New connected MOT rules for test centres

On 12 August DVSA announced that, from 1 October, anyone buying a roller brake tester will have to ensure it can connect to the MOT testing service. This includes buying one as a replacement for an old or broken roller brake tester, or as part of the process of opening a new MOT station.

DVSA has worked with roller brake tester manufacturers to develop software that will allow their products to connect to the MOT testing service. Connected equipment will save time, reduce the risk of error in entering MOT results and help to reduce the risk of fraud.

Chris Price, DVSA Head of MOT Policy said:
“DVSA’s priority is to help everyone keep their vehicle safe to drive. We’re bringing in connected equipment to modernise testing in MOT garages and reduce the potential for mistakes. “It will make testing quicker, more accurate and give motorists greater confidence in the quality of testing. Garages already using this equipment have seen benefits to their business.”

GEA chief executive Dave Garratt said: “The main concern for GEA members is to improve the quality of MOT equipment and remove any possibility of human error in the reporting procedure. Connecting MOT test equipment is a very logical step for us as it removes any “miss keying” by the operator and speeds up the process.

“Starting by connecting brake testers makes good sense and since the introduction of Automated Test Lanes (ATLs) most may already be connectable.

“Connecting all types of processor-based equipment is possible and as connectivity is applied across the whole test bay it will add increasing value for the motorist by reducing error and benefit the garage by speeding up the test.”

DVSA is also working with manufacturers to develop diesel smoke meters, exhaust gas analysers and decelerometers that connect to the MOT testing service. There are plans to make connectable models of these kinds of equipment mandatory for replacement equipment and new garages too.
According to the government, the difference between a connectable and non-connectable model is often its software. This means that non-connectable equipment models can be made connectable by a software update to allow it to connect to the MOT testing service.