Guidance
MOT equipment approved by DVSA
Equipment approved for MOT testing, including tyre tread-depth gauges, roller brake testers, headlamp aim testers, diesel smoke meters and decelerometers.
Documents
Details
The Garage Equipment Association publishes lists of equipment approved for MOT testing.
Any new or replacement equipment you buy must be on these lists. All equipment must be kept in good working order and calibrated properly.
Connect equipment to the MOT testing service
Some types of equipment can connect directly to the service you use to record MOT test results. This means that test results can be automatically transferred to service without the need for manual data entry.
Equipment that must be able to connect
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is introducing a rule that means new or replacement equipment you buy must be able to connect to the service.
| Equipment type | Date equipment must be able to connect |
|---|---|
| Roller brake testers | 1 October 2019 |
| Decelerometers (class 3, 4, 5 and 7) | 1 February 2020 |
| Diesel smoke meters | Date to be confirmed |
| Exhaust gas analysers | Date to be confirmed |
| Headlamp beam testers | Date to be confirmed |
This rule does not apply to any current equipment you have, unless you need to replace it.
Equipment that cannot connect
Other types of equipment do not yet connect to the service. These include:
- pedal application devices
- plate brake testers
- tyre tread depth gauges
- wheel play detectors
- 13-pin Euro trailer socket wiring testers
How to connect equipment
You need a software code (called a ‘key’) to connect equipment to the MOT testing service.
You must get the key before you install your equipment.
Email motadministration@dvsa.gov.uk at least 14 calendar days before your equipment is due to be installed. You need to include this information in your email:
- your MOT centre number (sometimes called ‘vehicle testing station’ or ‘VTS’ number)
- your authorised examiner (AE) name and number
- why you need a key, for example, you’re installing new equipment, or you’ve lost the original key
- which type of equipment is being installed, for example, a roller brake tester
- the name, role, username (if applicable) and email address of the person who needs to be sent the key
You must keep keys secure. Only give them to the engineer installing your equipment.
You’ll get instructions about how to use the key when it’s sent.
Published 30 June 2016
Last updated 1 November 2019 + show all updates
Last updated 1 November 2019 + show all updates
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Added that decelerometers for class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles must be able to connect to the MOT testing service from 1 February 2020.
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Added information about how to connect equipment to the MOT testing service.
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Added information about new or replacement equipment that you buy that must be able to connect to the MOT testing service.
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First published.