New MOT equipment will need to be able to connect directly to the MOT testing service, the DVSA has this week announced.
From 1 October 2019, new roller brake testers must be able to connect to the MOT testing service.
The 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.
The agency claims connected equipment will save time, reduce the risk of error and help to reduce the risk of fraud.
“Reduce the potential for mistakes”
Chris Price, DVSA head of MOT policy said: “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.”
The DVSA has said connected 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, the agency explained in its announcement earlier this week.
“A very logical step”
Chief executive of the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), David 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.”
MOT garage managers are encouraged to investigate the benefits of connected equipment and understand how it will help the testing process in their workplace.
Do you support a move to ‘connected’ MOT equipment or fear it may bring more problems for test stations? Share your comments below.
Home Page › Forums › New ‘connected MOT equipment’ to be rolled out by DVSA