MOT test changes come into effect this week for all UK drivers

This week brings a significant change that will impact all UK drivers during their vehicle's MOT. The well-known Driver Vehicle Standards Authority (DVSA) system necessitates a comprehensive mechanical inspection of the entire car annually once it surpasses three years old.

However, as of April 29, they have brought in a sweeping new alteration which will transform how motorists receive their MOT test results. Traditionally, you'd get a summary of the MOT and its passed or failed components - typically involving checks on brakes, tyres, headlights, mirrors and other essential car parts - from the mechanic, reports the Express.

The DVSA has now primarily eliminated paper printouts and declared that from now on test certificates will be given out digitally to make the process more 'environmentally friendly'. The DVSA's Gordon Thomson stated: "Now that we're able to offer certificates digitally via the MOT history service, we want to move away from issuing a paper copy of pass certificates at the time of test."

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"The MOT history service contains the digital test record for every vehicle. It provides the most up to date and secure way to check the MOT history. Using this service also reduces the need for paper and is more environmentally friendly."

"Now that digital certificates are available, from 29 April this year we are going to stop printing MOT pass certificates, by default, at the time of the test. In most cases, you won't need the physical piece of paper and I'd encourage you to view the vehicle's record on MOT history instead ensuring the details on the certificate are correct and check for any advisory items.

"But, by exception, the VSA will still print a copy if you really need one for example, if you have any difficulties accessing the internet. We will continue to print failure certificates for the time being. We are considering whether to take the same approach with failures in the future and it would be useful to receive any thoughts or comments you may have.

"We will of course let you know if we intend to change or approach moving forward."