The DVSA has this week rolled-out its new MOT risk rating system which aims to improve MOT quality and catch more fraudsters.

Garages will now be awarded either a red, amber or green rating based on analysis of tester data and the results of an improved site assessment.

The new site assessment focuses on compliance and the test itself, with DVSA examiners carrying out more checks on recently tested vehicles, while a ‘site review’ involves a shorter check on systems and processes in the garage.

Authorised examiners and site managers can use test quality reports for information on their testers’ testing profile.

New MOT risk rating explained

• 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.

MOT testers

The DSVA will calculate the tester’s rating on MOT data held within the MOT testing service computer system such as the time taken to complete tests, how many tests a tester carries out and the results of tests.

MOT testers whose information greatly varies from the national average will get a higher rating.

The agency warned that “the detail of how that will be calculated will change over time” as it works to ensure testers “can’t manipulate the data to make themselves appear good”.

While a high rating does not necessarily mean that the tester is doing something wrong, testers should consider the reasons why.

Only MOT testers can see their individual risk rating and it is the tester’s choice whether or not to share this information with anyone.

Monitoring standards

MOT test quality information is available on the MOT testing service and should be used as a starting point to monitor test standards.

Chris Price of the DVSA said: “In this new system, every tester and testing station will now have an individual risk rating.

“This will make it easy for you to know when you should look into something and allow us to support you if you need help.

“It also means we can target our enforcement action at the minority of testers and testing stations who are either persistently poor-performing or deliberately not following the standards.

“As with every change we make, we’ll keep checking that it’s working the way it’s intended, and will make any tweaks that are needed.”

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