Guidance

MOT modernisation: introduction for MOT test stations

An overview of what the MOT modernisation project means for the MOT trade, and how the new MOT testing service will be introduced.

• From: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
• Published: 2 May 2014
• Last updated: 15 March 2015 — See all updates

This guidance was withdrawn on 15 September 2015

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 MOT modernisation

MOT modernisation is a project being run by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

It’s being done to update and simplify MOT processes and policies to help improve road safety and test quality.

The project is building a new web-based MOT testing service to 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.

You’ll move to the new service between April and August 2015. You’ll be told your exact switchover date nearer the time.

Modernising the MOT

IT equipment and internet access

Responsibility for IT equipment, internet connections and printers will move from DVSA and Atos to authorised examiners (AEs).

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

Find out more about getting the right IT and internet access.

Check you’re ready for the new MOT testing service

You need to do 4 things to make sure you’re ready to move to the new MOT testing service.

1. Update your MOT vehicle testing station (VTS) device details.
2. Get MOT modernisation email alerts.
3. Make sure you have IT equipment and internet access that meets the rules.
4. Fill in the ‘readiness survey’ from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Find out more about how to check your MOT station is ready.

Move to the new MOT testing service

The move to the new MOT testing service will be carried out AE-by-AE in phases between April and August 2015.

Every VTS will be using the new service by the end of September 2015.

You can read guidance about:

• how you’ll be contacted by DVSA
• your switchover date
• your user ID and role
• how to claim your new account
• what will happen to old equipment

Find out more about the move to the new service.

Testing rules, roles and quality control changes

From April 2015, VTSs will no longer be required to display their list of NTs on their public notice board.

The current MOT Comp testing rules will apply under the new service.

MOT roles are being simplified, and some won’t exist in the new service.

DVSA is also using the move to the new service as an opportunity to change how evidence of quality control and management is recorded.

Find out more about the testing rules, roles and quality control changes

Process changes

There will be some changes to specific processes when the new service is introduced.

You can read more about changes to:

• entering vehicle specific information (VSI)
• slot payments
• recording retests
• emergency testing (which is being renamed ‘contingency testing’)

Testing the new service

DVSA wants to do lots of user testing ahead of the new service going live. It will be asking for volunteers to do this.

Questions and feedback

Your feedback will help us provide you with the information you need about the new MOT testing service.

MOT testing service

Email mot@dvsa.gov.uk

Questions, comments and suggestions about the new MOT testing service being introduced by the MOT modernisation project.

Published 2 May 2014
Last updated 15 March 2015 + show all updates

1. 15 March 2015

   Added information about contingency testing, slot payments and changes to the MOT testing guide.

2. 14 October 2014

   Added a link to the new new 'MOT Modernisation: the switchover process' guidance under the 'Switching to the new system' section.

3. 7 October 2014

   Added new details asking AEs and NTs to udpate contact and other details under the 'Switching to the new system' section.

4. 30 July 2014

   Updated information in the 'Testing the new system' section.

5. 28 July 2014

   Added information to 'Switching to the new system' section.

6. 25 July 2014

   Added information to the 'Switching to the new system' section and added link to the 'MOT Modernisation: IT specification' guide from the 'IT equipment and printer' section.

7. 2 July 2014

   Added the 'Volunteers wanted for new MOT system testing' video to the 'Testing the new system' section.

8. 24 June 2014

   Updated with information about printers under the renamed VTS devices, printers and smart cards section.

9. 30 May 2014

   Updated with latest advice and guidance including updated IT equipment and IT security content and new internet connection and slot payment sections.

10. 2 May 2014

    First published.