FORS v7.2: what changes for audits from 1 September 2026

The short version

FORS Standard v7.2 applies to every organisation with an audit date on or after 1 September 2026. It replaces v7.1. The structure of the standard is unchanged: Bronze M1–M11, V1–V7, D1–D7 and O1–O6; Silver S1–S10; Gold G1–G8.

Two things matter in practice:

• O2 (Bronze): fuel and AdBlue by vehicle. Fuel usage data must be collected and monitored by vehicle registration (VRM), including AdBlue where relevant and the diesel-to-AdBlue ratio. If no ratio has been calculated, the auditor records a minor action point.
• S5 (Silver): a new training route for Category B drivers. Annex 1.1 now lets drivers whose role needs only a Category B licence meet the professional development requirement through a FORS Professional or FORS Approved road-risk "Panoramic Interactive Video Training" course.

If your system was built properly for v7.1, the move to v7.2 is small. If you have never calculated an AdBlue ratio, you have work to do before your next audit.

Dates and documents

FORS's summary of changes for version 7.2 lists one formal change, to S5. Its transitional arrangements page, which covers reapproval audits moving from v7.1 to v7.2, sets out the O2 fuel and AdBlue requirement and the minor action point for a missing ratio. Read both alongside the full Standard before your audit.

O2: fuel and AdBlue by VRM

O2 is the Bronze requirement for emissions, air quality and environmental impact. Its aim is "to monitor and manage fuel consumption and emissions and commit to reduce negative environmental impacts". Your policy must name the Fuel and Emissions Champion, who must also appear on the organisation chart, and describe how:

• fuel usage data is collected and monitored by VRM, including AdBlue where relevant and the diesel-to-AdBlue ratio;
• you choose vehicles and fuel types suited to the work;
• fuel spills are minimised and dealt with;
• engine idling is kept to a minimum; and
• you carry out due diligence when sourcing low carbon fuels.

FORS also says operators should calculate well-to-wheel fleet emissions each year using the FORS Emissions Calculator or a FORS Approved alternative, and that the environmental policy should feature in professional development plans under D4.

What evidence the auditor will look for

• Fuel and energy use reports for each VRM (litres or kWh, and fuel type).
• Checks on data accuracy, such as mpg calculations and reconciliation of fuel card data against mileage.
• AdBlue use by VRM and a calculated diesel-to-AdBlue ratio.
• Idling reports, for example from telematics, and the action taken on excessive idling.

How to calculate the ratio

For each vehicle and each reporting period, total the diesel and AdBlue bought or dispensed. Divide diesel litres by AdBlue litres to get the ratio, or AdBlue by diesel to express it as a percentage. With illustrative figures: a vehicle that used 2,000 litres of diesel and 80 litres of AdBlue in a month has a ratio of 25:1, or AdBlue at 4% of diesel.

The number itself is only half the job. Compare each vehicle with its own history and with similar vehicles, and against the manufacturer's expected AdBlue consumption. A vehicle whose AdBlue use falls sharply while diesel use stays the same may have a dosing fault, or someone may have tampered with the emissions system. DVSA treats emissions tampering seriously at the roadside. Investigate and record what you found.

Electric and alternative-fuel vehicles still need their energy use recorded by VRM. The AdBlue element applies "where relevant", so it covers diesel vehicles that use AdBlue.

S5: the Category B training route

S5 is the Silver requirement for professional development. It requires drivers and other staff to complete the mandatory FORS Professional Development set out in Annex 1 (drivers and powered light vehicle riders) and Annex 2 (managers). FORS also says the amount of Driver CPC training that professional drivers complete every five years should be seen as a guide for other staff's own development.

The v7.2 change is in Annex 1.1. Drivers whose role requires only Category B entitlement can now meet the requirement through a FORS Professional or FORS Approved road-risk course delivered as Panoramic Interactive Video Training. That is FORS's term; check the course listing on the FORS website to confirm a course qualifies.

Who it helps

• Van fleets and mixed fleets at Silver or Gold, where many drivers hold only a car licence.
• Operators who struggled to schedule classroom or on-road training for van drivers.
• Staff who drive cars or small vans for work as part of a wider role.

The route does not apply to HGV or PCV drivers. Their professional development requirements are unchanged. It adds an option. It does not remove the existing routes in Annex 1.

Who v7.2 affects

• Every FORS operator with an audit on or after 1 September 2026, whether initial Bronze, Bronze renewal, Silver or Gold.
• Diesel fleets that use AdBlue (most Euro VI lorries and many Euro 6 vans), which now need the ratio.
• Silver and Gold van operators, who can use the new Category B route.
• Operators renewing in autumn 2026, who should check the transitional arrangements for reapproval audits.

Transitional arrangements

FORS has published transitional arrangements for v7.2. They apply to reapproval audits moving from v7.1 to v7.2. We have not seen any wider grace period, so treat v7.2 as live for any audit dated on or after 1 September 2026. If your audit falls soon after that date, read the transitional arrangements page and your audit booking confirmation, and ask your auditor or FORS if anything is unclear.

Remember how action points work. Minor action points must be put right within 90 calendar days. If they are still open at your next audit, that audit fails. A missing AdBlue ratio is a minor action point under v7.2, but leaving it unresolved for a year turns it into a failure.

What has not changed

• The requirement structure and numbering.
• Bronze V6: side under-run protection and Class V and VI mirrors (or an equivalent camera monitoring system) on HGVs. Cameras, sensors and audible warnings remain Silver requirements under S6.
• D1: risk-based licence checks using DVLA data, with HGV and PCV drivers checked at least every three months.
• The 12-month validity of accreditation at every level.
• FORS fees, last updated 28 May 2026: a subscription from £40 + VAT for one vehicle and a Bronze audit fee of £468 + VAT (£437 + VAT for fleets of three or fewer).

For the full picture of what each level requires, read our complete guide to FORS accreditation. For how version 7 developed, see our FORS version 7 history.

v7.2 preparation checklist

1. Download FORS Standard v7.2 and the transitional arrangements, and note your audit date.
2. Update document references from v7.1 to v7.2, and check the requirement numbers match version 7.
3. Confirm the Fuel and Emissions Champion is named in the O2 policy and on the organisation chart.
4. Set up fuel and AdBlue reporting by VRM, including bulk tank dispensing and fuel card purchases.
5. Calculate the diesel-to-AdBlue ratio for each vehicle and keep at least a few months of history before the audit.
6. Investigate and record any vehicle with an unusual ratio.
7. Check idling data and record the actions taken.
8. Run the FORS Emissions Calculator, or an approved alternative, for the year.
9. At Silver or Gold, list your Category B-only drivers and decide whether the new S5 route suits them.
10. Close any open minor action points from your last audit.
11. Hold a mock audit against v7.2 before the real one.

How J&JL can help

We update FORS documentation to v7.2, set up fuel and AdBlue reporting that an auditor can follow, and run mock audits against the current standard. We have a 100% first-time FORS pass rate. See our FORS accreditation consultancy, or use the free compliance checker for a quick view of where you stand.