What government body is responsible for regulating MOTs?

What government body is responsible for regulating MOTs?

From April 2014, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) which was previously responsible for road safety in the UK including MOT standards will be known as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ( DVSA ) following a merger with the Driving Standards Authority (DSA).

VOSA’s role to ensure MOT garages conform and meet regulations to uphold roadworthiness standards will be transferred to the DVSA in a move which will bring increased efficiency and value for money for motorists.

The DVSA, which will employ over 4,000 workers, will be responsible for setting, testing and enforcing driver and vehicle standards across the UK. In addition to conducting theory tests and practical driving assessments, the body will also regulate some 28m MOT tests to ensure they meet safety criteria and reflect the DVSA’s high standards. If a test centre fails to adhere to the DVSA’s strict guidelines, it has the power to take disciplinary action or stop you from operating as a testing station for a specific period of time. If the person who holds the Authorised Examiner (AE) status loses it following disciplinary proceedings, anyone else from the garage who subsequently applies for AE status must be able to prove that they’re independent from the subject of the original action. The scheme is in place to monitor safety standards and performance and the DVSA will need evidence that this is being met.

In announcing the launch the DVSA, a spokesperson said the organisation would build on the crucial work already undertaken to improve road safety in the UK and offer cost effective services to motorists.

“By bringing testing and standards services into a single agency, we will make life easier for customers by putting them at the heart of the services they rely on and providing a more coherent approach to service delivery,” they added.

The new organisation was officially launched by Roads Minister Stephen Hammond .