Currently, 5% of MOT centres & testers have a red DVSA risk rating (1,106 centres, 3,122 testers), along with 15% amber (3,314 centres, 9,272 testers)*.  What is the DVSA risk rating and what implications does it have for businesses and individuals?

The DVSA have a system to calculate the risk that a tester or test centre might not deliver the correct outcome of an MOT test. The outcome of an MOT might not be correct if the tester or the MOT Centre do not apply the correct testing methods and standards as dictated by the DVSA. 

A tester & MOT centre are classified by DVSA as red, amber or green:

Red (higher risk): You must look into the reasons you’re rated as higher risk, and make sure you’re testing to the right standard and following all the right processes.

Amber (medium risk): You should look into the reasons you’re rated as a medium risk, and check you’re testing to the right standard and following all the right processes.

Green (lower risk): You should still check you’re testing to the right standard and following all the right processes.

The risk rating does not mean that DVSA have found anything wrong, so there is no need to panic, but it does highlight potential issues and DVSA will monitor more closely and a DVSA visit is likely.

It’s really important that managers monitor the risk ratings and analyse test logs and test quality information. We all know this takes time, and it’s never high in the priority list, but with a little investment, the solution is generally simple.  We recommend centres booking a site review with us. Our team has extensive experience working with DVSA and through analysing your data and reviewing your processes, we can identify areas of concern and make recommendations. We offer bespoke upskill courses for testers in areas they may need, or even refresher courses for managers to help them with the process going forward in the future. We’re here to help and can help any MOT centre or tester get their risk rating under control.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch:

0333 358 2555
thetestcentretraining.com

You can read more information about the DVSA risk rating here.

*Freedom of Information Act

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DVSA have received several queries relating to the Special notice published 2nd April 2024: when to apply the addition of 0.05 to the plate value.

The instruction applies to all vehicles which are tested to the plate value regardless of what value is displayed.

You must add 0.05 to the plate value into the smoke tester when prompted.

The addition of 0.05 becomes the limit for pass or fail.

The addition of 0.05 does not apply to vehicles tested to default values where there is not a manufacturers specified limit attached to the vehicle.

For example:

a vehicle presented with a plate value of 0.01 enter as 0.06

a vehicle presented with a plate value of 0.1 enter as 0.15

a vehicle presented with a plate value of 0.5 enter as 0.55

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team:

0333 358 2555
thetestcentretraining.com

The post DVSA Special notice 02-2024 clarification for diesel plate values appeared first on The Test Centre Training.

DVSA have shared a new special notice this month including updates to the MOT guide and manual, along with new requirements to record annual training, battery draining issues with particular vehicles & errors with low diesel plate vehicles. Read further for more information.

1. Updates to the MOT testing guide and inspection manual

The MOT testing guide and MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles will be updated on 2 April 2024.

Updates to the MOT testing guide include:

recording annual training 

clarification of equipment calibration expiry

To see the full list of changes, select ‘see all updates’ at the top of the MOT testing guide and ‘see all updates’ at the top of the MOT inspection manual from 2 April 2024 onwards.

2. Recording MOT annual training

From 1 April 2024, MOT testers must record their annual training on the MOT testing service.

2.1 What’s changing

Testers are responsible for recording their training on the MOT testing service. 

You can only record your training for the current training year (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025). 

You can add and view your training on your profile page on the MOT testing service.

2.2 Who the change applies to

The changes apply to:

all current testers

testers returning from suspensions or lapses

3. Battery drain on Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles following emission tests

Some MOT emission testing analysers can cause battery drain on certain models of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

Any device which is connected to the vehicle’s OBD port must be ISO14229 compliant. This includes, but isn’t limited to, MOT emissions analysers.

The problem happens when the instrument panel cluster sees a functional request for a diagnostics service it doesn’t support, leaving it unable to go to sleep.

3.1 What you need to do

You should not use OBD connections for reading engine temperature and speed measurement on the following models: 

Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover Evoque

Land Rover Velar (manufactured from 2018 to 2020)

Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar XE

Jaguar XF (manufactured from 2018 to 2020)

You should only use the emission analysers approved dipstick oil temperature probe and speed measuring devices.

If the engine speed cannot be measured, you should use the vehicle tachometer (if fitted). 

If the dipstick temperature probe cannot be used, use the temperature gauge, cooling fan cut in or hot coolant hoses to check this. 

You must remove cosmetic engine covers if they can be easily unclipped.

If you do not do this it can cause drain issues on the vehicle which will not be covered under the vehicle warranty.

4. Low diesel smoke plate values

Some diesel vehicles are now being presented for MOT with low plate values, some are as low as 0.01.

You must add 0.05 to the plate value when entering on the smoke tester to prevent incorrect failures due to manufacturing tolerances.

For example:

a vehicle presented with a plate value of 0.01 enter as 0.06

a vehicle presented with a plate value of 0.1 enter as 0.15

a vehicle presented with a plate value of 0.5 enter as 0.55

We wouldn’t be surprised to see some of these topics appear in this year’s annual training & assessment! This year, with the new requirements to record your training, there is no better time to come to us for our annual training & assessment. We will be here to help you complete everything, pass & have fun!

For full details of this DVSA special notice, please click here. Don’t miss a DVSA Special Notice, follow us on social media to stay up to date. We are here to help!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team:

0333 358 2555
thetestcentretraining.com

The post DVSA Special Notice 02-24: Recording annual training and battery drain issues appeared first on The Test Centre Training.

Your MOT tester status will be suspended if you do not pass the annual assessment by 31 March.

If you’re a new tester, you do not need to record annual training or complete the annual assessment in the year that you pass your demonstration test. After the first year, you will need to record annual training and complete the annual assessment between April and March of the following year.

What you need to do every year:

Do at least 3 hours of MOT tester training each year for each group you test.

Record your training on the MOT testing service.

Book and take your assessment.

Check your assessment provider has uploaded your assessment results.

If you pass the assessment, you’ll get a certificate. You’ll find this in the ‘Annual assessment certificates’ section of your MOT testing service profile.

If a pass result has not been uploaded by the end of the training year, your MOT tester status will be suspended!

So if you have found yourself suspended, what next?!

MOT testers who fail to meet the deadline lose their ability to conduct any MOT work until they complete a number of steps:

Complete 2024/2025 Annual Training & assessment

Complete a Basic DBS Check (new this year!)

Complete a DVSA Demonstration Test

We can arrange all of this for you, just don’t delay anymore and get in touch! We are here to help you get back on track!

0333 358 2555
thetestcentretraining.com

The post Missed the MOT Annual Training Deadline!? appeared first on The Test Centre Training.

The changes mean a DBS check must also be submitted for: 

testers returning after a disciplinary period of 28 days (short term cessation)  

tester returning after being lapsed or suspended (including non-completion of annual assessment)

The changes to DBS check requirements mean it may take longer for you to return to testing if you do not complete your annual assessment on time.

You still have plenty of time to complete your training and assessment. To help improve your chances of passing, why not join us for our half-day training? You will complete the 3 hours of necessary training and after the assessment. We will fully support you throughout the course and can assist with any needs you may have.

The deadline to complete your training and assessment is 31 March 2024.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team:

0333 358 2555
thetestcentretraining.com

The post Recent changes to DBS checks: how it affects your training and assessment outcome appeared first on The Test Centre Training.

We’ll be joined by #BenCollins, the former #STIG & creating our very own magic with our special guest magician. Our staff will of course be on hand to answer any questions you may have about starting an automotive career!

Don’t miss out, it’s a great family day out. You can buy your tickets online:

https://brandshatch.msv.com/BH-23-Trucks-2/Admission-Tickets

The post JOIN US @ BRITISH TRUCK RACING AND FIREWORKS WEEKEND appeared first on The Test Centre Training.

DVSA has agreed with the Department for Transport (DfT) that a crew cab type van must meet all the criteria within the definition as detailed within Introduction 2.2 of the MOT testing guide.

An exception has been agreed that if these vehicles meet the criteria and the unladen weight is unknown they are considered class 4 for test purposes, the same as for 4×4 pickup vehicles.

If the unladen weight is known to be more than 2040kg test the vehicle as class 7.

To clarify click here to verify what class a vehicle falls into. It is not necessary to search the internet for an unladen weight.

You must decline to test the vehicle if it is of such a size, weight or configuration that it cannot be properly or safely tested on the approved facilities. The MOT inspection manual and MOT testing guide will be updated shortly with the issue of a Special Notice.

The MOT inspection manual and MOT testing guide will be updated shortly & we will of course update you when it is!

The post Special Notice: Dual Purpose Vehicles appeared first on The Test Centre Training.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team:

0333 358 2555
thetestcentretraining.com

The post MOT Manual & MOT Guide appeared first on The Test Centre Training.

MOT Inspection Manuals

Mirrors

Under Section 3: Visibility, amendments have been made for M1 vehicles.  They will need to have 3 mirrors – one fitted to the vehicle offside and nearside plus the interior mirror – unless the interior mirror cannot give a view to the rear.

Items Not Tested

An additional information box shall be added if a tester uses the defect ‘item not tested’.  The tester must use this box to justify why the item has not been tested.

‘Not tested’ or ‘unable to be tested’ should only be used where it becomes apparent during the test that the particular item cannot be tested, and this could not have been identified before starting the test.

Seatbelts

The wording regarding the inspection of seatbelts will be amended to include disabled belts/straps.

You must check any visible parts of all seat belts fitted. This includes:

seat belts fitted to child seats and restraints

any disabled persons belts or wheelchairs straps

Emissions

In section 8.2.2.1 clearer guidance will be added regarding when to check emissions control equipment.

MOT Testing Guide

This details changes to how and when calibrations must be carried out for roller brake testers, plate brake testers, headlamp aim testers and decelerometers. The new rules will apply to all Vehicle Testing Stations from 1st April 2023.

Roller brake testers (RBT), plate brake testers (PBT) & headlamp aim testers

The DVSA will no longer allow MOT Stations to calibrate their own brake testers or headlamp testers. According to the new regulations, calibration of these items must only be carried out by:

the original manufacturer

a company that has taken over responsibility for equipment support from the manufacturer

an MOT equipment calibration specialist

It further states that MOT Stations must “satisfy themselves of the technical competence and viability of the company concerned and be able to demonstrate this to DVSA upon request.”

Decelerometer Calibrations

All decelerometers must be calibrated at intervals not exceeding 1 year. Current regulations state decelerometers need to be calibrated every 2 years.

Decelerometer calibration certificates issued before 1 April 2023 will be acceptable until they expire. After this, the equipment must be calibrated annually.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team:

0333 358 2555
thetestcentretraining.com

The post DVSA MOT Updates appeared first on The Test Centre Training.

Please follow our page & leave your answers in the comments. On the following day, we will post the correct answer. Good luck and enjoy!

Remember, you can book your MOT Annual Training & Assessment with us, see more details here:

0333 358 2555
thetestcentretraining.com

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