The Ins & Outs of Connected MOT Equipment!

As most of you may already know, the DVSA have been rolling out connected MOT equipment into circulation across the UK since the beginning of October 2019.

Working closely with a few specialist garage equipment suppliers, the DVSA have been creating new regulations that will need to be put in place. Any new MOT stations or existing bays looking to update or upgrade their current MOT equipment, will need to make sure these changes are applied.

Being in the dark when it comes to these new regulations can be difficult – especially with the announcement of new connected equipment to be introduced in February!

So, here is a breakdown of everything you need to know...

What is Connected MOT Equipment? 

Your standard MOT equipment is in the process of being modified to gain the ability to link directly to the DVSA’s cloud-based MOT Test System – results from roller brake testers, gas analysers etc. will be transferred automatically, eradicating the need for manual data entry.

Connected roller brake testers have already been introduced on October 1^st 2019 – so if you are looking to update your roller brake tester, you need to get connected!

Why are these changes being made?

It may seem a bit of a faff, however the need to eliminate fraudulent activity and inaccurate testing is greater than ever.

Discover why the biggest change in MOT equipment for half a century is taking place now in our previous blog!

What MOT Equipment is next? 

With plans to eventually link all digital equipment that records MOT test results to their own system, the DVSA have been spending a lot of resources with specialist MOT equipment suppliers. By ironing out agreed equipment regulations, manufacturing pivotal equipment and creating a phased approach to releasing these products should be made much easier.

Connectivity awaits:

• Roller Brake Testers - already available as of October 1^st 2019, new or updated brake testers must be applied to adhere to new regulations
• Decelerometers – recently announced to begin their introduction to the industry on February 1st 2020!
• Emissions Testers – exhaust gas analysers and smoke meters are currently being trialled and tested
• Headlight Testers – the long-term aim is to have a connected product available for headlamp tester (testing is yet to begin!)

How does Connected MOT Equipment work? 

For those who don’t know exactly what is going on, this can be confusing. Let’s make this simple.

As mentioned above, Connected MOT Equipment needs to communicate and transfer MOT results to the DVSA’s MOT Testing System (MTS). All equipment must also be able to receive previous testing results and vehicle information from the MTS. 

As defined by the DVSA, all data must be transferred in the form of a JSON file via a secure Application Programming Interface (API). A specified background programme, available from your specialist supplier, will take each test result and create it into a data file that will be sent directly to the MTS.

One of the most crucial pieces to this puzzle, is the key.

Instructions on how to use the key will be sent at the same time of receiving the software code. This is important to ensure your MOT equipment links directly to the MTS and knows your exact station number – your connected equipment will not work without the key!

For this reason, you must keep your keys secure (you willneed one key for EVERY piece of connected equipmentsoftware that you run), so be sure to only give the key(s) to the engineer installing your software.

To connect your MOT equipment, you must first have this software code before you install your equipment. It can take up to 14 calendar days to receive this key, so be sure to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in advance with the following information:

• your MOT centre number (sometimes called ‘vehicle testing station’ or ‘VTS’ number) 
• your AE name and number 
• why you need a key, for example, you’re installing new equipment, or you’ve lost the original key
• which type of equipment is being installed, for example, a roller brake tester
• the name, role, username (if applicable) and email address of the person who needs to be sent the key 

Delivering Excellent MOT Services 

For more information on our MOT equipment and services, visit our ATL MOT homepage online now.

To discuss any issues in more detail, contact us online or call our dedicated team on 01480 8-9-10-11 today.