The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is considering moving to a new model for vehicle testing where normal hours and days are agreed with an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) and which would stay the same until changed, instead of the current “bidding” process every quarter.
Writing in a blog post, Neil Barlow, Head of MoT Policy at DVSA says ATFs would be able to request changes to their profile, and permanent changes could be agreed to that level. ATFs could also request temporary changes, for example to accommodate peaks in local demand. They would still be able to cancel days not required, with charges applying if done at short notice.
Such changes will require an update in technology used for ATFs to manage bookings and for DVSA to schedule testing time and review contracts. DVSA would in that instance build on work it is currently doing with the Manage Your Vehicle Testing service for ATFs – digital accounts for ATFs currently being piloted at some sites. In the future, the service will accommodate requests from ATFs for testing times and days, and changes to what they have scheduled.
Feedback is encouraged on the proposals, with Mr Barlow suggesting there is “still some detail to refine and make sure this will work for ATFs, operators and DVSA” but by this new approach it hopes to “give certainty of what is available (so operators can book ahead with ATFs) but also ensure there is short-term flexibility too.”
The booking process for ATFs is expected to be reformed in 2023.
