Mobile 
Phone -Based Money Transfers.  
 
A.6.3.4  Public Service Counters  
 
A Public Service Counter environment must  be provided whereby the applicants are serviced within an 
enclosed facility where the officials are sitting or standing behind the Public Service Counters.  The Public 
Service Counters must  provide for at least the following services (the services may be combined at one 
or more service point):  
 
a) Enquiries  
 
b) Applications  
 
i) Roadworthiness Testing;  
 
ii) Roadworthiness Re -testing; or  
 
iii) Duplicate Documents.  
 
c) Payment / Processing of fees  
 
d) Booking of Roadworthiness Tests  
 
e) Issuance and/or Collection of COF.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  27 A.6.3.5  Public Service Area Design  
 
Form Completion Counter
Staff 
Entrance / 
ExitSupervisor 
Access to 
Public Service 
Area
Server Room
Restroom
Restroom
Office
Form Completion Counter
 
Figure 8: Office Layout Alternative I ( Informative)  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
28 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  
Staff 
Entrance / 
ExitSupervisor 
Access to 
Public Service 
Area
Server Room
Restroom
Restroom
Public 
Entrance / 
Exit 
Figure 9: Office Layout Alternative II ( Informative)  
 
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  29 Figure 10: Office Layout Alternative III (I nformative)  
 
A.6.3.6  Workstation Design  
 
a) Local area network connection f or the workstation and A4 printer.  
 
b) Multiple Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) outlets for the NTIS workstation and as applicable 
for the functions to be performed at the kiosk using specialised equipment, e.g. A4 printer, A4 
scanner, debit and credit ca rd payment devices and staff smart phone charger (optional),  
 
c) Normal power outlet for the printer.  
   
 
Figure 11: Sample Public Service Counter & High Height Adjustable Chair (informative 
guideline)  
 
A.6.4  VTS Scalability  
 
A.6.4.1  General  
 
A.6.4.2  Equipment per Process Requirements  
 
Table 5: Office Equipment per Process  
Hardware  Workstation Function  
Queries  Applications 
& Bookings  COF Test  Results  Certificate 
Production*  
Computer Workstation  Mandatory  Mandatory  Mandatory  Mandatory  Mandatory  
Barcode Scanner  Mandatory  Mandatory  Mandatory  Mandatory  Mandatory  
A4 Printer  Mandatory  Mandatory  Not required  Mandatory  Mandatory  
A4 Document Scanner  Not required  Mandatory  Not required  Not required  Not required  
Mobile Smart Device  Not required  Not required  Mandatory  Not required  Not required  
Card Payment Device  Not required  Mandatory  Not required  Mandatory  Not required  
 
A.6.5  Decentralised Production with Secure Stock Control  
 
A.6.5.1  Production Process Overview  
 
A.6.5.2  Security Certificate Stock Control  
 
A.6.5.3  Certificate Production Office Specifications  
 
A.6.5.3.1  Personnel  
 
a) The production office must be limited to authorised document issuing personnel only.  
 
b) An audit record of personnel permitted to the production office over time must be kept.  
 
c) No members of the public must be allowed into the production office.  
 
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
30 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  A.6.5.3.2  Office Security Measures  
 
1. The production office must be secured so that no person must be able to enter the office by any 
other means than through the regulated points of entry.  
 
2. The production office must have 24 -hour CCTV cameras installed.  
 
3. The CCTV cameras installed must have a clear view of the following:  
a) All points of entry to the production office;  
b) Every document issuing query counter; and  
c) The entrance of the secured office space or vault wherein stock is stored.  
 
4. The CCTV recordings of the production office must be retained for at least 31 days.  
 
5. The production office’s query counters accessible by the public must be secured in such a manner 
so as to prevent any member of the public from gaining access to the office by mean s of force.  
 
6. The production office’s query counters must be secured in such a manner so as to prevent any 
member of the public from causing harm to document issuing personnel.  
 
7. The production office must have a vault, wherein production stock is securely s tored.  
 
8. The production office’s vault must be immovable.  
 
9. The production office’s vault must be so secure in order to prevent access by brute force.  
 
10. The production office’s vault must only be accessible by authorised VTS personnel.  
 
11. A strict two -person rule is necessary to access any production stock or operating the production 
equipment.  
 
12. When stock is not being transferred to printers, the production office’s vault must be locked at all 
times.  
 
A.6.6  Customer and Staff Parking  
 
 
a) Parking areas must  be located not to interfere with the traffic flow and areas used by light and 
medium motor vehicles as well as scooters and motorcycles.  
 
b) Integrated with the traffic flow at the VTS to allow easy parking upon arriv al, allow the driver to 
drive towards the test yard without awkward manoeuvring and to park the vehicle upon 
completion of the test.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  31 A.6.7  Mechanical Infrastructure of the Office Facility  
 
A.6.7.1  Introduction  
 
A.6.7. 2 Air Conditioning  
 
A.6.7.3  Ventilation Installation  
 
A.6.7.4  Fire Detection and Alarm System Installation  
 
A.6.7.5  Gas Suppression Installation  
 
A.6.7.6  Internal Water Reticulation  
 
A.6.7.7  Bulk Water Storage  
 
A.6.8  Electrical Infrastructure  
 
A.6.8.1  Introduction  
 
A.6.8. 2 Electrification  
 
A.6.8. 2.1 Bulk Supply  
 
A.6.8. 2.2 Backup Supply  
 
A.6.8. 2.3 UPS Supply  
 
A.6.8. 3 Building Electrification  
 
A.6.8. 4 Lighting  
 
a) Site Lighting (optional): Site lighting to ensure adequate light levels are achieved of the entrance, 
exit and parking areas, office building as well as the Roadworthiness Test Yard perimeter.  
 
b) Security Lighting (optional): A design for the security lighting must  be done to ensure adequate 
light levels as per the requirements of the security system and installations.  
 
c) Building Lighting: Building lighting designs forms part of the building elec trification.  
 
A.6.9  Telecommunications Infrastructure  
 
 
a) Physical Access Control System;  
 
b) Local Area and Wide Area Network cabling; and  
 
c) CCTV camera cabling.  
A.6.10  Bill of Mater ials 
 
 
A.7 Roadworthiness Test Yard Requirements  
 
A.7.1  General Requirements  
 
A.7.2  Surveillance of VTS Test Yard  
 
A.7.3  Storm  Water Drainage  
 
a)  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
32 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  b)  
c)  
d)  
e)  
f)  
g)  
h) A.7.4  Under Surface and Pavement Sleeves and Conduits  
 
a) Water pipes: Bulk supply, garden and other water outlet points.  
 
b) Power cablin g: Power cabling for bulk power supply, power supply for testing equipment and 
areas, site cabling for outside electronic display boards, traffic movement control devices, 
lighting including perimeter and gate lights, CCTV / ANPR cameras at the testing are as. 
 
c) Data cabling: Data cabling for testing equipment, site cabling for outside electronic display 
boards, CCTV / ANPR cameras at the testing areas.  
A.8 Roadworthiness Test Lane Requirements  
 
A.8.1  General Requirements  
 
A.8.1.1  Drainage  
 
1. The Inspection Pit floor must  be designed for the fitment of all testing equipment whereby water 
drainage is allowed into the Inspection Pit or elsewhere to protect the electric equipment from water 
damage. The latter could be due to floods or the regular cleaning of the testing lane.  
2. Drainage Sump  
a) The Inspection Pit shall be equipped with a drainage sump of minimum 600 x 600 x 600 mm 
dimensions positioned in the middle of the length of the pit against  the sidewall.  
b) The pit floor shall be sloped (1%) towards the sump to allow for natural drainage of any spillage, 
rainwater and wash -water into the sump.  
c) Should the geometry of the site allow for natural drainage of the sump, a 150 mm diameter 
drainpipe fr om the bottom of the sump to the outside of the pit side wall with a minimum 2 metre 
length shall be implemented.  
d) The drainpipe shall be low carbon steel pipes in accordance with SADC or Member State 
specific standards.  
e) If natural drainage of the sump is n ot possible, a drainage pump shall be installed in the sump.  
f) The sump shall be covered with grating.  
g) The sump grating shall be able to support without deflection a weight of 200 kg.  
h) The sump grating shall be slotted to allow the pump cable and delivery pip e to protrude.  
1.25m to 1.75m
(0.25m run )1.25m to 1.75m
(0.25m run )1⁰ 
Drainage Sump
Alternative Entrance /
Exit Tunnel
Grade Specific
 
Figure 12: Inspection Pit Drainage  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  33 A.8.1.2  Entrances & Exits  
 
a) Safe ac cess, and  
 
b) Safe exit in an emergency some distance from the normal entry access.  
 
 
 
 
Figure 13: Side Entry/Exit (left) and Middle Entry/Exit (right)  
Figure 14: Side Entry/Exit in Practice  
 
 
Figure 15: Middle Entry/Exit in Practice  
 
A.8.1.3  Form and lighting  
 
A.8.1.3.1  Class II  
 
A pit must be of minimum width 760  mm and maximum width 920  mm and  have a minimum depth of 
1 500 mm and a maximum depth of 1  800 mm along a length of at least 4  m. The width dimensions of 
920 mm may be increased to 1  300 mm if it is intended to also use the pit for heavy vehicles.  
 
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
34 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  
1500 mm
to
1800 mm760mm
to
920mm760mm
to
920mm
1500 mm
to
1800 mm 
 
Figure 16: Form & Lighting of a Class II Inspection Pit  
 
A.8.1.3.1  Class I II 
 
The inspection  pit must be of minimum width 800  mm and maximum width 1  300 mm which has a 
minimum depth of 1  400 mm and a maximum depth of 1  800 mm along a length  of at least 13  m. 
 
1400 mm
to
1800 mm800mm
to
1300 mm800mm
to
1300 mm
1400 mm
to
1800 mm
 
Figure 17: Form & Lighting of a Class II I Inspection Pit  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  35 A.8.1. 4 Network  
 
Smart Device
Power
Network
Wireless
Access Point
Range
Extender
Range
Extender
Serial 
Connection
ANPR 
CameraOverview 
CameraOverview 
Camera
 
 
Figure 18: Test Lane Network Configuration  
handheld mobile computing device A.8.1.5  Tests and Testing Equipment  
 
A.8.2  General Notes for the Construction of the Test Lane, Inspection Pit, Sleeves, 
Conduits and Cover Plates  
 
A.8.2.1  Test Lane  
 
A.8.2.2  Sleeves and Conduits  
 
 
a) Hydraulic pipes: Equipment requiring hydraulic fluid must be fi tted with piping that does not 
include any tight/sharp bends, but must rather allow for long bends.  
 
b) Water pipes: Bulk supply and other water outlet points.  
 
c) Water drainage: Outlet from testing equipment into the drainage of the Inspection Pit.  
 
d) Power cabling: Power cabling for bulk power supply, power supply for testing equipment and 
areas, site cabling for outside electronic display boards, traffic movement control devices, 
lighting including perimeter and gate lights, CCTV / ANPR cameras at the testing areas.  
 
e) Data cabling: Data cabling for testing equipment, site cabling for outside electronic display 
boards, CCTV / ANPR cameras at the testing areas.  
 
f) Sleeves A.8.2.3  Cover Plates  
 
 
a) Equipment frames (steel) must be made available during Inspection Pit construc tion as to cast 
the concrete floor with the required openings included.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
36 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  b) Steel cover plates must be provided if provision is made in the concrete floor for future fitment 
of optional equipment. The steel cover plates must be designed not to bend under the load of 
the laden vehicles that are to be tested in the Test Lane.  
 
A.8.2.4  Maintenance, Repair and Calibration  
 
 
a) execution of preventative maintenance procedures according to the manufacturers’ 
recommendations and specifications;  
 
b) execution of equipment calibration during preventative maintenance or otherwise in accordance 
with the Grade equi pment specifications;  
 
c) repair and/or replacement of all faulty vehicle testing and integrated camera equipment, devices, 
instruments and peripherals;  
 
d) service of fire extinguishers;  
 
e) painting of the pit area (every 3 years) in accordance with safety regulations; and  
 
f) maintaining the equipment register.  
Table 6: Calibration Intervals  
A.9 VTS Conceptual Layouts  
 
A.9.1  Grade A  
 
A.9.1.1  General  
 
H/v Queue H/v Test Lane  (Class III )
Office Parking AreaOffice
Light Vehicle Parking Area
Turning CircleExit
Entrance
L/v QueueM/s Queue
L/v Test Lane  (Class II )M/s Test Lane  (Class I )
Heavy Vehicle Parking Area
 
Figure 19: Grade A VTS Alternative I (Informative)  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  37 
Office Parking Area Light Vehicle Parking AreaExit
Entrance
Office
Heavy Vehicle Parking Area
Turning Circle
H/v QueueL/v QueueM/s Queue
H/v Test Lane  (Class III )L/v Test Lane  (Class II )M/s Test Lane  (Class I ) 
 
Figure 20: Grade A VTS Alternative II  (Informative)  
 
A.9.1.2  Dedicated Test Lane for Vehicle Class(es)  
 
Table 7: Required Testing Lanes for a Grade A VTS  
Test 
Lane 
Class  Vehicle Class Description  Vehicle Category 
Codes  VTS Grade  
A 
III All Vehicle Classes  Codes L1, L2, L3, L4, L5,  
L6, L7,  M1, M2, M3, N1, 
N2, N3, O1, O2, O3 and O4  Mandatory  
II Light Vehicles (incl. Tri -/Quadricycles) with a GVM (or 
GCM in the case of articulated motor vehicles) NOT 
exceeding 3500 kilograms  Codes L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, 
L6, L7,  M1, N1, O1 and O2  Optionala 
I Motorcycles  and Mopeds  Code L1 & L3  Optionala 
a It is optional for Grade A VTS to install either Class II or Class I Test Lanes to allow for additional testing 
capacity and increased throughput.  
 
A.9.1.3  Parking Area  
 
A.9.1.4  Queuing Lanes  
 
A.9.1.5  Turning Circle (Informative Guide)  
 
 
 
Figure 21: Turning Circle of an Articulated Vehicle (left) and Rigid Vehicle (right)  
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
38 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  
Exception Outer
Inner 
Figure 22: Turning Circle with Markings for all Classes of Vehicles and Exceptions  
Table 8: Turning Radius Specifications for Grade A VTS  
Design Item  Roadworthiness Test Yard Turning Circle Radii  
I - Motorcycles  II - Light Motor 
Vehicles  III - Heavy 
Motor Vehicles  Exceptions  
Inner Turning Radius  5.3 m 5.3 m 5.3 m 5.3 m 
Outer Turning Radius  13.1 m 13.1 m 13.1 m 17.5 m 
 
A.9.1.6  VTS Yard Turning Radiuses per Vehicle Class  
 
 
 
Figure 23: Inner Turning Radius (left) and Outer Turning Radius (right)  
 
Table 9: Turning Radius Specifications for Grade A VTS  
Design Item  Roadworthiness Test Yard Turning Radiuses: 
Minimum Distances of Gates & Turning Radiuses  
I - Motorcycles  II - Light Motor 
Vehicles  III - Heavy Motor 
Vehicles  
Minimum Inner Turning  Radius  6 m – 8 m 10 m – 12 m 13 m – 15 m 
Minimum Outer Turning Radius  10 m – 12 m 15 m – 17 m 22 m – 24 m 
Minimum Entry Gate Width  4 m 6 m 6 m 
Minimum Exit Gate Width  4 m 6 m 6 m 
A.9.1.7  Pavemen t Design for Respective Vehicle Classes and Lanes  
 
Table 10: Type of Pavement Structures  
Pavement  Layer Components  
Pavement Structure A  4 Bituminous Surface Seal  
3 Applicable Pavement Layerworks  
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  39 Pavement  Layer Components  
2 Applicable Subgrade Layerworks  
1 In-situ Material  
Pavement Structure B  4 80mm 35 Mpa Interlock Pavers  
3 Applicable Pavement Layerworks  
2 Applicable Subgrade Layerworks  
1 In-situ Material  
Pavement Structure C  4 60mm 35 Mpa Interlock Pavers  
3 Applicable Pavement Layerworks  
2 Applicable Subgrade Layerworks  
1 In-situ Material  
Pavement Structure D  4 30 MPa Concrete Slab with Reinforcement  
3 Applicable Pavement Layerworks  
2 Applicable Subgrade Layerworks  
1 In-situ Material  
Pavement Structure E  3 60mm 25 MPa Interlock Pavers  
2 Applicable Pavement Layerworks  
1 In-situ Material  
Pavement Structure F  2 Gravel Wearing Course  
1 In-situ Material  
 
Table 11: Pavement Structures to be used for Grade A VTS  
Vehicle Test Station  Type of Pavement Structure  
Grade of VTS  Class of Roadworthiness 
Test Lane with applicable 
Vehicle Category Codes that 
may be tested per class of 
lane Entrances 
and Exits  Vehicle 
Queuing 
Lanes  Testing 
Areas  Parking  Raised 
Islands 
and 
Pedestrian 
Sidewalks  
A All vehicle classes  I Code L1 & L3  A or C  A or C  A or C  A or C  E or F  
II Codes L1, L2, L3, L4, L5,  
L6, L7,  M1, N1, O1 and O2  A or B  A or B  D A or B  E or F  
III Codes L1, L2, L3, L4, L5,  
L6, L7,  M1, M2, M3, N1, N2, 
N3, O1, O2, O3 and O4  D A or B  D A or B E or F  
 
 
A.9.2  Grade B  
 
A.9.2.1  General  
 
 
Figure 24: Grade B VTS Alternative I (Informative)  
 
Figure 25: Grade B VTS Alternative II  (Informative ) 
 
A.9.2.2  Dedicated Test Lane for Vehicle Class(es)  
 
Table 12: Required Testing Lanes for a Grade B VTS  
a It is optional for Grade B VTS to install either Class II or Class I Test Lanes to allow for additional testing 
capacity and increased throughput.  
 
A.9.2.3  Parking Area  
 
A.9.2.4  Queuing Lanes  
 
A.9.2.5  Turning Circle (Informative Guide)  
 
Figure 26: Turning Circle of an Articulated Vehicle (left) and Rigid Vehicle (right)  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
40 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Table 13: Turning Radius Specifications for Grade B VTS  
 
A.9.2.6  VTS Yard Turning Radiuses per Vehicle Class  
 
Figure 27: Inner Turning Radius (left) and Outer Turning Radius (right)  
 
Table 14: Turning Radius Specificat ions for Grade B VTS  
A.9.2.7  Pavemen t Design for Respective Vehicle Classes and Lanes  
 
Table 15: Type of Pavement Structures  
Table 16: Pavement Structures to be used for Grade B VTS  
Vehicle Test Station  Type of Pavement Structure  
 Class of Roadworthiness 
Test Lane with applicable 
Vehicle Category Codes that 
may be tested per class of 
lane      
   Code L1 & L3       
 Codes L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, 
L6, L7, M1, N1, O1 and O2       
 
 
A.9.3  Grade C  
 
A.9.3.1  General  
 
 
Figure 28: Grade C VTS Alternative I (Informative)  
Figure 29: Grade C VTS Alternative II  (Informative)  
 
A.9.3.2  Dedicated lane for Vehicle Class  
 
Table 17: Required Testing Lanes for a Grade C VTS  
  Codes L1, L2, L3, L4, L5,  
L6, L7,  M1, M2, M3, N1, 
N2, N3, O1, O2, O3 and O4   
  Codes L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, 
L6, L7,  M1, N1, O1 and O2   
   Mandatory  
 
A.9.3.3  Parking Area  
 
A.9.3.4  Queuing Lanes  
 
A.9.3.5 Turning Circle (Informative Guide)  
 
Figure 30: Turning Circle of a Rigid Vehicle  
Table 18: Turning Radius Specifications for Grade C VTS  
 
A.9.3.6  VTS Yard Turning Radiuses per Vehicle Class  
 
Figure 31: Inner Turning Radius (left) and Outer Turning Radius (right)  
Table 19: Turning Radius Specifications for Grade C VTS  
A.9.3.7  Pavemen t Design for Respective Vehicle Classes and Lanes  
 
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  41 Table 20: Type of Pavement Structures  
Table 21: Pavement Structures to be used for Grade C VTS  
Vehicle Test Station  Type of Pavement Structure  
 Class of Roadworthiness 
Test Lane with applicable 
Vehicle Category Codes that 
may be tested per class of 
lane      
   Code L1 & L3       
 
 
A.10  Bill of Materials  
 
A.10.1 VTS Yard & Test Lanes Equipment  
 
Table 22: VTS Yard & Test Lanes Equipment  
 Device  Functionality  Description  Minimum Requirements  
1.  Transformer  Electricity Supply  Used to either raise or lower 
voltages and currents in an 
electrical circuit.   
2.  UPS Electricity Supply  Uninterruptible Power Supply, 
that provides electricity for the 
VTS when external power is 
cut off.  Must be able to supply 
uninterrupted power supply for 
all computers, biometric and 
vision test equipment at the 
VTS.  
3.  Electricity Power 
Generator  Electricity Supply  Generates power when 
external power supply is cut 
off. Must be able to supply 
uninterrupted power supply for 
all computers, biometric and 
vision test equipment at the 
VTS.  
4.  Electricity 
Connection and 
Distribution Box  Electricity 
Distribution  Distributes electricity to 
equipment throughout the 
VTS.  Surge -protected.  
5.  Smoke Detector  Smoke Detection  Sound an alarm when smoke 
is detected.   
6.  Fire Extinguishers  Fire Extinguishing  Fire Extinguishers are 
required for safety purposes.   
7.  Drainage Sump  Water Drainage  Regulates the build -up of 
water in the inspection pit.   
8.  Ventilation 
Equipment  Air Quality 
Regulation  Regulates the air quality of the 
inspection pit.  Engineer to determine and 
design the ventilation as per 
the layout and size of the Test 
Lanes and their inspection 
pits. 
9.  Air Conditioner  Temperature 
Regulation  Regulates the indoor 
temperature of the VTS.  One or more air conditioners 
(9000 BTU) to be installed for 
the data centre room.  
Engineer to determine and 
design the air conditioning as 
per the layout and size of the 
offices and public service 
areas.  
10.  Gas Suppression 
Installat ion Fire Extinguishing  Gas Suppression is required 
for safety purposes.  
Normal Fire Extinguishers 
cannot be used on the 
Application/Data Server is the 
equipment and data thereon 
will be destroyed.  A gas suppression system 
with a wall mounted gas 
control panel and dual 
activation detectors within the 
protected area, shall be 
installed in the server room. 
Inert gas is used for safety 
reasons.  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
42 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   Device  Functionality  Description  Minimum Requirements  
11.  Application and/or 
Data Server  Software Network  Handles all application 
operations between the main 
database’s ope rations and the 
VTS workstations.  Must be enable the VTS to 
operate without any delays or 
network drops when operating 
at maximum capacity.  
12.  External Data Server 
Storage Devices  Software Network  Stores recovery data of the 
application and data servers.  Must be enable the VTS to 
operate without any delays or 
network drops when operating 
at maximum capacity.  
13.  Wide Area Network 
Router  Connectivity  Connects the VTS’s 
computers to the application 
and data servers.  Must be enable the VTS to 
operate without any delays or 
network drops when operating 
at maximum capacity.  
14.  Local Area Network / 
Range Extender / 
Network Switch / 
Network Point  Connectivity  Network communication 
should be available. Devices 
and workstations will connect 
to the system through a Wi -Fi 
access point.  At least 50+ stable 
connections.  
15.  Content Switches  Connectivity  Enhance workstations’ 
connectivity with the 
application and data servers.  Must be enable the VTS to 
operate without any delays or 
network drops when operating 
at maximum capacity.  
16.  CCTV Cameras  Security  Records and stores video 
footage.   
17.  CCTV Display 
Monitors  Security  Displays CCTV cameras’ 
footage.   
18.  CCTV Surveillance 
Server  Security  Processes and stores CCTV 
footage.   
19.  Burglar Alarm 
System  Security  Sounds an alarm when 
unpermitted access to the 
VTS’s offices has been 
gained.  A breach detection sensor on 
every door.  
Motion sensor in every office, 
hall and open space.  
Radio connected to request an 
armed response service 
provider.  
20.  Biometric Access 
Control System  Secu rity Controls physical access to 
the server room, face value 
paper storage area and other 
back -office areas as required 
to only authorised personnel 
who have been enrolled on 
the control system.  Reporting on access granted 
incl. area, time and personnel.  
 
A.10 .2 Testing Equipment  
 
Table 23: Testing Equipment  
 Device  Functionality  Description  Minimum Requirements  
1.  Roller Brake Tester  
(Equipped with Load 
Sensors)  
Brake Test  The brake force is obtained 
from the Roller Brake Tester. 
The brake force is measured in 
kN.  
The mass, in kg, of each axle 
being tested on the Roller 
Brake Tester is obtained from 
the Load Sensors.  Annex C  
2.  Roller Covers  The Roller Covers will be used 
together with the Roller Brake 
Tester to ensure that 
Motorcycles and scooters can 
be safely tested on a 
conventional Roller Brake 
Tester.   DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  43  Device  Functionality  Description  Minimum Requirements  
3.  Conveyer Rollers  The Conveyer Rollers will be 
used together with the Roller 
Brake Tester to ensure that All -
Wheel -Drive (AWD) vehicles 
can be tested.   
4.  Wheel Alignment 
Equipment (Scuff / 
Side Slip Equipment)  Wheel Alignment 
Test An mm/m reading should be 
obtained from the Scuff Test 
Gauge equipment.   
5.  Tailpipe Emission 
Testing Equipment  Emissions Test  Refer to the Standard 
Specifications for a Vehicle and 
Vehicle Testing Module of the 
NTIS document for the 
measurements that should be 
obtained from the Tailpipe 
emission testing equipment.  Euro 2  
6.  Headlamp Beam 
Tester Aiming 
Device  Light Test  The Headlamp beam tester 
aiming device should measure 
the horizontal deviation and 
vertical inclination of the 
beams. Refer to the Standard 
Specifications for a Vehicle and 
Vehicle Testing Module of the 
NTIS document for the 
measurements that should be 
obtained from the Headlight 
beam tester aiming device.  ECE R4 8 
7.  Standing Mirrors for 
Lighting Function 
Checks  
Visual Test  
These equipment items will 
form part of the visual test and 
will assist to check for faulty 
parts, cracks, or any other sign 
of component failure.   
8.  Wheel Play 
Detection Equipment   
9.  Suspension Testing 
Equipment   
10.  Hydraulic Lifting 
Equipment   
11.  12 V Inspection 
Lamp   
12.  Tape Measure   
13.  Crowbar   
14.  Tyre Tread Depth 
Gauge  Part 1  
15.  Sound Level Decibel 
Meter   
16.  Wheel Chocks   
17.  Air Brake Couplings    
18.  Kingpin Straight 
Edge    
19.  Kingpin Gauge    DARS 1355 -5:2020  
44 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   Device  Functionality  Description  Minimum Requirements  
20.  Computer 
Workstation  VTS Workstation  Test Lane integration.  Processor: 8th Generation i3, 2.1 
GHz 
Memory: 4GB of RAM  
Hard Drive: 128GB HDD  
Graphics Card: Any with HDMI 
display port  
Monitor: 15 Inch Display Screen  
Ports: 1 USB  
Operating System: Latest Microsoft 
Windows 10  
Warranty: 3 years  
Each workstation must be integrated 
with the test equipment.  
21.  Smart Device  Overall 
Roadworthiness 
Test The handheld Smart Device 
with the application installed, 
which will be used to conduct 
the tests.  Processor: 2 cores, 1GHz  
Memory: 1GB of RAM  
Hard Drive: 16GB  
Display: 4 Inch Touch  
Operating System: Windows or 
Android  
Warranty: 2 Years  
22.  ANPR Cameras  Overall 
Roadworthiness 
Test The photo, plate number, date, 
time and GPS coordinates 
should be recorded by the 
ANPR cameras. This ensures 
that photographic proof is 
available that the vehicle was 
tested.   
23.  Overview Camera  Overall 
Roadworthiness 
Test The overview camera will be 
used to capture a photo the 
front and rear side of the 
vehicle. The testing station 
should be in the background of 
the photo. Refer to the Vehicle 
Roadworthiness Standard Part 
1 document.  
The photos captured by the 
ANPR and overview camera 
should be linked to one test 
record.   
24.  Camera Decoder  
(If required)  Overall 
Roadworthiness 
Test The Camera Decoder will be 
used to decrypt images if 
required.   
 
A.10.3 Office Equipment  
 
Table 24: Office Equipment  
 Device  Functionality  Description  Minimum Requirements  
 Computer 
Workstation  VTS Workstation  Information desk and/or public 
service counters.  Processor: 8th Generation i3, 2.1 
GHz 
Memory: 4GB of RAM  
Hard Drive: 128GB HDD  
Graphics Card: Any with HDMI 
display port  
Monitor: 15 Inch Display Screen  
Ports: 1 USB  
Operating System: Latest Micr osoft 
Windows 10  
Warranty: 3 years  
Each workstation must be 
connected to a document scanner 
and an A4 document printer.  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  45  Device  Functionality  Description  Minimum Requirements  
 Fingerprint Scanner  Person Identity 
Verification  Verifies a user's identity at 
login and an applicant's identity 
before testing.   
 Black & White A4 
Printer  Document Printing  Prints regular and security A4 
documents issued on the 
system.  Must utilise toner cartridges.  
 A4 Scanner  Document 
Scanning  Scan supporting documents.  Flatbed or document feeder.  
 Barcode Scanners  Application 
Processing  Replacement for manual 
capturing in the form of quick 
reference to existing NTIS 
records.  Read both QR codes and 
PDF 417 barcodes.  
 Debit/Credit Card 
Payment Device  Payment 
Processing  Processes applicants’ 
payments.  Must be able to process 
VISA/MasterCard payments.  
 
 
  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
46 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Annex B  
(normative)  
 
Standard Specifications for the NTIS  Vehicle Testing Module  
 
B.1 Introduction  
 
These specifications are for the design, development and implementation of the Vehicle Testing Module 
to be interfaced with the Vehicle Module of the National Transport Information System ( NTIS ) and must 
be read in conjunction with the NTIS specifications listed in the Bibliography.  
 
B.2 Business Processes  
 
B.2.1  Vehicle introduction, registration & licens ing 
 
This process is applicable to all vehicles who are manufactured in the country or imported into the country 
and need to be introduced on the system for the first time. Vehicles which were previously deregistered 
will also need to be re -introduced.  
 
Vehicle introduction , registration and licensing
Receive electronic 
clearance (s)
Capture manual 
clearanceRegister vehicle
Start
Assign Plate 
Number
Issue vehicle 
LicenceObtain Temporary 
vehicle permit
End
Issue Vehicle 
Registration 
Certificate
Issue Number Plate 
Authorisation 
Certificate
Plate Number
Register vehicleNext in Sequence Plate NumberCapture Plate 
Number 
Reservation 
Application
Link Plate Number 
to VehicleReserved Number Plate
Personalised 
Plate NumberApprove Plate 
Number Yes
 
 
All vehicles imported into the country or manufactured in the country must be introduced on the system. 
This can either be done by manually capturing the particulars of the vehicle on the system and scanning 
supporting documents such as vehicle Clearance C ertificates or through a system interface. The system 
interface requires an inspection and  clearances to be submitted by one or more of the following 
institutions before a vehicle in considered to be “Introduced”:  
 
a) Revenue Authority;  
 
b) Police Authorit y/Interpol ; 
 
c) Manufacturers/Builders;  and/or  
 
d) Vehicle Tes t Station.  
 
A Plate Number must be linked to the vehicle upon registration. A next in sequence plate number or a 
reserved plate number can be linked to the vehicle upon registration.  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  47  
If a reser ved plate number should be linked to the vehicle, the vehicle registration, plate number 
reservation and linking of the plate number to the vehicle may be done as a single transaction.  
 
Alternatively, if a next in sequence plate number should be linked to the vehicle, the vehicle registration 
and assigning the plate number may be done as a single transaction.  
 
Vehicle registration involves the identification of a Titleholder and Owner of the vehicle. Only entities 
enrolled on the system may be identified as  the Titleholder or Owner.  
 
A Vehicle Registration Certificate and a Number Plate Authorisation Certificate is issued to authorise the 
owner of the vehicle to purchase registration plates, regardless of the Plate Number Type linked to the 
vehicle.  
 
Should the owner of the vehicle not be able to attach a plate to the vehicle before operating the vehicle 
on a public road a Temporary Permit may be issued and used on the vehicle. Temporary Permits must 
be applied to the vehicle when a permanent plate with embos sed registration number has not yet been 
manufactured.  
 
Optional: A vehicle licence is issued when a vehicle is first registered. Vehicle licenses, if required, needs 
to be renewed periodically. Unless specifically exempted, all vehicles registered in the country must have 
a valid licence. Vehicle licencing is the responsibility of the vehicle owner.  
 
B.2.2  Vehicle Testing  
 
All vehicles must undergo testing on a periodic basis to determine the roadworthiness of the vehicle. 
Test may be performed at government operated or private test stations. It is the responsibility of the 
vehicle owner to ensure that the vehicle is tested when required. Special Permits allow vehicles to be 
operated on public roads without a valid Certificate of Fitness on a tempor ary basis.  
 
Vehicle testing
Capture inspection 
application
Start
 Perform inspection
Issue Certificate of 
Fitness
EndBook test
Pass
Pass /Fail?
 
 
An application is captured for a vehicle inspection at a private or public vehicle test  station.  
 
Optional: A test slot is booked to improve convenience for vehicle owners and reduce queues at test 
stations.  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
48 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
The v ehicle inspection is performed and may include tests such as:  
 
a) Brake test;  
 
b) Scuff test;  
 
c) Headlight test;  
 
d) Emissions test;  
 
e) Visual test.  
 
If all tests are passed, a certificate of fitness is issued. The validity period of the certificate may be 
dependent on the usage of the vehicle and whether or not the vehicle is used for cross -border transport 
or not.  
 
If one of the tests failed, the owner should correct the faults and present the vehicle for re -inspection. A 
reduced inspection fee may be a pplicable for a re -inspection.  
 
B.2.3  Deregistration  
 
Deregistered vehicles are not allowed on a public road and can be deregistered due to the following:  
 
a) Scrapped;  
 
b) Exported; and  
 
c) Stolen and not recovered.  
 
Only a titleholder of a vehicle may in itiate the deregistration process.  
 
Vehicle Deregistration
Capture application
 Start
EndPerform Inspection
Inspection 
required ?
Clearance 
required ?Yes
No
Issue Deregistration 
CertificateReceive electronic 
clearance (s)
Authorised to 
continue with 
deregistration ?
Yes
NoYes
No
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  49  
An application for deregistration of a vehicle is submitted.  
 
Inspection of the vehicle might be required depending on the type of deregistration applied for ie. 
Scrapped. If an inspection was required and the vehicle examiner authorises the deregistration, the 
process continues, alternatively the process ends.  
 
Clearances may be required depending on the type of deregistration applied for ie. Export. The 
clearances should be received electr onically from systems such as the revenue and police authority. 
This will ensure that the necessary customs duties are paid and that the vehicle is not stolen.  
 
If all applicable clearances, inspections and validations are passed, a Vehicle Deregistration Certificate 
is issued.  
 
B.2.4  Supporting Processes  
 
The following supporting processes are required in addition to the processes included above:  
 
a) Setting parameters – System parameters should be used in all cases where a characteristic of 
the system may  change over time. System administrators who have access to the function(s) 
may update the parameters as and when required.  
 
b) Update vehicle particulars – Vehicle particulars may be updated as and when required. Care 
should however be taken to ensure tha t vehicle identifiers and particulars which cannot be 
changed such as the Vehicle Register Number, Chassis Number / VIN, Make, Model and year of 
make of a vehicle is never changed. When updating sensitive information such as engine 
number and colour a physi cal inspection is required. A physical inspection by a 3rd party such as 
the police may also be required. To prove that the inspection was performed a clearance 
certificate must be issued or an electronic clearance submitted.  
 
c) Dormant Vehicle – If no ac tivity occurred on the vehicle for a period of time, set as a system 
parameter, the vehicle should automatically be marked as Dormant and excluded from vehicle 
population reports. If any type of activity occurred on the vehicle, the vehicle will be marked as 
Active.  
 
d) Duplicate Vehicle Documents – Should documents be lost or stolen, duplicate documents may 
be applied for. Duplicate document applications may require a police statement to be scanned 
as a supporting document. Duplicate document applications should not be possible within the 
renewal period if applicable.  
 
e) Cancellation of Vehicle Documents – Vehicle documents such as Certificates of Fitness, Permits 
and Licences may be cancelled at any time. A cancellation invalidates the document indefinite ly. 
Transactions such as change of vehicle particulars and Title holder conveyance must 
automatically cancel documents such as Certificates of Fitness or previous Vehicle Registration 
Certificates.  
 
B.3 Functional Requirements  
 
B.3.1  Vehicle module parameters  
 
B.3.1.1  Update Certificate of Fitness Parameters  
 
The default values for the  Certificate of Fitness Validity Period  parameters sh all be: 
 
a) Domestic  Passengers = 6 months;  
 
b) Domestic  Goods = 12 months;  
 
c) Cross -Border Passengers = 6 months;  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
50 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  d) Cross -Border Goods = 12 months;  
 
e) Domestic  Other = 12 months . 
 
A duplicate Certificate of Fitness is not issued if the remaining validity period is equal to or less than 6 
months , but a renewal inspection is scheduled  instead . 
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Mandatory Parameters  
Certificate of 
Fitness Renewal 
Period  The time period before the expiry of a 
certificate of fitness that an application 
can be captured for another certificate 
of fitness (months).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Certificate of 
Fitness Validity 
Period – Cross -
Border Passengers  The validity period of a certificate of 
fitness for vehicles partaking in cross -
border road transportation of 
passengers (months).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Certificate of 
Fitness Validity 
Period – Cross -
Border Goods  The validity period of a certificate of 
fitness for vehicles partaking in cross -
border road transportation of goods 
(months).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Indicator: 
Certificate of 
Fitness Validity 
Period – Local 
Passengers  Indicates whether a certificate of 
fitness for vehicles used to convey 
passengers locally is required or not.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Indicator: 
Certificate of 
Fitness Validity 
Period – Local 
Goods  Indicates whether a certificate of 
fitness for vehicles used to convey 
goods locally is required or not.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Indicator: 
Certificate of 
Fitness Validity 
Period – Local 
Other  Indicates whether a certificate of 
fitness for vehicles not conveying 
passengers or goods or partaking in 
cross -border road transportation is 
required or not.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Optional Parameters  
Certificate of 
Fitness Validity 
Period – Local 
Passengers  The validity period of a certificate of 
fitness for vehicles used to convey 
passengers locally (months).  User  
☒ ☒ ☐ 
Certificate of 
Fitness Validity 
Period – Local 
Goods  The validity period of a certificate of 
fitness for vehicles used to convey 
goods locally (months).  User  
☒ ☒ ☐ 
Certificate of 
Fitness Validity 
Period – Local 
Other  The validity period of a certificate of 
fitness for vehicles not conveying 
passengers or goods or partaking in 
cross -border road transportation 
(months).  User  
☒ ☒ ☐ 
Max Vehicle 
Inspections  The maximum number of vehicles 
which may be inspected per examiner 
per day  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  51 B.3.1.2  Update Test Duration Parameters  
 
The parameters for the average test  duration of the different vehicle categories  shall be recorded . 
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
M1: Test Duration  The duration of a single test of a 
vehicle with category: M1 (minutes).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
M2: Test Duration  The duration of a single test of a 
vehicle with category: M2 (minutes).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
M3: Test Duration  The duration of a single test of a 
vehicle with category: M3 (minutes).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
N1: Test Duration  The duration of a single test of a 
vehicle with category: N1 (minutes).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
N2: Test Duration  The duration of a single test of a 
vehicle with category: N2 (minutes).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
N3: Test Duration  The duration of a single test of a 
vehicle with category: N3 (minutes).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
O1 & O2 : Test 
Duration  The duration of a single te st of a 
vehicle with category: O1 & O2  
(minutes).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
O3 & O4 : Test 
Duration  The duration of a single te st of a 
vehicle with category: O3 & O4  
(minutes).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
L1 & L3 : Test 
Duration  The duration of a single test of a 
vehicle with category: L 1 & L3  
(minutes).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
L2 & L4 to L7 : Test 
Duration  The duration of a single test of a 
vehicle with category: L 2 & L4 to L7 
inclusive  (minutes).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
 
B.3.1. 3 Update Test Booking Parameters  
 
The parameters to book vehicle tests at a vehicle test station  shall be recorded . 
 
Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
If the infrastructure module is implemented, Test Resources may be calculated using the number of 
Vehicle Examiners and test lanes linked to the Vehi cle Test Station.  
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Date From  The date from which the booking 
parameters must be set up or updated.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Date To  The date to which the booking 
parameters must be set up or updated.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Vehicle Test  
Station  The Vehicle Test Station for which 
parameters are being set.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Working Hours  The number of hours per day to be 
made available for vehicles to be 
tested.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Test Resources  The number of vehicle tests that can 
be conducted at the same time. 
Determined by the number of test 
lanes and vehicle examiners.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ DARS 1355 -5:2020  
52 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
B.3.1.4  Update Vehicle Test Parameters  
 
The parameters of vehicle tests  shall be recorded . 
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Mandatory Test  
Brake Test  Indicates whether the test is 
mandatory or not.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Emissions Test  Indicates whether the test is 
mandatory or not.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Light Test  Indicates whether the test is 
mandatory or not.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Scuff Test  Indicates whether the test is 
mandatory or not.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Visual Test  Indicates whether the test is 
mandatory or not.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Brake Test  
Minimum Service 
Brake Efficiency  The minimum brake efficiency required 
for a successful service brake test (%).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Minimum 
Emergency Brake 
Efficiency  The minimum brake efficiency required 
for a successful emergency brake test 
(%). User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Minimum Park 
Brake Efficiency  The minimum brake efficiency required 
for a successful park brake test (%).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum 
Imbalance  The maximum allowable imbalance 
between opposite side brake forces 
(%). User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Emissions Test - Diesel  
Maximum Opacity  The parameter to which the opacity 
test result opacity is compared.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum Opacity 
Difference  The parameter to which the difference 
opacity test result opacity is compared.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum Opacity 
K-Value Difference  The parameter to which the opacity K -
value difference test result opacity is 
compared.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum K -Value  The parameter to which the maximum 
K value test result opacity is 
compared.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Emissions Test - Petrol  
Maximum CO  The maximum Carbon Monoxide 
percentage (%).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum HC  The maximum Hydrocarbons (ppm).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum CO2 The maximum Carbon Dioxide (%).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum O2 The maximum Oxygen (%).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum NOX  The maximum Nitrogen Oxide (ppm).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  53 Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Maximum Gas 
Count  The maximum Gas Count (ppm).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum Lambda  The maximum Air to Fuel ratio.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum Afr  The maximum Air to Fuel (ppm).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Light Test  
Minimum Intensity  The minimum light intensity parameter 
measured (Lux).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum Intensity  The maximum light intensity parameter 
measured (Lux).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Minimum Vertical 
Inclination  The minimum light vertical incline 
parameter (%).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum Vertical 
Inclination  The maximum light vertical incline 
parameter (%).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Minimum 
Horizontal 
Deviation  The minimum light horizontal deviation 
parameter (%).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum 
Horizontal 
Deviation  The maximum light horizontal deviation 
parameter (%).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Minimum Yawing 
Angle  The minimum light horizontal angle 
parameter (Degrees).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum Yawing 
Angle  The maximum light horizontal angle 
parameter (Degrees).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Minimum Roll 
Angle  The minimum light vertical angle 
parameter (Degrees).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum Roll 
Angle  The maximum light vertical angle 
parameter (Degrees).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Maximum Intensity 
Difference  The maximum light intensity difference 
(Lux).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Scuff Test  
Maximum deviation  The maximum value to which the scuff 
reading is compared (mm/m).  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Visual Test  
Minimum Visual 
Inspection Time  The time to elapse before the visual 
test’s results may be submitted 
(minutes).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
 
B.3.2  Vehicle Introductions  
 
B.3.2.1  Capture Manual Vehicle Introduction  
 
The system shall provide for a manual vehicle introduction.  
 
Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
a) For the application to be successfully processed, payment for the full amount on the transaction  
reference number is required.  
 
b) Duplicate records may not be created of the same vehicle and sufficient validations must thus 
be passed before a vehicle is introduced to ensure that duplicates are not created.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
54 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  c) If the Infrastructure Module is implem ented, the trade entity which imported the vehicle must be 
specified.  
 
d) The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) specified must not already exist on the system.  
 
e) The VIN must adhere to the following requirements:  
 
f) The number of characters in the VIN  must be equal to or more than seven (7) if the vehicle was 
manufactured in or before the year 2010.  
 
g) The number of characters in the VIN must be equal to seventeen (17) if the vehicle was 
manufactured in or after the year 2011.  
 
h) The VIN cannot conta in the characters “I” and “O”, respectively being the ninth and fifteenth 
characters of the English alphabet.  
 
i) The Tare must not be larger than the Gross Vehicle Mass provided.  
 
j) If “Propelled” is defined as “Self -propelled”, the following fields must  be provided:  
i) Engine Number,  
ii) Engine Capacity,  
iii) Net Power,  
iv) Fuel Type, and  
v) Transmission.  
 
k) The Vehicle Register Number must never be updated.  
 
l) A vehicle record, being uniquely identified by a Vehicle Register Number, must never be deleted 
from the system.  
 
m) More than one Clearance Certificate Number may be captured for an introduction.  
 
The Life Cycle Status code options shall be as follows:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Data Requirements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
B.3.3  Obtain Certificate of Fitness  
 
B.3.3.1  Capture Certificate of Fitness Application  
 
The system shall provide for captur ing of  an application for a certificate of fitness.  
 
Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
a) For the application to be successfully processed, payment of the full amount on the transaction 
reference number is required.  
 
b) A successful application will allow the vehicle to be inspected once.  
 
c) The vehicle must be registered and if applicable licenced.  
 
d) The certificate of fitness application may not be processed if the vehicle’s current certificate of 
fitness is valid, and if the application is not made within the certificate’s renewal period, set as a 
system parameter.  
 
e) Validity period upon renewal of a certificate of fitness:  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  55 f) If the c ertificate of fitness is renewed before the expiry date, the validity period of the new 
certificate of fitness must start on the day following of expiry of the current certificate of fitness.  
 
g) If the certificate of fitness is renewed after it has expire d, the validity period of the renewed 
certificate of fitness must start on the date that the passed roadworthiness test results for the 
renewal application were received.  
 
h) Sufficient identification is required of the vehicle for the process to continue.  
 
i) A reduced re -inspection fee may be applicable when a vehicle had undergone a previous 
inspection but failed.  
 
j) The certificate of fitness application fee for each vehicle category must be uniquely defined in 
the fee schedule.  
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Vehicle Register 
Number  A unique identifier allocated to the 
vehicle upon system introduction.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Make  The name of the manufacturer of the 
vehicle.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Model  The vehicle’s model as per the 
specified make.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Supporting 
Documents  Supporting documents to be uploaded 
by the user.  User  ☒ ☒ ☐ 
Transaction 
Reference Number  The unique number for the specific 
transaction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
 
B.3.4  Manage Vehicle Test Bookings  
 
B.3.4.1  Book Test at a Vehicle Test Station  
 
The system shall provide for book ing a test time for an applicant's vehicle to be tested at a vehicle test 
station.  
 
Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
a) The vehicle must be registered and if applicable licenced.  
 
b) A vehicle can  only be tested at a station which has sufficient grading for the vehicle.  
 
c) An application for a fitness test must be open and paid for.  
 
d) Sufficient identification is required of the vehicle for the process to continue.  
 
Data Requirements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
B.3.5  Perform Vehicle Test  
 
B.3.5.1  Perform Brake Test  
 
The system shall provide for a brake test in order to determine whether the vehicle’s brake efficiency and 
brake balance is sufficient.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
56 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
a) Only suitably qualified (for the specific vehicle) and registered vehicle examiners may perform 
the test.  
 
b) The examiner must be linked to the testing station the vehicle is tested at.  
 
c) The test date and time may not overlap with another test performed by the same examiner.  
 
d) The maximum number of vehicle inspections per examiner for that date may not have been 
exceeded.  
 
e) A vehicle may only be tested by one examiner at a time.  
 
f) During a Brake Test the following Brake Test Types may be tested:  
i) Service Brake;  
ii) Emergency Brake;  
iii) Park Brake.  
 
g) A Brake Test Type will pass if the Brake Efficiency of the brake type is greater than the brake 
efficiency parameter.  
 
h) Brake tests will only be created if the specified type was tested. I.e. Do not fail emergency brake 
if emergency b rakes were not tested.  
 
i) All brake test types acting on an axle must be tested. Note that some axles may have more than 
one brake test type.  
 
j) An Axle Brake Test Result passes if the imbalance is less than the imbalance parameter.  
 
k) Provision must b e made for unbraked axles and axles which cannot be tested due to ie. 
permanent four wheel drive vehicles.  
 
l) In all cases at least one of the sides of the Axle Brake Force needs to be obtained. On 
motorcycles the imbalance should not be calculated.  
 
m) Brake Imbalance is calculated by determining the imbalance between left and right brake forces  
Imbalance = (Biggest Force – Smallest Force / Biggest Force)  
Brake Imbalance is only tested for Service Brakes and Emergency Brakes.  
 
n) The Brake Test passes if  all the tested Brake Test Type efficiencies and Axle Brake Test 
imbalances passes.  
 
o) Brake Efficiency is calculated:  
Service/Park/Emergency Efficiency = (Total Brake Force x 1000) / (Total Mass x 9.81)  
Total brake force is the sum of all brake forces per axle of the same type.  
 
p) The minimum required for a service or emergency brake force is calculated as follows:  
Minimum Required Service/Emergency Brake Force = (Total Mass*X)/1000  
Where X = Minimum  Deceleration  
 
q) The minimum required park brake fo rce is calculated as follows:  
Minimum Required Park Brake Force  = (Total Mass*Y *9.81)/1000  
Where Y = Degree of Incline  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  57 Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Vehicle Test Results  
Identifier  The unique identifier for the vehicle 
test results.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed By  The examiner who performed the test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Testing Station  The testing station where the test was 
performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed On  The date and time on which the test 
was performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Transaction 
Reference Number  The unique number for the specific 
transaction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Brake Test Results  
Pass  The brake test result.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Mass  The mass of the vehicle tested in kg.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed By  The examiner who performed the test. System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Testing Station  The testing station where the test was 
performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Brake Tester  The unique identifier of the equipment 
used to perform the test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle  
Image  The photo of the vehicle taken during 
the test ie. rollers tu rning.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle Register 
Number  A unique identifier allocated to the 
vehicle upon system introduction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Gross Vehicle 
Mass  The gross vehicle mass for all the 
vehicles which must be tested.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Axle Number  The axle number for all the axles of the 
vehicle which must be tested.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Brake Test Type Results  
Efficiency Pass  Whether the vehicle passed the brake 
type efficiency test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Obtained Brake 
Efficiency  The brake efficiency calculated  by the 
system as a percentage.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Required Brake 
Efficiency  The value to which the obtained brake 
efficiency is compared as a 
percentage.  System  
☐ ☐ ☒ 
Brake Force  The brake force obtained from the 
equipment after the test measured in 
kilo Newton (kN)  System  
☐ ☐ ☒ 
Axle Brake Test Results  
Performed On  The date and time on which the test 
was performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Imbalance Pass  The result of the axle brake test 
imbalance test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ DARS 1355 -5:2020  
58 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Axle The axle on which the brake test was 
performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Image  The photo that is taken of the vehicle 
when each axle is tested on the brake 
tester.  System  
☐ ☐ ☒ 
Brake Test Type  
Type  The selected brake type which is 
tested.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Axle Brake Force  
Force  The cumulative of both the right and 
left side brake test roller measured by 
the brake tester for the tested axle in 
kN. System  
☐ ☐ ☒ 
Right Side Force  The force measured by the brake 
tester for the right side of the tested 
axle in kN.  System  
☐ ☐ ☒ 
Left Side Force  The force measured by the brake 
tester for the left side of the tested axle 
in kN.  System  
☐ ☐ ☒ 
Imbalance  The imbalance of the brake forces 
measurement between the right and 
left side of the tested axle as a 
percentage.  System  
☐ ☐ ☒ 
Axle Mass  
Actual Mass  The mass  of each axle being tested on 
the brake tester in kg.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
 
B.3.5.2  Perform Emissions Test  
 
The system shall provide for an emissions test in order to determine whether the vehicle’s emissions are 
within the legally permitted range.  
 
Conditions of  Satisfaction  
 
a) Only suitably qualified (for the specific vehicle) and registered vehicle examiners may perform 
the test.  
 
b) The examiner must be linked to the testing station the vehicle is tested at.  
 
c) The test date and time may not overlap with another test performed by the same examiner.  
 
d) The maximum number of vehicle inspections per examiner for that date may not have been 
exceeded.  
 
e) A vehicle may only be tested by one examiner at a time.  
 
f) The Emission Test must be performed on either a Diesel or Petrol fuel type engine.  
 
g) Either the Petrol or Diesel test results must be included in the result.  
 
h) The diesel emissions test is passed when the obtained measurements are less than the diesel 
emission parameters.  
 
i) The petrol emissions test is passed when the obtained measurements are less than the petrol 
emissions parameters.  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  59  
j) When an emissions test is conducted, the test conditions may be determined before the test.  
 
k) More than one set of Diesel Measurements must be taken during t he test to determine the Diesel 
Test Results.  
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Vehicle Test Results  
Identifier  The unique identifier for the vehicle 
test results.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed By  The examiner who performed the test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Testing Station  The testing station where the test was 
performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed On  The date and time on which the test 
was performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Transaction 
Reference Number  The unique number for the specific 
transaction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle  
Vehicle Register 
Number  A unique identifier allocated to the 
vehicle upon system introduction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Fuel Type  The fuel type of the vehicle which must 
be tested.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Emissions Test Results  
Pass  The test result of the emissions test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Emissions Tester  The unique identifier of the equipment 
used to perform the test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Test Conditions - Calibration  
Oil Temperature  The set temperature of the oil in 
degrees Celsius (C).  System  ☐ ☐ ☐ 
Idle RPM  The standard revolutions per minute of 
the vehicle’s engine when it is idle.  System  ☐ ☐ ☐ 
Max RPM  The standard maximum revolutions per 
minute of the vehicle’s engine.  System  ☐ ☐ ☐ 
Actual RPM  The measured revolutions per minute 
of the vehicle’s engine.  System  ☐ ☐ ☐ 
Diesel Measurements  
Opacity  The measured restriction of light by 
diesel emission as a percentage.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
K-Value  Light absorption coefficient.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Rise Temperature  The temperature difference from when 
the emission test is started to the Max 
RPM value.  System  
☐ ☐ ☒ 
Diesel Test Results  
Maximum Opacity  The maximum opacity measure for the 
emissions.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ DARS 1355 -5:2020  
60 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Mean Opacity  The mean opacity measured during 
the test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Opacity Difference  The maximum difference between the 
opacity measurements taken during 
the test.  System  
☐ ☐ ☒ 
Opacity K -Value 
Difference  Maximum difference between the K -
Value measurements taken during the 
test. System  
☐ ☐ ☒ 
Petrol Measurements  
CO The Carbon Monoxide concentration 
measured as a percentage.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
HC The Hydrocarbon levels measured in 
ppm.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
CO2 The Carbon Dioxide concentration 
measured as a percentage.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
O2 The Oxygen concentration measured 
as a percentage.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
NOX  The Nitrogen Oxides levels measured 
in ppm.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Gas Count  The Gas Count measured in ppm.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Lambda  The Air to Fuel ratio.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Afr The Air to Fuel ratio measured as a 
percentage.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
 
B.3.5.3  Perform Light Test  
 
The system shall provide for a light test in order to determine whether the vehicle’s lights intensities and 
positions adhere to the legal requirements.  
 
Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
a) Only suitably qualified (for the specific vehicle) and registered vehicle examiners may perform 
the test.  
 
b) The examiner must be linked to the testing station the vehicle is tested at.  
 
c) The test date and time may not overlap with another test performed by the same examiner.  
 
d) The maximum number of vehicle inspections per examiner for that date may not have been 
exceeded.  
 
e) A vehicle may only be tested by one examiner at a time.  
 
f) Each light test result must comprise of either one or many light Group Comparisons or in the 
case of a motorcycle, the results obtained from a single light. A light group is two or more lights 
of the same type on the left and right side of a vehicle. The left and right side needs to be 
compared.  
 
g) The Light Group Comparison is Pass if the measured difference is lower than the Maximum 
Intensit y Difference parameter:  
 
h) Each light test must include the results of one or many lights. The types of lights are as follows:  
i) Low Beam;  
ii) High Beam; and  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  61 iii) Fog Light.  
 
i) The following parameter descriptions apply to a light test in the picture below:  
i) Vertical inclination is a rotation of the vehicle or lights on the y -axis. 
ii) Horizontal deviation and yaw are rotations of the vehicle or lights on the z -axis. 
iii) Roll is a rotation of the vehicle or lights on the x -axis. 
 
j) The individual light will pass if the measured values (x) are between following parameters:  
i) Minimum Intensity  ≤ x ≤ Maximum Intensity;  
ii) Minimum Vertical Inclination  ≤ x ≤ Maximum Vertical Inclination;  
iii) Minimum Horizontal Deviation  ≤ x ≤ Maximum H orizontal Deviation;  
vi) Minimum Yawing Angle  ≤ x ≤ Maximum Yawing Angle;  and 
v) Minimum Roll Angle  ≤ x ≤ Maximum Roll Angle.  
 
k) If either a light group comparison or an individual light fails the test, the light test fails.  
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Vehicle Test Results  
Identifier  The unique identifier for the vehicle 
test results.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed By  The examiner who performed the test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Testing Station  The testing station where the test was 
performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed On  The date and time on which the test 
was performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Transaction 
Reference Number  The unique number for the specific 
transaction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle  
Vehicle Register 
Number  A unique identifier allocated to the 
vehicle upon system introduction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Light Test Results  
Pass  The test result of each light tested.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Light Tester  The unique identifier of the equipment 
used to perform the test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Light Group Comparison  
Pass  The test result when comparing the 
intensity difference to the parameters.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
62 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Intensity Difference  The difference in measured intensity 
between the lights that are grouped.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Light  
Pass  The test result of the light which was 
tested.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Side The side of the vehicle where the light 
is positioned.  System  ☐ ☐ ☐ 
Type  The type of light which is tested.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Measurements  
Intensity  The intensity of the light measure in 
Lux. System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Vertical Inclination  The vertical inclination of the light 
measure as a percentage.  System  ☐ ☐ ☐ 
Horizontal 
Deviation  The horizontal deviation of the light 
measured as a percentage.  System  ☐ ☐ ☐ 
Yawing Angle  Horizontal angle of the light measured 
in degrees.  System  ☐ ☐ ☐ 
Roll Angle  The vertical angle of the light 
measured in degrees.  System  ☐ ☐ ☐ 
 
B.3.5.4  Perform Scuff Test  
 
The system shall provide for a scuff test in order to determine whether wheels are sufficiently aligned.  
 
Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
a) Only suitably qualified (for the specific vehicle) and registered vehicle examiners may perform 
the test.  
 
b) The examiner must be linked to the testing station the vehicle is tested at.  
 
c) The test date and time may not overlap with another test performed by the same examiner.  
 
d) The maximum number of vehicle inspections per examiner for that date may not have been 
exceeded.  
 
e) A vehicle may only be tested by one examiner at a time.  
 
f) The scuff test passes if the scuff reading is less than the system parameter.  
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Vehicle Test Results  
Identifier  The unique identifier for the vehicle 
test results.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed By  The examiner who performed the test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Testing Station  The testing station  where the test was 
performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed On  The date and time on which the test 
was performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  63 Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Transaction 
Reference Number  The unique number for the specific 
transaction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle  
Vehicle Register 
Number  A unique  identifier allocated to the 
vehicle upon system introduction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Scuff Test Results  
Pass  The test result of the scuff test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Scuff Tester  The unique identifier of the equipment 
used to perform the test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Scuff Readings  
Reading  The reading obtained from the 
equipment measured in mm/m.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
 
B.3.5.5  Perform Visual test  
 
The system shall provide for a visual test in order to determine whether there are defects on the vehicle.  
 
Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
a) Only suitably qualified (for the specific vehicle) and registered vehicle examiners may perform 
the test.  
 
b) The examiner must be linked to the testing station the vehicle is tested at.  
 
c) The test date and time may not overlap with another test perfo rmed by the same examiner.  
 
d) The maximum number of vehicle inspections per examiner for that date may not have been 
exceeded.  
 
e) A vehicle may only be tested by one examiner at a time.  
 
f) The vehicle examiner must not be allowed to submit the visual te st results before a pre -
determined period of time (set as a parameter).  
 
g) The visual test is passed when all the part results are passed ie. no defects are recorded.  
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Vehicle Test Results  
Identifier  The unique identifier for the vehicle 
test results.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed By  The examiner who performed the test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Testing Station  The testing station where the test was 
performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Performed On  The date and time on which the test 
was performed.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Transaction 
Reference Number  The unique number for the specific 
transaction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ DARS 1355 -5:2020  
64 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Vehicle  
Vehicle Register 
Number  A unique identifier allocated to the 
vehicle upon system introduction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Visual Test Results  
Pass  The final result of the visual test.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
Defect  
Part The part that on which the defect was 
observed.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Observed Defect  The defects observed by the vehicle 
examiner for each part.  User  ☒ ☒ ☐ 
Note  A text note written by the vehicle 
examiner in addition to the selected 
part defect.  User  
☒ ☒ ☐ 
Image  A photo taken by the vehicle examiner 
in addition to the selected part defect.  User  ☒ ☒ ☐ 
 
B.3.6  Maintain Vehicle Particulars  
 
B.3.6.1  Update Vehicle Particulars  
 
As a system user, I want to capture updated particulars for a vehicle.  
 
Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
a) For the application to be successfully processed, payment for the full amount on the transaction 
reference number is required.  
 
b) The following particulars may not be updated:  
i) Vehicle Register Number;  
ii) Vehicle Identification Number;  
iii) Make; and  
iv) Model.  
 
c) Police clearance is required for the following particulars to be updated:  
i) Colour; and  
ii) Engine Number.  
 
d) If “Propelled” is d efined as “Self -propelled”, the following fields must be provided:  
i) Engine Number;  
ii) Engine Capacity;  
iii) Net Power;  
iv) Fuel Type; and  
v) Transmission.  
 
e) Sufficient identification is required of the Titleholder of the vehicle and the vehicle for the process 
to continue.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  65 Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Titleholder Particulars  
Traffic Register 
Number  A unique number to identify the entity.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Owner Particulars  
Traffic Register 
Number  A unique number to identify the entity.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle Particulars  
Vehicle Register 
Number  A unique identifier allocated to the 
vehicle upon system introduction.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle 
Identification 
Number  The unique vehicle identification 
number allocated to a vehicle when the 
vehicle is manufactured.  System  
☒ ☐ ☒ 
Year of Make  The year that the vehicle was 
manufactured.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Colour  The primary colour of the vehicle.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Make  The name of the manufacturer of the 
vehicle.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Model  The vehicle’s model as per the 
specified make.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Usage  The vehicle’s intended usage.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Type  The vehicle type, being a description of 
the vehicle, e.g. “Sedan”, “Coupe”, 
“Pickup”, etc.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Category  An indication of what usage category 
the vehicle falls into. (e.g. Heavy 
Goods).  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Special 
Classification’  The special classification type the 
vehicle is used for.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Seating Capacity  The maximum seating capacity of the 
vehicle as determined by the 
manufacturer.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Standing Capacity  The maximum standing capacity of the 
vehicle as determined by the 
manufacturer.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Gross Vehicle 
Mass  The gross vehicle mass, being the 
maximum allowed laden mass of the 
vehicle.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Tare The vehicle’s tare mass, being the 
unladen mass of the vehicle.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Propelled  Indicates whether the vehicle is self -
propelled or not.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
Engine Particulars  
Engine Number  A unique number allocated to the 
vehicle’s engine when the engine is 
manufactured.  User  
☒ ☒ ☐ 
Engine Capacity  The vehicle’s engine capacity.  User  ☒ ☒ ☐ DARS 1355 -5:2020  
66 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Net Power  The power output (KW/Hp) of the 
engine.  User  ☒ ☒ ☐ 
Transmission  The transmission type of the vehicle.  User  ☒ ☒ ☐ 
Fuel Type  The type of fuel the vehicle requires . User  ☒ ☒ ☐ 
Registration Particulars  
Registering 
Authority  The authority under which the vehicle’s 
registration is done.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
General  
Supporting 
Documents  Supporting documents to be uploaded 
by the user.  User  ☒ ☒ ☐ 
Transaction 
Reference Number  The unique number for the specific 
transaction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
 
B.3.7  Manage Vehicle Deregistration  
 
B.3.7.1  Capture Vehicle Deregistration Application  
 
The system must provide for the captur ing of  a vehicle’s deregistration application.  
 
Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
a) For this process to continue, no other open transactions may be in progress.  
 
b) For the application to be successfully processed, the vehicle must be in the registered  state and 
payment for the full amount on the transaction reference number is required.  
 
c) Sufficient identification is required of the vehicle and Titleholder of the vehicle for the process to 
continue.  
 
d) Deregistration Type values are:  
i) Export;  
ii) Scrapped; and  
iii) Stolen.  
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Vehicle Register 
Number  A unique identifier allocated to the 
vehicle upon system introduction.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Make  The name of the manufacturer of the 
vehicle.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Model  The vehicle’s model as per the 
specified make.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Deregistration Type  The type of deregistration. Preceding 
and succeeding business processes 
depends on the type of deregistration 
application captured.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Transaction 
Reference Number  The unique number for the specific 
transaction.  System  ☐ ☐ ☒ 
 
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  67 B.3.8  Issue Certificate of Fitness  
 
A Certificate of Fitness must be issued to a vehicle owner.  
 
Conditions of Satisfaction  
 
a) The application must be successfully processed and payment of the full amount on the 
transaction reference number is required before the document can be issued.  
 
b) The vehicle must  have passed the mandatory vehicle roadworthiness tests.  
 
c) Users must be able to reprint documents which failed to print successfully due to technical 
glitches. Stock control must however be applied at all times.  
 
d) Documents that have expired may not be reissued.  
 
e) The Transaction Reference Number is required for the process to continue.  
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Traffic Register 
Number  A unique number to identify the entity.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Entity Name  The name of the entity the transaction 
is for, being either of the Natural 
Person, Minor/ Incapacitated Person or 
a Body of Persons.  System  
☒ ☐ ☒ 
 
B.3.9  Queries & Reports  
 
B.3.9.1  Query Full Details of a Vehicle Test  
 
A query of the full details of a specific vehicle test  must be available  on the system . 
 
 Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Vehicle  
Vehicle Register 
Number  A unique identifier allocated to the 
vehicle upon system introduction.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Plate Number  The vehicle’s plate number.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Gross Combination 
Mass  The gross combination mass of the 
vehicle.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle Inspection Detailed Results  
Vehicle Test 
Identifier  The unique identifier for the vehicle 
test results.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Performed By  The name of the examiner who 
performed the test.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Testing Station  The testing station where the test was 
performed.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Performed On  The date and time on which the test 
was performed.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Pass/Fail  Whether the vehicle passed or failed 
the test.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ DARS 1355 -5:2020  
68 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Test Lane Identifier  The unique identifier of the test lane to 
be used when the test was performed.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Brake Test Result  The results of the brake test conducted  
on the vehicle.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Emissions Test 
Result  The results of the emissions test 
conducted on the vehicle.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Light Test Result  The results of the light test conducted 
on the vehicle.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Scuff Test Result  The results of the scuff test conducted 
on the vehicle.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Visual Test Result  The results of the visual test conducted 
on the vehicle.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Defects List  A list of any defects that were identified 
on the vehicle during the test that 
would prevent the vehicle from being 
roadworthy.  System  
☒ ☐ ☒ 
 
B.3.9.2  Generate Certificate of Fitness Report  
 
A report showing detailed Certificate of Fitness testing results over a period of time  must be available  on 
the system .   
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Selection Criteria  
Date From  The date from which data must be included 
in the report, using the time at which a 
vehicle's test results were submitted.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Date To  The date from which data must be included 
in the report, using the time at which a 
vehicle's test results were submitted.  User  
☒ ☒ ☒ 
Column Fields  
Date  The date on which the vehicle test took 
place.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Time  The time at which the vehicle test results 
were submitted.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Plate Number  The vehicle’s plate number.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle Register 
Number  A unique identifier allocated to the vehicle 
upon system introduction.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
VIN/Chassis 
Number  The unique vehicle identification number 
allocated to a vehicle when the vehicle is 
manufactured.  System  
☒ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle Inspection 
Station  The specific VIS where the vehicle was 
inspected.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Traffic Register 
Number  A unique number to identify the entity 
(Examiner).  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Vehicle Category  An indication of what usage category the 
vehicle falls into. (e.g. Heavy Goods)  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Usage  The vehicle’s intended usage.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  69 Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Year of Make  The year that the vehicle was 
manufactured.  System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
Pass/Fail  Whether the vehicle passed or failed the 
test. System  ☒ ☐ ☒ 
 
B.3.9.3  Generate Vehicle Certificate of Fitness Test Results Report  
 
A report showing detailed Certificate of Fitness testing results  must be available  on the system .  Refer 
to Vehicle Certificate of Fitness Test Results for a detailed report layout.  
 
Data Requirements  
 
Field  Description  Defined  Disp  Edit Req 
Selection Criteria  
Vehicle Test 
Identifier  The unique identifier number for the vehicle 
test results.  User  ☒ ☒ ☒ 
 
 
  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
70 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  B.4 Application Forms  
 
B.4.1  Application for Certificate of Fitness/Vehicle Licence  
 
 
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  71 B.5 Output Documents  
 
B.5.1  Certificate of Fitness  
 
 
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
72 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
B.5.2  Vehicle Certificate of Fitness Test Results  
 
 
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  73  
 
  
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
74 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Annex C  
(normative)  
 
Roller brake tester  
 
C.1 Requirements  
 
C.1.1  Type  
 
A roller brake tester shall be one of the following types:  
 
a) type C: suitable for testing the brakes of a car;  
 
b) type T: suitable for testing the brakes of a truck; and  
 
c) type CT: suitable for testing the brakes of a car or truck.  
 
C.1.2  Design  
 
A roller bra ke tester shall be so designed that, when installed, the vehicle being tested may be driven on or off 
the rollers, under any condition of load, without causing damage to the vehicle, and without requiring external 
assistance.  
 
C.1.3  Characteristics  
 
A roller brake tester shall have the characteristics listed in Table C.1, relevant to the type of tester.  
 
Table C.1 — Characteristics of a roller brake tester  
 
 
1 2 3 4 
Characteristic of roller 
brake tester  Type of roller brake tester  
C T CT 
Axle load, kg   
1 500  
2000   
2000  
13000   
2000  
13000  min. 
max.  
Tangential force per roller, kN 
min. 5 30 30 
Indicated force, kN min. 5 30 30 
Roller speed, km/h  4 2 2 
Roller diameter, mm min. 150 150 150 
Working width, m   
1.8  
1.0  
2.8  
1.0  
2.8  
1.0 min. (A)  
max. (B)  
 
  
DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  75 C.1.4  Accuracy  
 
The accuracy of a roller brake tester shall be such that it will comply with the following requirements at an 
ambient temperature within the range 0 °C to 48 °C , when calibrated in accordance with C.3.3 : 
 
a) any error in the force indication, with the exception of the first 5% of the scale, shall not exceed 3% of the 
full-scale value or 10% of any true value (see also C.1.10(b)); and  
 
b) the reading given by one roller shall not differ from that given by the other roller by more than 1.5% of the 
full-scale value or by more than 5 % of any true value.  
 
C.1.5  Response time  
 
The response time of the indicating mechanism of a roller brake tester, determined in accordance with C.3.2, shall 
not exceed  
 
a) 1.0 s in the case of a roller brake tester not designed to measure vehicle brake system response time, 
and 
 
b) 0.10 s in the case of a roller brake tester designed to measure vehicle brake system response time.  
 
C.1.6  Operational modes  
 
Each roller brake tester shall be equipped for manual, independent operation of the rollers. A tester that is also 
equipped for fail-safe automatic operation, shall comply with the following requirements:  
 
a) when the vehicle is positioned on the rollers, there shall be a predetermined time delay after which the 
motors start;  
 
b) in the case of a roller brake tester with a hold cap acity, the maximum brake effort attained during the brake 
test shall be held until reset, or otherwise be recorded automatically;  
 
c) when more than 20 % wheel slip occurs on one roller, roller motors shall be stopped automatically; and 
 
d) when more than 20 % wheel slip occurs on each roller in turn, it shall be possible, by operation of a selector 
switch, to stop each roller individually and automatically.  
 
C.1.7  Calibration capability  
 
C.1.7.1 The design of calibration equipment shall permit a roller brake tester to be calibrated and checked for 
overall accuracy by one person within 30 min (i.e. including the time taken for the attachment and removal of 
the calibration equipment).  
 
C.1.7.2 A calibration report, which shows results at in tervals not exceeding 25% of the full -scale value (see 
also C.1.15), shall be supplied with each roller brake tester.  
 
C.1.7.3  When calibration equipment, which includes a calibration arm and masspieces, is employed, the 
calculations of the true value of f orce and the percentage error shall be given in the calibration report.  
 
a) The true value of force, N, shall be calculated as follows:  
 
rlgmN
 
 
where  
m is the calibration load, in kilograms;  
g is the acceleration due to gravity, in metres per second  squared (i.e. 9.81 m/s2); 
l is the arm length, in metres; and  
 
r is the roller radius, in metres,  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
76 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
b) The percentage error shall be calculated as follows:  
 
100reading truereading  actual  -  value  true
 
 
C.1.8  Rollers  
 
C.1.8.1  General  
 
Rollers shall comply with the following requirements:  
 
a) the rollers shall be easily replaceable or shall have replaceable covers;  
 
b) roller pairs shall be capable of supporting their maximum rated load (see Table C.1) without permanent 
distortion to any roller;  
 
c) roller run -out, measured at  the circumference, shall not exceed 3 mm;  
 
d) roller pairs shall be parallel to one another to within 1 mm; and  
 
e) the centr e lines of roller sets shall be concentric to within 2 mm, and shall be perpendicular to the centre  
line of the test lane.  
 
C.1.8.2  Roller surfaces  
 
The surface of a roller or of its cover material shall be such that  
 
a) it does not cause a variation in indication of more than 1% of the full scale value, and  
 
b) when a roller brake tester is tested in accordance with C.3.5, the tyres on the test axle suffer no visible 
damage.  
 
C.1.8.3  Coefficient of friction  
 
When measured in accordance with C.3.4, the coefficient of friction of a roller or of its cover shall be such that  
 
a) when new, the coefficient of friction between the tyre and roller, when wet, shall be at least 0.5,  
 
b) during service, the coefficient of friction between the tyre and roller, when wet, shall be at least 70% of that 
when dry, and  
 
c) after testing in accordance with C.3.5, the coefficient of friction between the tyre and roller (wet and dry) shall 
not decrease to below 0.4.  
 
C.1.9  Scale and indicators  
 
The scale shall be marked in SI units, pressure being indicated in kilopascals (kPa)  and braking force in newton 
(N) or kilonewtons (kN). The type and size of indicators shall be such as to be acceptable.  
 
NOTE  A type CT roller brake tester can have  
 
a) a single indicator that has two ranges:  
 
 a low range, for use when testing the brakes of a car; or  
 
 a high range, for use when testing the brakes of a truck; or  
 
b) two separate indicators:  
 
 one that has a low range, for use when testing the brakes of a car; or  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  77  one that has a higher range, for use when testing the brakes of a truck.  
 
C.1.10  Durability  
 
When a roller brake tester is tested in accordance with C.3.5,  
 
a) no failure other than a failure that can be attributed to the electrical services design, shall occur, and  
 
b) it shall still comply with the requirements of C.1.4.  
 
C.1.11  Power  
 
The motor drive system of a roller brake tester shall be such that when the tester is tested in accordance with 
C.3.5, the roller speed shall at no time be less than 80% of the nominal rated speed.  
 
C.1.12  Cover plates  
 
Cover plates shall be strong enough to withstand, without permanent distortion, any force applied during normal 
use. 
 
C.1.13  Safety  
 
A mains on/off switch shall be provided, which is readily accessible and easily operated.  
 
C.1.14  Weatherproofing  
 
The electrical and hydraulic components and the bearing surfaces of roller brake testers shall be adequately 
protected from water splash and dust, as specified by the manufacturer.  
 
C.1.15  User's manual  
 
Each roller brake tester shall be accompanied by a manual that provides comprehen sive operating and 
calibrating instructions (see also C.1.7.2), and a maintenance schedule.  
 
C.2 Marking  
 
A roller brake tester shall bear the following information, legibly and indelibly marked on a plate so affixed to 
the tester as to be easily accessible to the operator:  
 
a) serial number;  
 
b) type (see C.1.1);  
 
c) supply voltage;  
 
d) supply pressure (when applicable); and  
 
e) maximum axle load (see table C.1).  
 
C.3 Inspection and methods of test  
 
C.3.1 Inspection  
 
Visually examine and measure the roller brake tester for compliance with all the relevant requirements of clause 
C.1, for which tests to assess compliance are not given in C.3.2 to C.3.5 (inclusive).  
 
C.3.2  Response time test  
 
Attach a calibrated arm of kn own length to the torque arm of the roller brake tester and select a load which gives a 
static deflection that corresponds to 25% of the static full -scale deflection. Drop the load from a height of 100 mm DARS 1355 -5:2020  
78 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  onto the calibrated arm. Using suitable electronic equipment, note the time taken for the indicator to achieve the 
correct reading. Check for compliance with C.1.5.  
 
NOTE  In cases where the design of a roller brake tester precludes the use of a calibrated arm and masspieces for testing response time 
and fo r calibration, use any other acceptable method.  
 
C.3.3  Calibration  
 
Check that the roller brake tester indicator reads zero and adjust, if necessary. Use a calibration arm as in C.3.2 
and suitable loads to provide increments of 25% of the full scale value, both up and down. Using the formulae 
given in C.1.7.3, calculate, for each increment, the true value of force and the percentage error of the reading, 
and check for compli ance with C.1.4.  
 
NOTE  See note to C.3.2.  
 
C.3.4  Coefficient of friction  
 
C.3.4.1  Equipment  
 
Axle without a differential, loaded to the appropriate mass given in Table C.2, and fitted with two new tyres of 
highway tread pattern that comply with the requirements given in the table.  
 
Table C.2 — Tyre requirements for coefficient of friction test  
 
1 2 3 4 5 
Characteristic of tyre  Type of roller brake tester  
 C T CT 
   Car Truck  
Axle load, kg . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
 400 3000  400 3000  
Tyre size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
 165 SR 13  11.00 — 14 ply  165 SR 13  11.00 — 14 ply  
Tyre pressure, kPa ........  
 200 500 200 500 
 
C.3.4.2  Procedure  
 
Ensure that the load is evenly distributed between the wheels and that the tyres and rollers are dry. Position the 
axle on the roller brake tester and, using the manual mode, operate the rollers and apply the brakes until lock -up 
occurs. Record the braking  force indicated at each lock -up and calculate the corresponding coefficient of friction 
using the formula:  
 
gmF

 
 
where  
 
F is the indicated braking force, in newton;  
 
m is the axle load, in kilograms; and  
 
g is the acceleration owing to gravity, in metres per second squared (i.e. 9.81 m/s2). 
 
Apply water to the tyres and rollers for 2 min by means of a sprinkler and immediately repeat the procedure 
given above. Check for compliance with C.1.8.3(a) and C.1.8.3(b).  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  79 C.3.5  Capacity test  
 
C.3.5.1  Equipment  
 
An axle without a differential, loaded to the appropriate mass given in Table C.3, and fitted with new tyres of 
highway tread pattern that comply with the relevant requirements given in the table.  
 
Table C.3 — Tyre requirements for capacity test  
 
1 2 3 
Characteristic of tyre  Type of roller brake tester  
 C T and CT  
Axle load, kg  2000  10000  
Tyre size  165SR13  11. 00 -20 14 ply  
Tyre pressure, kPa  200 600 
Number of tyres per axle  2 4 
 
C.3.5.2 Procedure  
 
C.3.5.2.1  Without doing any maintenance during or after the test, carry out one application of the brakes in such 
a way that it is sufficient to produce the full -scale indicator value every 5 min until 50 applications have been 
completed.  
 
C.3.5.2.2  In the case of a type CT roller brake tester that has two separate indicators (see note to C.1.9), repeat 
the procedure given in C.3.5.2.1 for the low range scale.  
 
C.3.5.2.3  Check for compliance with C.1.8.2(b), C.1.10(a) and C.1.11.  
 
C.3.5.2.4  Repeat the  test given in C.3.3 and check for compliance with C.1.10(b).  
 
C.3.5.2.5  Repeat the test given in C.3.4 and check for compliance with C.1.8.3(c).  
 
 
  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
80 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Annex D  
(normative)  
 
Wheel alignment gauges  
 
D.1 Installation  
 
D.1.1  The wheel alignment gauge shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s 
recommendations.  
 
D.1.2  If the installation is not carried out by the manufacturer or distributor, full installation instructions 
shall be provided.  
 
D.1.3  The installation of a wheel alignment gauge shall be  such that the plate is in the same horizontal 
plane as the floor. Where this is not possible, elevated installation is permitted, provided that the height 
of the plate above the floor is not more than 15% on both sides and that a flat area of at least 100  mm in 
the same plane as the scuff plate is provided on the drive -on side of the wheel alignment gauge between 
the ramp and the plate. If the slope is 10% or less, the requirement for the flat area does not apply.  
 
D.1.4  In the case of an elevated installa tion, a dummy plate of similar dimensions, and ramps shall be 
provided for the opposite side of the vehicle.  
 
D.1.5  The wheel alignment gauge shall be so installed as to prevent interference with other testing 
equipment, such as brake roller testers.  
 
D.2 Construction and performance requirements  
 
NOTE  The components of the device should be manufactured from corrosion -resistant materials. All steel parts should be 
plated or covered with a durable coating.  
 
D.2.1  Plate size  
 
The size of the scuff plate shall  be such that all grades of road vehicles that the vehicle test station has 
been graded for can be accommodated.  
 
D.2.2 Display type  
 
The display shall be analogue or digital, and shall display scuff in meters per kilometre (m/km) or 
millimetres per metre (mm/m). The display shall be easily legible, or a means shall be provided for the 
storage of readings to facilitate checking by the vehicle examiner during the course of the examination.  
 
D.2.3 Range and accuracy  
 
The wheel alignment gauge shall be able to  measure scuff accurately up to 15 mm/m tow -in and tow -
out. The measurement shall be linear and accurate to within 0.5 mm/m.  
 
D.3 Operating instructions  
 
D.3.1  Full operating instructions shall be supplied with the wheel alignment gauge by the manufacturer  
or the distributor.  
 
D.3.2  A maximum speed, not exceeding 5 km/h, at which a vehicle should be driven over the wheel 
alignment gauge shall be specified.  
 
D.3.3  A requirement shall be included in the operating instructions not to interfere with the steerin g of 
the vehicle when driving over the wheel alignment gauge.  
 
D.3.4  The maximum mass of a vehicle to be driven over the wheel alignment gauge shall be indicated 
on the manufacturer's plate on the wheel alignment gauge.  
 DARS 1355 -5:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  81 D.3.5  The manufacturer's name and s erial number shall be indicated on the wheel alignment gauge.  
 
D.4 Calibration  
 
Calibration shall be performed once a year by a trained technician, operator or organization equipped 
and authorized to do the work. This calibration shall be a comprehensive procedure and both ends of 
the range shall be included. Valid certificates of calibration for all testing equipment shall be available on 
site. 
 
 
 
  DARS 1355 -5:2020  
82 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Bibliography  
 
 
SADC HT 105 -5:2019, SADC Harmonized Text — Vehicle Standards — Specification for Vehicle 
Roadworthiness — Part 5: Requirements for Testing Equipment  
 
TRS-006, Standard Design Specification and Technical Requirements for a Vehicle Test Station, Version 
002 or later , www.tttfp.org   
 
URS -002, Standard Specifications for a Vehicle and Vehicle Testing Module, Version 00 3 or later , 
www.tttfp.org   
 
UK MoT Set up a test station, DVSA, www.gov.uk/topic/mot/manuals  
 
 
 
 
 DARS 1355 -5:2020 
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved