Because we need:

…to improve testing standards

by providing accurate, up-to-date information for the MOT Testing Stations
by collecting better information
by monitoring test standards more closely
by improving the quality of MOT documents
…to reduce theft and fraud associated with MOT certificates

by closer monitoring
by tighter control of certificates
by reducing dependence on paper certificates
…to improve administration

by passing information to and from garages electronically
by automatically collecting and updating information
by providing electronic ordering and payment systems
by improving the way records are kept
…to improve consumer protection and confidence in the MOT test

by ensuring more consistent standards
by enabling the general public to check if a vehicle passed or failed an MOT
by improving protection and making it easier to detect fraud
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2. What will it involve?

All 19,000 MOT Testing Stations will be provided with PCs, monitors and printers They will be connected to a central database of vehicle information, test results and details of authorised examiners and testers. Access to the system will be for authorised users via electronic smart cards and a password.

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3. When?
The MOT Computerisation software is still being developed, it will then need to be extensively trialled and tested. Only once this has been completed to the satisfaction of both VI and the trade will it be rolled out to all VTS. This will commence during early 2004, roll out will take around six months to complete.

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4. So what does this mean to you..?

a. If you are an MOT Testing Station

You will receive a PC, monitor, and printer free of charge during early to mid 2004. Training will be carried out by Siemens on the day your equipment is installed. Your gas analyser (not required for the motorcycle test) will also be fitted with a Smart Card reader.

The MOT certificates currently in use will be destroyed and you will be issued with new style certificates, failure notices, advisory notices and checklists (there will be a separate checklist for motorcycles).

From the day of installation you will no longer have to:

fill in a VT12 (test register)
apply for a VT26 (list of approved testers)
hand write a certificate, failure notice or advisory (unless the system is not available), the system will fill in the details for you
remember calibration or refresher training dates, the system will automatically remind you of these.
You will be able to:

receive Manual, Guides and Special Notices on-line
order pads and training and make payments via the system
ask VI questions via the system
receive information specific to particular vehicles
check your Testing Station performance against national averages
print reports
issue duplicate certificates, regardless of where the vehicle has been tested
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b. If you are a member of the Public
You will not notice any difference when you take your vehicle for a test, except that the MOT certificate will be in a new format. However, the details of the test will be recorded on the database at the same time as your documents are produced.

For motorists the main feature of the new system is that you can check the MOT status and test history of any vehicle that you own, or are considering buying. You will be able to do this either by calling an enquiry number or by visiting a website. If you are buying a vehicle, you will need the current owners permission.

If there is any doubt about the validity of your test certificate, the system will provide you with certain key details of information including recorded mileage and any advisory items found at the time of the MOT test.

The facility to check the MOT history of the vehicle will provide full test details for all the tests undertaken on the vehicle since the system was computerised. We hope that this will encourage motorists to obtain the test history of vehicles before buying so they can make a more informed judgement.

Any further queries about MOT Computerisation? Call our MOT Enquiry Line on 0845 600 5977 (calls charged at local rate)