July 14, 2025
Since April, Authorised Examiners (AEs) across the UK have started receiving something new in their inboxes – the DVSA’s VTS Self-Assessment form.
The form is part of an updated approach to MOT site reviews. Although the DVSA announced it a few months ago, many AEDMs are only just encountering it for the first time. We’ve had lots of questions about what it covers, why it’s being sent, and what the DVSA expects in return – so here’s what you need to know.
It’s a short form sent directly to the AE listed in the MOT Testing Service (MTS), and it needs to be completed within 14 days.
The aim? To reduce the admin burden of on-site visits by asking AEs to confirm certain compliance details separately – while still allowing the DVSA to efficiently monitor testing quality across the industry.
You’ll be asked to confirm things like:
– Are QC checks being carried out regularly?
– Are equipment calibrations up to date?
– Are TQI and test log reviews happening as they should?
– Have issues identified through those reviews been addressed?
– Are testing standards and site conditions in line with DVSA expectations?
If concerns are raised, a follow-up visit may be triggered – but if your systems are in good shape, the process should be quick and painless.
Top Tip 💡: Make sure your AE & AEDM email addresses are correct in the MTS – if not, you might miss the form entirely!
For some AEDMs, the most unfamiliar part of the form is the reference to TQI and test log reviews. But these are both long-standing DVSA expectations – and reviewing them regularly is the best way to ensure tests are being carried out to the correct standard.
TQI (Test Quality Information) is a monthly dataset published by the DVSA that compares each tester’s MOT results to national averages, especially focusing on failure rates across different areas of the test. The DVSA uses this data to flag anomalies, assess test quality, and identify potential risks.
Reviewing TQI helps testers apply the correct standards consistently – and highlights when extra training or support might be needed.
Test log reviews, typically carried out by Site Managers, is arguably the most important compliance task of all. They help monitor that MOTs are being conducted properly – on-site, within reasonable timeframes, and in accordance with DVSA regulations. These checks are key for spotting red flags such as overly fast test times or MOTs completed off-site.
AEs aren’t expected to carry out these reviews personally – but they are responsible for ensuring they’re happening regularly. And that’s exactly what the self-assessment form asks you to confirm.
If you’re unsure where to start, MOT Juice can handle the data, help you monitor that your sites are carrying out these mandatory checks, and guide everyone through exactly what to look for.
The self-assessment form isn’t the only change.
On-site visits are still happening, but they’re now shorter, more focused, and often carried out when the VE is there for other reasons, like signing off a new tester. This means that whenever a VE visits – even if just for a demonstration test – a quick site review will now also take place.
During these streamlined visits, Vehicle Examiners will typically check:
– That vehicles undergoing tests are physically on-site
– MOT equipment is present and in full working order
– The presentation & condition of the site meets DVSA standards
– Testing is being done fully and accurately (by reinspecting a recently tested vehicle)
– The registered AE is still actively overseeing operations
While the DVSA is placing greater emphasis on test quality during site visits, that doesn’t mean the paperwork has become any less important. In fact, robust records and regular reviews are crucial in proving that all MOTs are being done properly – and that’s exactly where systems like MOT Juice come in.
We’ve already spoken to many clients who’ve received the new form – including AEDMs at larger dealer groups who are being sent a new form to complete every week!
They’ve all said the same thing: when you’ve got a proper quality management system in place, it’s easy.
✅ Your records are up to date
✅ You’re not scrambling to find anything
✅ You can answer the form in minutes – and back up every answer if needed
The DVSA is placing more trust in good operators to self-declare compliance. But with that trust comes responsibility – and the best way to meet it is to have full oversight of your sites’ activity.
If your site/s are already reviewing TQI and test log data, doing QC checks, and keeping everything up to date – great. You’ll find the new form takes no time at all.
But if you’re not? Now’s the time to take action.
Because with increased DVSA scrutiny, and a growing expectation for sites to manage their own compliance, having strong quality management processes in place has never been more important.
Need help? That’s what we’re here for.
