Frustrated drivers have hit back at new MOT rule changes with the updates branded a load of nonsense” by road users.
At the end of last month, the DVSA began the scrapping of paper MOT test certificates with a move to digital.
From April 29, paper copies are no longer being issued to owners of HGVs who pass the annual safety exam.
Instead, details around a particular vehicle are uploaded online almost instantly with drivers able to check updates in real-time.
The policy is expected to be widened in the coming years with a digital-first move part of the DVSA’s Vision 2030 plan.
However, Express readers have called out the scheme with many pledging to continue printing their certificates regardless of the new rule.
Some even suggested they would still be “demanding” a paper certificate next time their car entered the garage for a check.
@ja50 said: “So unless you can access the internet you don’t know what you need to know or watch out for. Advisory notes for example. Will request paper copy from garage for my records.”
Motorist @mannersmakesman added: “Bone idle DVLA, so when we print our own MOT certificate perhaps they will explain how their scheme saves paper.”
@reformedvoter explained: “I will still demand a paper copy of the certificate with invoice and pay in cash.”
@fairplayforall remarked: “Load of nonsense. Garages will always have a printer.”
In a clearly tongue-in-cheek remark, @standstrong added: “So that means the price of the MOT will come down by £30, with all the savings they are getting.”
According to the DVSA, testers “will still print a copy if you really need one”. This could be for certain motorists who have “difficulties accessing the internet”.
There are no changes to printing fail certificates at this stage but the DVSA has admitted they were “considering” a digital move in the future.
DVSA spokesperson Gordon Thomspn said: “I’d encourage you to start thinking about how your business can adopt these changes, if you’re not already accessing MOT certificates digitally.
“We recognise there are responsibilities under your operator’s licence but in nearly all cases, you don’t need the piece of paper if the information is recorded and available digitally – should we or the traffic commissioners need to view it.”
He added: “I understand this might be quite a big change for some of you, but it’s important we best use the digital services we have available to provide a modern and efficient vehicle testing service, which meets your needs.”
