* Mot Computerisation
* Why does the system need to be changed?
* …to improve testing standards
* …to reduce theft and fraud associated with MOT certificates
* …to improve administration
* …to improve consumer protection and confidence in the MOT test


What will it involve?

So what does this mean to you..?

* If you are an MOT Testing Station
* If you are a member of the Public
* Why do you need an MOT certificate?

Further Information

Mot Computerisation

Work is currently underway to computerise the paperwork related to the MOT Testing Scheme. The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is carrying out the work in partnership withSiemens Business Services.
Why does the system need to be changed?

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

What will it involve?
All 18,500 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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When?
After successful completion of trials VOSA began rolling out MOT Computerisation on the 18 April 2005 to all testing stations in Great Britain. All garages will be recording MOT results on the new centralised database and issuing the new receipt style MOT test certificates by Spring 2006. Along with this new MOT certificate motorists will be given an information leaflet ' Your new MOT certificate and buying road tax online' which explains these changes and the benefits of the new system.
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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 in late 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 VOSA 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

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 of any vehicle that you own, or are considering buying. You will be able to do this either by visiting [ www.motinfo.gov.uk ] or calling our MOT Status Line on 0870 330 0444*. If you are buying a second hand vehicle, and want to check its MOT status you will need the registration mark of the vehicle and either the test number from the new style MOT test certificate or the document reference number from the V5C registration certificate.

The system will provide you with certain key information including; make, model and colour of the vehicle together with the MOT status and expiry date of the valid MOT. The vehicle’s mileage recorded at the time of the MOT test will also be disclosed when you make your enquiry.

The facility to check the MOT history of the vehicle will be available later this year. It will provide full test details for all the tests undertaken on the vehicle since the system was computerised. Information related to any advisory items recoded at the time of an MOT test together with the milages recorded at each Computerised MOT test will also be available as part of this service. We hope that this will encourage motorists to obtain the test history of vehicles before buying so they can make a more informed decision on the suitability of the vehicle.

For any further queries about MOT Computerisation please call our National number 0870 60 60 440*
*calls charged at national rate
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Why do you need an MOT certificate?

You should take your MOT Certificate with you when you when you apply for a new Vehicle Excise Licence (vehicle tax disc) at a Post Office. This is unless the vehicle is not subject to MOT testing because of its age or type. If you have a new (A4) MOT certificate you can choose to relicense your vehicle online. To find out how to do this or for more information on this service please click on the [ link ]. Police officers are also entitled to ask for production of an MOT test certificate for a vehicle which is liable to testing.

A test certificate relates only to the condition of testable items at the time of the test and should not be regarded as:

* evidence of their condition at any other time
* evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle

evidence that the vehicle fully complies with all aspects of the law on vehicle construction and use
Further Information

MOT Computerisation - Information for Motorists

MOT Computerisation - Project Update April 2005
MOT Seminar Booklet