01-09-06 MOT launch new re-test procedures

New improved re-test procedures will save motorists time and money, says VOSA.

Having thoroughly analysed thousands of MOT tests over a three month period, and after consulting with a diverse range of stakeholders, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) will implement the following re-test procedures with effect from 11^th September 2006.

Where a vehicle fails its MOT Test and stays at the Test Station in order to undergo repairs, only a partial re-examination will be required, provided the re-examination is carried out before the end of the tenth working day after the day of the initial test. This re-examination will be free.
If the vehicle is brought back to the same Testing Station by the end of the next working day for one or more of the following items only, a partial re-examination is again required and this re-examination is also free:

Bonnet, boot lid, brake pedal anti-slip, direction indicators, doors, dropsides, fuel filler cap, hazard warning, horn, lamps, loading door, mirrors, rear reflectors, registration plates, seatbelts (but not anchorages), seats, sharp edges or projections, steering wheel, tailboard, tailgate, vehicle identification number (VIN), windscreen and glass, windscreen wipers/washers, wheels* and tyres*.

(* Not applicable to motor bicycles and side cars.)

If the vehicle does not qualify for a re-test as listed in 1) or 2) above, and is brought back to the same Testing Station by the end of the tenth working day following the day of the initial test for retest, only a partial re-examination is required for which a maximum of half the full fee may be charged.

Previously, in this instance, a full re-examination of the vehicle was required for which a full fee was chargeable.

Only one partial re-examination is permissible per full examination.

If a vehicle does not qualify for a partial re-examination as listed above, a full re-examination is required and a full fee may be charged.

Private Vehicles Director Alex Fiddes said: “VOSA is confident that this approach will offer consistency to motorists across the nation whilst saving them time and money. We have applied engineering common sense, considered the opinions of outside sources and introduced what we believe to be a practical system that will benefit both the motorist and Testing Stations.”

Notes to editors:

VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) is responsible for:

Processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services
Operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme
Enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations
Enforcing drivers' hours and licensing requirements
Supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements
Providing training and advice for commercial operators
Investigating vehicle accidents, defects and recalls.

For media enquiries about VOSA, please contact: Zita Galambosi on 0117 954 2561 / Zita.Galambosi@vosa.gov.uk , or Henry Norman on 0117 954 3208 / henry.norman@vosa.gov.uk

Could you please send the published version of any articles about VOSA to press@vosa.gov.uk, VOSA, Berkeley House, Croydon Street, Bristol, BS5 0DA, or fax them to 0117 9543303. Many thanks.
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Page last updated: 03/10/2006

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