VOSA to consult on test booking improvements
Commercial vehicle tests bookings to be modernised to provide a faster and more efficient service.
Under new proposals test bookings will be carried out online or over the phone.
VOSA is proposing improvements to the way commercial vehicle tests are booked at VOSA testing stations, to provide a faster, more efficient service to the industry.
Currently customers book their tests using a combination of fax, email, post, over the counter at test stations or online.
Under the new proposals bookings will be made using VOSA’s online test booking service or by telephone and payment can be made by credit or debit card, or through a pre-funded account.
VOSA Chief Executive Alastair Peoples said:
We want to make booking a test faster and more efficient so that it is easier for the industry to be compliant.
Enabling customers to book tests on-line and by telephone will help us achieve this and will make sure that our customers are receiving a consistently high level of service.
Using the online or telephone service means that customers will be able to:
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check available dates and times at any VOSA test station making it easier for customers to get a test time that suits them
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receive immediate confirmation so that they don’t need to spend time phoning or faxing VOSA
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make secure payments
This proposal does not change the way tests are booked at authorised test facilities (ATF) and Designated Premises (DP).
The consultation will run from today until 9 March 2011.
Notes to editors
In March 2009 VOSA introduced an online booking service for heavy goods yehicles (HGV), trailers and passenger service vehicles (PSV) test bookings. The service requires registration through the Government Gateway and is accessed through BusinessLink.
Customers now book 40% of tests online. It’s estimated that a further 40% are arranged by telephone with the other 20% by fax, email, post or over the counter.
VOSA is proposing to consult with staff and the industry on closing the fax, email and postal channels for HGV, trailers and PSV test transactions that can be completed online.
If introduced, customers would be required to use either telephone or the online service to manage their booking transactions at a VOSA test station.
VOSA is responsible for:
- processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services
- operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme
- enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations
- enforcing drivers’ hours and licensing requirements
- supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements
- providing training and advice for commercial operators
- investigating vehicle accidents, defects and recalls
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