Guidance

MOT testing service: get the right IT and internet access

The IT equipment and internet access that MOT test stations will need to have to use the MOT testing service.

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published
15 March 2015
Last updated
9 June 2015 — See all updates

This guidance was withdrawn on

The move to the MOT testing service has finished, so this guidance is no longer relevant.

You can record MOT test results and buy slots at www.gov.uk/mot-testing-service.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

About IT equipment and internet access

The new MOT testing service is a web-based service that will replace both:

  • MOT Comp
  • your vehicle testing station (VTS) device

The new MOT testing service will give you more flexibility and choice in how you decide to carry out MOT tests.

Most VTSs won’t need any new equipment as they’ll already have the right kind of IT equipment, internet connection and printer.

What you need and choose to do will depend on if you:

Responsibility for IT equipment and internet access

As part of the switchover to the new service, responsibility for IT equipment, internet connections and printers will move from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Atos to authorised examiners (AEs).

AEs will be responsible for:

  • providing the necessary IT equipment, internet connection and printer
  • arranging for any required repairs and maintenance

Equipment you can use

The new service is being designed to let you carry out MOT testing on internet-connected IT equipment. This must be available and online at an approved VTS site.

You’ll be able to use:

  • a desktop computer or laptop to enter test results from a fixed location following a test
  • a tablet or laptop to enter results while you test vehicles in a test bay

The choice of what IT equipment, internet connection and printer you use is entirely up to you, as long as it meets the new service’s IT specification.

If you do have IT equipment at your site

You’ll almost certainly be able to use the new MOT testing service on your current equipment if you can:

Check your internet connection and browser if you do have any problems. You might need to upgrade these to the required specification to access and use the new service. You can check which browser you’re using by visiting WhatBrowser.org.

Read the MOT testing service IT specification to make sure any new equipment or internet connection you get meets the minimum requirements.

If you don’t have IT equipment at your site

You won’t be able to carry out MOT testing if you don’t have the right IT equipment, internet connection and printer in place at your VTS.

You’ll need to get these in place to carry on MOT testing at your site.

Read the MOT testing service IT specification to make sure any new equipment or internet connection you get meets the minimum requirements.

IT security

DVSA is finalising the details of the IT security system which will replace the current security combination of a dedicated VTS device, fixed telephone line and smart cards.

Updates to this page

Published 15 March 2015
Last updated 9 June 2015 + show all updates

  1. Updated with simple instructions on how to test new IT will work with new MOT testing service.

  2. First published.

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