The roll out of full MOT computerisation in April 2005 followed the completion of full field trials by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). Roll out to the c19,000 MOT garages in England and Wales took place over the following months and the system is now in full place.
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 (including a compulsory full re-test)
A reduction in incorrect equipment calibration
Reduced ability to legitimise stolen and unroadworthy vehicles
Garages now have a much improved helpdesk service - including dedicated training advisers and additional back up increased flexibility in providing their MOT services
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 generation MOT certificate features a tear off sticker to remind motorists of when their next test is due - designed to alert motorists to whether an advisory notice was issued at the time of test
The MOT Computerisation was carried out as part of a Private Finance Initiative scheme - in partnership with Siemens Business Services. The computerised system will record details of all MOT tests on a secure centralised database.
The importance - and legality - of an up to date MOT certificate is spelt out on VOSA's website. It says: "Everyone who uses a vehicle on the road is required to keep it in a roadworthy condition. The purpose of the MOT Test is to ensure that cars, other light vehicles - including some Light Goods Vehicles - private buses and motorcycles over a prescribed age are checked at least once a year to see that they comply with key roadworthiness and environmental requirements."
VOSA is an executive agency of the
Department of Transport
Further information can be found within this leaflet: MOT Computerisation - Information for Motorists (1.50MB)
More information available in Maintenance, Insurance