Changes to the disciplinary process

From 11 January 2021, we’re updating section 8.4 of the MOT Testing Guide to change the way we deal with minor disciplinary issues.

We’re replacing the current points system for issues such as out of calibration equipment.

We will provide you with more detailed information within a Special Notice on 21 December 2020.
Immediate disciplinary action

If a vehicle examiner (VE) finds an issue at a testing station, such as a piece of equipment that is out of calibration, they will now be able to take action immediately.

If necessary, they will be able to suspend testing until issues are fixed.

Authorised Examiners (AEs) will no longer need to wait for the outcome of a report by the Case Review Team.

This only applies in cases where the problem is clear – for instance, a piece of equipment is either calibrated or not calibrated.
What actions will you take if you find issues?

In order of severity, we will issue:

an advisory warning letter
a temporary suspension from testing*
a disciplinary case against the AE – where there are repeated occurrences of the same issues

*Temporary suspensions will be lifted by the VE once evidence of compliance is received by DVSA. More details on this can be found in the MOT testing guide.

The level of action we take will depend on the severity and the number of times the same issue has been seen at a testing station. For example, with calibrated equipment we may not act if a garage with a good history can provide evidence of struggling to find an engineer or can evidence it has an appointment booked soon.
What will you take action about?

We are changing this procedure for issues including:

non-calibration of MOT equipment
defective pieces of major test equipment
mandatory signs and notices not being displayed, or displayed incorrectly

A full list will be published in section 8.4 of the MOT Testing Guide.


Are you still issuing points for other shortcomings?

Yes, for more serious issues we will still be issuing disciplinary points and a case will be submitted to the case review team for consideration.


What happens next?

Any issues as set out in section 8.4 which are found after 11 January 2021 will be subject to the new disciplinary process.

Full information will be sent to you on 21 December 2020 via a Special Notice.