The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed that MOT garages are expected to benefit from equipment that can connect directly to MOT’s testing facility.
Beginning on October 1 the first day of October, anyone purchasing a roller brake tester has to ensure that it’s a model that is able to join the MOT test service. This could be to replace the broken or damaged roller brake tester or in the course of opening a brand new MOT station.
DVSA has collaborated with the manufacturers of roller brake testers to create software that will enable their products to be connected directly to MOT’s testing facility. Connected equipment is said to cut down on time, lower the chance of errors when entering results from MOT and also lower the chance of fraud.
Chris Price, DVSA Head of MOT Policy, said: “DVSA’s primary goal is to help all motorists keep their vehicles in a safe and secure manner. We’re introducing connected MOT bay equipment to improve the quality of testing in MOT garages, and to reduce the chance of making mistakes.
“It will speed up testing and more precise, and also give motorists more confidence regarding the quality of tests. Garages that already use this equipment have seen positive effects on their businesses.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Garage Equipment Association, David Garratt, said: “The main concern for GEA members is to enhance the quality of the equipment used for MOT and eliminate any chance of human error within the process of reporting. Connecting the MOT test equipment to the internet is a sensible move for us since it eliminates the possibility of “miss keys” from the user and speed the process.
“Starting with connecting brake testers to each other makes sense and , with the introduction of Automated Test Lanes (ATLs) the majority of them are already connected. Connecting all kinds of processor-powered equipment is feasible and when connectivity is made available across the entire test bay it will provide more value to motorists by diminishing errors, and will benefit garages in speeding the test.”
DVSA has also stated that it has been working with manufacturers to create diesel smoke meters analysers for exhaust gases and decelerometers which connect with the MOT Testing Service. The company is also planning to create connected models of these types of devices compulsory for repair and for new garages too.
Connectable equipment is thought to be less costly than the equipment garages already are using. The main difference between a connectable versus non-connectable model is typically the software. It is the case that non-connectable models can be made compatible via a software update that will enable it connection to the testing facility for MOT.
DVSA encourages MOT garage managers to study the advantages of connected equipment and to understand what it can do to improve the process of testing in their own workplace.
