13-04-05 MOT Computerisation Goes Live
The roll out of MOT Computerisation begins on Monday 18 April 2005 following the completion of final field trials which have proved the functionality of the system. A redesigned operational roll out takes into account feedback from all the garages involved in the trials and is geared to ease the transition to the new system and a robust service. Roll out to the c19,000 MOT garages will take place over a period of several months.
Implementation for each garage will be phased to ensure they are trained, equipped and ready to move into the computerised system before switching them over. Garages will have a much improved helpdesk service, including dedicated training advisers, and additional back up processes if needed. Minor amendments to how the system is used will be implemented to offer garages more flexibility in providing their MOT service.
Motorists going for an MOT test in the coming months may find the process takes a few minutes longer while garages familiarise themselves with the system. Motorists will be given an explanatory leaflet with their new style test certificate.
Further information can be found within this leaflet:
MOT Computerisation - Information for Motorists
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency is responsible for the supervision of the MOT testing scheme.
MOT Computerisation is a Private Finance Initiative in partnership with Siemens Business Services. The computerised system will record details of all MOT tests on a secure centralised database.
As the computerised system is used and populated it will provide the following benefits:
Road safety benefits from reduced risk of unsafe vehicles on the road due to:
- Improved standards of testing as testers have access to on-line vehicle specific information.
- More rigorous testing because system design enforces MOT Scheme rules (eg compulsory full re-test).
- Reduction in incorrect equipment calibration.
- Reduced ability to legitimise stolen and unroadworthy vehicles.
- More efficient and effective enforcement through real time access to information.
Benefits for MOT garages:
- Garages will no longer have to complete a daily register of MOT tests conducted.
- Testers will be provided with electronic access to technical information on the make and model of vehicle being tested.
- Manuals and Guides can be viewed on the system.
- Administration of the scheme will be easier and quicker with garages able to place orders for certificates electronically.
The computer terminals, monitor, printer and paper consumables are all being provided to garages free of charge. The computer will connect to the central database using a free phone number.
Benefits for motorists:
- Improved confidence when purchasing second hand vehicles due to ability to check MOT history and status.
- Improved consistency of test and fewer incorrect failures.
- Reduction in the level of repairs undertaken as a result of wrongly issued fail notices.
- Better test information and vehicle condition awareness due to standardisation of test output documentation including new printed advisory notice.
- Greater confidence in the MOT scheme due to more effective supervision and enforcement enabled by computerisation.
The new style MOT test certificate is considerably different from the current version. It is larger (A4 instead of A5) and will not feature either a watermark or an embossed stamp. This is because VOSA is moving the proof of MOT status away from a paper based system onto a secure central database. The new certificate will feature a tear off sticker to remind motorists of when their next test is due and will alert motorists to whether an advisory notice was issued at the time of test.
Page last updated: 25/09/2006