DVSA will announce computer service updates to the MOT community today:
Contingency codes update
This is the last week that we’ll be emailing out contingency testing codes to garages. The last code will be emailed out to users on Saturday 10 October 2015 and in the meantime we’ve been sending them the following message (see attached) to prepare them for the codes ending on Monday 12 October 2015:
We’ve also stopped publishing the codes on GOV.UK each day and taken down the contingency testing forms which we recently made available for a period to help garages and testers cope with the MOT testing service’s early performance issues.
In future, all garages who require a contingency testing code or have a query about when they should be using contingency testing procedures need to call the MOT testing service desk on 0330 123 5654 (Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm and Sat 8am to 2pm – excluding public holidays).
If there is an ‘authorised outage’ (as outlined on the existing contingency testing page on GOV.UK – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-testing-service-contingency-testing) they’ll be able to pick up that day’s contingency code from the service desk’s recorded message.
If an ‘authorised outage’ has not been announced then any requests to use contingency procedures will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the service desk.
Issues and workarounds update
Following some work over the past weekend the following former MOT testing service issues have been fixed and should no longer be causing garages any problems:
Slot accounts not updating – There should no longer be any problems related to users paying for slots by debit or credit card and their slot accounts not updating. There have been some issues along these same lines to do with those authorised examiners (AEs) who pay by Direct Debit but this is in the process of being fixed and their slot accounts should update over the new few days
Incorrect expiry dates – There is a plan in place to fix this problem automatically but customers can still contact the Customer Service Centre if they urgently need a replacement certificate
Issue duplicate certificates – All garages should be able to issue duplicate certificates to customers
See odometer readings – The past 4 years of odometer readings should now be visible for vehicles on the MOT testing service
All garages who have any issues related to the above functions need to call the MOT testing service desk on 0330 123 5654 (Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm and Sat 8am to 2pm – excluding public holidays).
To find out more and the remaining issues and workarounds visit the following page on the GOV.UK website – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-testing-service-known-issues-and-workarounds