The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has said that MOT garages will soon see the benefits of more equipment that connects directly to the MOT testing service.
From 1 February 2020, anyone buying a new or replacement decelerometer for class 3, 4, 5 or 7 test lanes will need to make sure it’s a model that can connect to the MOT testing service.
This includes buying replacement equipment and as part of the process of getting authorisation to carry out MOTs at a test station. This follows the introduction of connected roller brake testers on 1 October 2019.
DVSA has worked with decelerometer manufacturers to develop software that will allow their products to connect to the MOT testing service. Connected equipment will reportedly 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’ve brought connected equipment in 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.”
DVSA has explained it will also be working with manufacturers to develop diesel smoke meters and exhaust gas analysers 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 later in 2020.
DVSA states that connectable equipment is not necessarily more expensive than the current equipment garages already have. 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.
MOT garage managers are being encouraged by the DVSA to investigate the benefits of connected equipment and understand how it will help the testing process in their workplace. Investing in connected equipment will reportedly improve the efficiency of garages and help future-proof businesses.
