DVSA has announced its plan to modernise the MOT testing service through connectable equipment will resume next month with the introduction of emissions analysers.
From 1 May, anyone buying an exhaust gas analyser or diesel smoke meter will need to make sure it is a model that can connect to the MOT testing service.
This will also apply to garages buying replacement equipment, Authorised Examiners taking over another site and any new garage being approved to carry out MOTs.
Connectable equipment is not mandatory for most garages but some have reportedly started to invest in replacing their existing equipment. In a survey last year, around 1 in 7 garages said they were using some form of connected equipment.
Installing connectable equipment is said to save time, reduce the risk of error in entering MOT results and help combat fraud.
Chris Price, DVSA’s Head of MOT Policy, said: “We paused the introduction of connectable equipment last year to help garages manage their businesses through the pandemic, as well as the impact of MOT exemptions.
“As part of our recovery of the MOT service, we’ve been working with equipment manufacturers over the last few months to introduce connectable exhaust gas analysers and diesel smoke meters to further modernise the test.
“After reinstating the grace period for connected equipment installation in December 2020, we wanted to give garages enough time to review their requirements around connected equipment before bringing in emissions analysers.”
