Drivers will now be able to access MOT pass certificates digitally as the DVSA moves to becoming paperless.
The move forms part of the agency’s digital transformation which saw the roll out of the new Manage Your Vehicle Testing digital service across vehicle testing.
Available today, drivers can access MOT pass certificates, by default, at the time of the test, rather than waiting for the official letter.
Although the agency is going paperless it added that it will still print a copy for drivers if they “really need one” in case they have any difficulties accessing the internet.
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Move to digital forms part of DVSA wider plan
GETTYThe DVSA said it will continue to print failure certificates for the time being and is considering whether to take the same approach as passes in the future.
MOT garages and pre-funded account holders will have a digital account to manage their transactions with the DVSA to help streamline the process while helping be more environmentally friendly.
The purpose of going completely digital was to provide a better platform for vehicle testing services, the DVSA explained.
In a blog post, the DVSA said: “We’re asking businesses to start thinking about how you can implement these changes. We will be working with industry and frontline colleagues to ensure everyone is aware of these changes.”
In most cases, drivers won’t need the physical piece of paper with the DVSA encouraging motorists to view the vehicle’s record on MOT history instead to ensure the details on the certificate are correct and check for any advisory items.
One of the biggest changes with using the digital platform to access MOT certificates is its ability to capture data quickly and make test results available in real-time.
Drivers can now see MOT results on the MOT history service as soon as the annual test is completed. They can then view and download a copy of the pass certificate if they want to.
However, although the move to digital aims to be a seamless, some drivers remain cautious.
In response to the blog post, one driver stated that while he has no issue with the certificate being online, he was nervous of the prospect of leaving a test station with no official DVSA receipt.
Another person queried that if a HGV is stopped by the police for any reason, the police computer does may not have the MOT information on it, with a physical copy being the safest option.
A DVSA spokesperson replied to the message stating: “The results of the MOT are available on GOV.UK whenever the test is done and this can be accessed on-line by operators, enforcement bodies (as well as the Police) and the general public.
“In general, enforcement bodies no longer rely on the plain piece of paper as this could be easily manipulated. However, if anyone did ask there is the facility to print the certificate from the GOV.UK site.”
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Drivers now able to access MOT pass certificates online
PADrivers with any questions are encouraged to comment on the blog post or get in touch with the DVSA directly.