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.
59 comments
Comment by Mark posted on
Great news indeed.
Comment by Stuart Fitzpatrick posted on
Recently took my mod 1 and 2 motorcycle tests and on these occasions the examiner had a dedicated tablet to record results , why doesn't the MOT scheme provide these instead of leaving private companies and individuals to provide the hardware , it's all DVSA after all .
Comment by Dave W posted on
As we have not been part of the photos trial, are not yet a connected station, and we conduct our tests on a hard-wired desktop PC, what equipment will be needed to implement the "Photos at test" procedure? Will it be the easiest option of an app on the tester's personal phone, or will we be required to invest in more equipment like a tablet or webcam just for the photos?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Dave. No specific software is required. The image capture is designed to work with most mobile or tablet devices that have a camera.
If you use a desktop device to record your test results it will hand off the image capture to the 'camera enable' device of your choosing for the image capture.
Comment by Colin English posted on
👍👍
Comment by paul posted on
the brake test result screen changes are terrible, there was no issues with the previous setup in fact it was far better than this so called 'upgrade'
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Paul. The MOT testing service, forms part of the wider GOV.UK family of websites and as a result is required to maintain the Web Content Accessibility AA Standard. These changes were required to maintain the standard.
Comment by D Sharma posted on
Thanks for keeping mot testing system more effective and secure.
Comment by Grant Thunder (DVSA) posted on
Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and posting.
Comment by David posted on
Who will be providing the equipment for taking the photographs when it becomes mandatory
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi David. The device used to capture images, personal or company supplied, will be a matter for you to discuss with your employer.
Comment by Andy posted on
Brake pads worn
Is a brake pad worn down to wear indicator putting the brake pad wear light ON the cluster a M.O.T Failure ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Andy. The MOT testing guide section 1.1.13 on 'Brake linings and pads' gives more information. In summary,
- an illuminated brake wear indicator is not a reason for failure
- a brake lining or pad worn down to wear indicator is a Major defect
-a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm is a dangerous defect
Comment by Andrew posted on
Please explain how we measure that 1.5 mm as there is no authorised tool to do that ?
Comment by Grant Thunder (DVSA) posted on
Brake pad thickness is a visual assessment.
Comment by Nick archer posted on
I would like to know more info on what is used and how pictures are uploaded to web, as there is much talk about taking pictures but no info on what program or software to use. Is this done through personal mobile to PC?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
H Nick. There is no specific software required. The image capture is designed to work with most mobile or tablet devices that have a camera.
If you use a desktop device to record your test results it will hand off the image capture to the 'camera enable' device of your choosing for the image capture.
Comment by Nick ARCHER posted on
So how does the mobile phone send picture to a PC to start the test, will there be a program in the register vehicle screen. Is it sent wifi bluetooth on does it need to be plugged into pc
Comment by Grant Thunder (DVSA) posted on
Using a desktop device.
During the test registration process you will be presented with a QR code to scan with your ‘mobile’ device, this will enable the image capture on the device and upload it to the MOT service, automatically assigning the image with the test record. You can then test the vehicle as normal.
When you return to the desktop device to enter the test results the image will be visible against the test record before the test record is complete. You do not have to plug the device into the desktop device.
Comment by Paul posted on
Why on earth have you changed the layout of the screen for entering the brake readings? It is terrible & was much better before!!!!
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Paul. The MOT testing service, forms part of the wider GOV.UK family of websites and, as a result, is required to maintain the Web Content Accessibility AA Standard. These changes were required to maintain the standard.
Comment by Richard Murfet posted on
Who we be supplying the camera or tablets to do the pictures to upload,yourselves or will it be the company as I work for Kwik-Fit.
Thanks
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Richard. The device used to capture images, personal or company supplied, will be a matter for you to discuss with your employer.
Comment by Barry posted on
Not a fan of the new brake test results page, seems to involve a lot more scrolling than before while using my S23+.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Barry. Thank you for the feedback. The MOT testing service, forms part of the wider GOV.UK family of websites and as a result is required to maintain the Web Content Accessibility AA Standard. These changes were required to maintain the standard.
Comment by George Rodgers posted on
It seems like a very good upgrade to me anything that makes Mot safer is ok with me 🙂
Comment by Grant Thunder (DVSA) posted on
Hi George, Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and posting.
Comment by Lee Rodgers posted on
It is fantastic to see the progress that is being made with regards to the VT01 i think it would be useful if we could fill out the inspection sheet electronically as we are testing
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Lee. Thank you for your comment. Regarding the mileage entry screens, this is an area that we are currently looking at. I will pass on your frustration to the team involved.
Comment by Nigel Martin posted on
I very much prefer the new brake test result screen - much easier for us oldies to select the check boxes.
Whilst you're improving things,
i should also draw your attention to the mileage screen on result entry;
Unlike other numerical boxes - such as the brake test readings, the mileage box contents can be scrolled by the curser on my mouse:
Thus when I enter a mileage, and scroll down the page, using my mouse, to press enter, the mileage i had entered changes, usually downward, which often creates a mileage discrepancy on retests, and is very frustrating.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Nigel. Thank you for taking the time to reply and for the constructive feedback. Regarding the mileage entry screens, this is an area that we are currently looking at. I will pass on your observations to the team involved.
Comment by Gary posted on
Going from a once-a-day security code by email to twice per test is ludicrous if the once-a-day code goes to my password/email only why the need to alter it ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Gary. If you set up and use an authentication app, which is the most secure method of authentication, then you will only be required to authenticate once a day, as long as the device, location etc don’t change.
Comment by Gregory Grabowski posted on
Wirh regards photos at test.
Is this all classes?
How would someone familiarise themselves with uploading images?
Is there going to be a test feature or optional feature until its rolled out? I belive it's a great idea and looking forward to it.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Gregory. Yes, this will be for all MOT testing service vehicle classes. We have designed the feature to be very intuitive with an easy to follow process.
The trials have also provided the assurance that the feature is very easy to use, required no extra upfront training and added little to no time to the test.
Comment by Chris posted on
A lot of people I’ve seen have said the brake test results screen is worse than the older version. More buttons to navigate on initial entry compared to the last version. Overall results screen now much longer so requires scrolling rather than the results in a row (as opposed to horizontally). Also, being able to use the up/down arrow to quickly alter a slightly mistyped reading was nice to have - but it’s now gone.
The 2FA works well, but once someone has signed in once on the one computer, any 2FA isn’t accounted for, so in the unfortunate event someone knows the username and password, the second layer of 2FA doesn’t work since it’s on the same device. So you add a layer in at start, but it’s then removed for a the remainder of the day.
Photos will Work well, but those who use a desktop on a office are going to have to log onto a test on a mobile to take a photo, so going to take time to log in on a mobile then go back to desktop to finish logging test off. Maybe practices might change to use a tablet for logging on/off and results entry rather than use a dedicated desktop in an office.
Hopefully some sense will be shown for retests on simple things light a sidelight bulb, or washers where a car doesn’t need to be pulled into the bay to be retested as can easily be checked on other parts of the premises. (Not sure if this is how it’s working in trials as we aren’t part of them.)
Comment by Grant Thunder (DVSA) posted on
Hi Chris, thank you for the comprehensive reply.
The MOT testing service forms part of the wider GOV.UK family of websites and, as a result, is required to maintain the Web Content Accessibility AA Standard. These changes were required to maintain the standard.
Once a day when a device has been through 2FA it is then considered to be a trusted device for the next 24 hours, if a number of other factors don’t change. If something changes, for example the device, then 2FA will be required to make that the new trusted device. There is an expectation that passwords are of a sufficient level of complexity and kept secure to maintain security on the trusted device.
If moving from a desktop to a ‘mobile’ device to capture the image there is no login required on the ‘mobile’ device. The image capture alone is handed off to the ‘mobile’ device. When you log back into the desktop device after the vehicle examination the image will have been uploaded to the test record and can be viewed prior to the completion of the test.
Comment by gary wooster posted on
I,m sorry but the new brake testing results screen is more time consuming and cumbersome than the previous system, please can we go back to the old system or perhaps be given the option ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Gary. The MOT testing service is part of the wider GOV.UK family of websites and, as a result, has to meet the Web Content Accessibility AA Standard. These changes were required to maintain the standard.
Comment by richard posted on
MOT brake test screen, why have you left the parking brake check boxes to the left & not inline with the rest of the check boxes ? it looks messy.
Items are still re-ordering themselves ( still not been sorted) on the system, i.e nail in tyre one day is at the bottom next day its in the middle .
Comment by Richard Oldham posted on
Will the vehicle photograph be uploaded to software which will recognise registration plates which do not conform to the layout requirements?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Richard. Not as part of this initial rollout. However, we are looking at what we can do in the future from the images captured.
Comment by Stephen posted on
When are we going to see something that will read if items have been deleted or remove off a vehicle ie dpf filter system, egr valve and ad blu systems.
Comment by Robert posted on
Good Job 👍🏻
Comment by DAVID MENZIES posted on
I think that taking photos is a bad idea as it could become a privacy issue. What if someone refuses to having the image taken? What if you forget when you are busy? What if the image is not clear and the vehicle leaves the premises? My main concern though is the trouble this my bring to the test stations through human error or if somebody forgets or thinks somebody else has done it already. In my opinion it will cause more problems than it solves.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi David. The image capture, or reasons for not capturing the image will be required before the test result can be finalised.
The image can be seen before it’s submitted and if needed can be retaken.
Comment by Richard Husband posted on
With the new electric vans coming into the class 7 testing region. Does that mean a tester will have to have a driving licence change to cover the over 3500 limit on many licences?
Comment by Neil Barlow (DVSA) posted on
For electric vans up to 4.25t the rules had already been changed a little while ago for vehicles like this for the driving licence and operator licensing to make them treated the same as their 'up to 3.5t' EV vans. At the same time as the rule on MOT class, Drivers' Hours rules have also been brought into line.
Comment by Andrew Guye-johnson posted on
price needs to gop up .....
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Andrew. To explain, the maximum MOT fee is set in regulation. The Department for Transport (DfT) is the authority that sets the MOT fee.
We understand the financial pressures faced by drivers and the industry surrounding them, including MOT centres, and we do work with DfT to understand the challenges it can bring to existing MOT operations. This also includes the potential for future change and improvement in the MOT.
Comment by Kevin Dodd posted on
I've just gone on to the authenticator app and EVERYTIME I log in whether it's to start a test or enter results it asks me for a 6 digit security code. It never use to do this. I've phoned the MOT helpline and not been able to get an answer??
Comment by alison posted on
Will you be supplying the camera for the photos?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Alison. No, DVSA won't be supplying devices to take the pictures. They can be done with any smart phone, laptop etc with a camera.
Comment by Robert Randall posted on
It’s great to see you improving things but authorised examiners have more financial outgoings and nominated testers also have to have dedicated email accounts to gain access but this all make the financial gain smaller this can encourage bribery and it is now undermining the integrity of the test as the cost hasn’t changed since 2010 so effectively dropping the price in line with inflation. The increasing cost to those who carry out the test that are now having to pay for more annual assessment, computers, paper and increased cost on calibrations you need to do something to protect those who work with you! We like to keep our roads safe but my workshop is more profitable than the MOT bay and Im thinking like lots of others to stop doing them.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Robert. Most email providers provide free email accounts that can be used for your MOT testing service profile.
The maximum MOT fee is set in regulation. The Department for Transport (DfT) is the authority that sets the MOT fee.
We understand the financial pressures faced by drivers and the industry surrounding them, including MOT centres, and we do work with DfT to understand the challenges it can bring to existing MOT operations. This also includes the potential for future change and improvement in the MOT.
Comment by JULIAN GLOVER posted on
Hi is there going to be a video on how to up load pictures as this will make it much easy for everyone ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Julian We have designed the feature to be very intuitive with an easy to follow process.
The trials have also provided the assurance that the feature was very easy to use, required no extra upfront training and added little to no time to the test.
Comment by lee posted on
Will the new VT01 be accessible by people with the AED role, putting this at AEDM level and AEP level is silly
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Lee . Thank you for your comment. We'll take your feedback into consideration as we continue to develop the new application process.