MOT: what we’ve been working on

There have been a lot of changes and improvements this year in the MOT world. In this blog post, we’re featuring a roundup of some of the key updates, as well as what’s coming up.   

Our aim is to continuously improve the service we deliver, by streamlining our services and future-proofing the MOT service. 

Changes introduced so far this year MOT security card switch-off

A lot of the work we do behind the scenes is to make sure the MOT Testing Service (MTS) remains safe and secure. That’s why we’ve removed MOT security card log-ins.  

While security cards were useful tools in the past, they don’t carry the protections of other login types, such as 2-factor authentication.  

We’d encourage any testers who have not yet set up 2-factor authentication to do so, as it protects you and your account from unauthorised access. It's easy to set up and ensures your account has the best protection.  

3.5 to 4.25 tonne zero emission goods vehicles

We’ve changed the testing classification of 3.5 to 4.25 (gross) tonne zero emissions goods vehicles. These are generally electric vans with the same payload or range as a traditional internal combustion engined van. But the battery pushed the weight into the HGV class.

Ministers took the decision to move these to the Class 7 MOT scheme, in line with how their internal combustion counterparts are classified.

Upgrades to the MOT brake test screens

We know that the usability of the MOT brake test screens has been problematic for many testers. We have added some new features to make it easier for you to use.  

The updates improve how the pages look and work, including:  

larger, easier-to-select checkboxes for roller brake test results   clearer focus highlighting for keyboard users   improved layout on smaller screens, including mobile, updated design to match the rest of MTS and GOV.UK services   added navigation (breadcrumbs) between pages    improved error messages to meet accessibility standards   

The test will be carried out in the same way as before, but now the upgrades are installed the pages will look a little different. It’ll be much easier for you to use, especially on a mobile or when using a keyboard.  

Changes to fast-track disciplinary systems

The fast-track review process is now a well-established and trusted part of the MOT disciplinary system. It helps us deal with lower-risk compliance issues quickly, while still protecting the integrity of the MOT scheme.  

Later this year, we will be including the following shortcomings where 100 points is the appropriate outcome:  

8.1.A.5b Breaches of security    8.1.A.5f A vehicle and/or tester are not present on the premises    8.1.A.5g Abuse or misuse of the MOT testing service free text option(s)   

Including these in the fast-track disciplinary system will help to resolve cases quickly where the: 

evidence is not contested  Authorised Examiner (AE) and tester both agree the shortcoming has occurred  AE or Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) and tester have no preceding disciplinary cases within the last 5 years  Updated MOT poster

We recently sent out special notice 02-26 to let garages know about the updated MOT test fees and appeals poster.  

We’ve updated the poster as there have been: 

updates on the changes to class 7 vehicles  updates on the appeals process  information added about photographs at the time of test 

To remain compliant with the guidelines, please make sure that you have this updated poster displayed in your garage where your customers can see it. 

Changes coming later this year Making changes to your MOT business or MOT centre

We’re making changes to make it simpler and faster to tell us of changes to your MOT business. We’ll be replacing the VT01 form with a new digital service, accessed via the MTS for the Authorised Examiner Designated Manager (AEDM) or an Authorised Examiner Principal (AEP) to:  

update registered office address  change business and trading name  return from short-term cessation  add or remove people  add a new MOT centre  take on an existing MOT centre  make a change to a current MOT centre 

People will be able to find the new service in their AE or VTS profile on MTS. 

We know that the VT01 form can be complicated and difficult to use, so this new digital service will make the process much simpler to complete and manage. 

‘Photos at test’ national rollout

We know many of you have been waiting for an update on ‘photos at test’, previously called ‘images in garages’. As testers you know the impact MOT fraud has on the industry and, more importantly, road safety.  

The feedback from testers involved in our 2 trials was overwhelmingly positive. The evidence shows that, on average, there has been little-to-no impact to testing times and over half of those we surveyed said:  

it was ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ to upload the image  they were ‘very satisfied’ with taking a photo of the vehicle during the test  Next steps for ‘Photos at test’

Later this year, we will be rolling out ‘photos at test’ nationwide. It will not be mandatory to begin uploading photos from the start as DVSA teams are currently updating the MOT policy and MOT testing guide.  

However, we’d recommend during this period that testers begin to familiarise themselves with how to upload before the policy and guide are updated. This will help you get used to the system before the change is made mandatory.  

Keeping pace

We all know there are new technologies and changes in guidance being introduced regularly, so if you do have any questions please feel free to ask them in the comments section and we will respond in due course.  

https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/mot-what-weve-been-working-on/

seen at 16:41, 1 July in Matters of Testing.