Improving MOT site reviews – here’s what you need to know

DVSA has made some changes to improve the effectiveness of MOT site reviews.

Take a few minutes to read all you need to know, or scroll to the bottom to watch our mini video clip!

For most garages, DVSA will do an on-site review.  However, we all know that these can be time-consuming for everyone and they don't always ensure that vehicles tested receive the correct result, which is the main objective.  In future, the on-site review will become more of a basic compliance check rather than a deep dive into the systems and processes of running the garage.  The aim is to focus more on the test results.

Streamlining this process should mean site visits are less disruptive.  The change means less preparation time for garages and less time undertaking onsite reviews. This means DVSA can visit more garages and provide support. 

For Authorised Examiners (AEs), streamlining this should mean our visits are less disruptive, focusing on managing the quality of testing in garages. At a minimum, DVSA will check that: 

• the authorised “entity” is still running and in control of the site

• all the equipment is present and operational

• any vehicles undergoing tests are present at the site

• MOT Testing service security requirements are compliant

• the general presentation of the site complies with requirements 

• vehicles are receiving a full and proper assessment by reinspecting one that has recently been tested

It's going to be important that garages show good use of systems management of people and monitoring of quality control. If you need any support with these, we have some great tailor-made training that can help you set up and manage all of these aspects.  Just give a member of the team a call and we will be happy to talk through your situation.

The new site changes will mean that DVSA can carry out this basic compliance check whenever they are visiting a vehicle testing station.  Whether they are there to sign off a new tester or carry out an appeal, they can quickly check that the site is well run. Where garages have a positive record, an off-site review may be conducted instead of a personal visit. This will be known as a VTS self-assessment.  As you may know, off-site reviews are currently carried out by phone calls, but often the timing of the call is inconvenient, resulting in a poor assessment for the VTS or it being cancelled.  To improve this, a self-assessment form will be emailed to the nominated AE and they will have 14 days to complete and return it.

If there is no cause for concern, this will result in no further action; where there are serious queries, it could trigger an on-site follow-up visit.  

The changes should help free up examiners' time so they can focus on other areas that demand their attention, such as new tester signoffs and garage approvals.  Hopefully, examiners will be able to provide more support and advice where needed and take action on non-compliant garages.  The plan is to ensure MOT testing remains a level playing field for all!  

We hope that these changes allow businesses to improve the quality of the test for the customer, identify issues as they arise, and use the additional DVSA to support those that need it. If DVSA can focus on support and streamlining these reviews, the process should be quicker and provide exactly what’s needed!  

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch:

📞0333 358 2555 💻thetestcentretraining.com

Watch our summary video below: