MOTMOTMOTMOTMOTMOTMOTMOTMOTMOTMOT

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MOTMOTMOTMOTMOTMATTERS OF TESTING

MOTMOTFor authorised examiners and testers

MAY 2009

ISSUE 43

We ask ed, you answered… MOT Test Station Survey 2008 results inside

Inside this issue...

MOT TestStationSurvey2008page 6

It takesthreepage 8

Spotlighton…VTScouncils

page 10

action with VOSA g support

All 289 who had test related

with VOSA)

Satisfaction testing proc (Base: All 757 M

61%

36%

1%

48%

2%

Mostly repea

Mostly new

Equal mix of

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3

4

Ask Stevo… Stevo advises on the best use of PRS and retests

News We give you the latest on changes to the MOT test and scheme

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8

10

14

13

12

The Devil’s Advocate Inspection manuals: online vs hard copy

Spotlight on… VTS councils

Horror story A hairy tale to make you shiver

T-brake Bits ‘n’ bobs to keep you entertained

The knowledge Safely jacking a Citroën C5

Risk scores have come downTest stations are reducing their risk scores

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11

Bikes, trikes and quads In a class of its own: the Piaggio MP3

MOT Test Station Survey 2008

The first look at your feedback on VOSA’s service

11

From the editor Drivers take note – fixed penalties are here! VOSA can now fine LGV drivers for vehicle and driving offences in the same way as the police already do for other traffic offences.

Testers among you will be aware that registration plates and tow bars are soon to be included in the MOT test. More info on how to check these items can be found on page 4 and the back cover of this magazine.

Those of you waiting for the online inspection manuals and guides can now relax! Instructions on how to find these are included under Devil’s Advocate on page 9.

Keep yourselves informed and up to date with Matters of Testing.

Jessie VanBeck

Do you have any feedback on the features in this magazine? Please send your comments, rants, opinions and ideas to:

The Editor Matters of Testing VOSA, Berkeley House Croydon Street Bristol BS5 0DA

email: mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk

Contents

Your MoT team Editor Co-editor Jessie VanBeck Ian Marsh

Customer Relationship Manager Kirsty Jowett

Head of Roadworthiness and Testing Policy Group Neil Cumming

Head of MOT Compliance Ian Bartlett

Head of MOT Technical Standards John Stephenson

MOT Standards Engineers John Corcoran, Shaun Martin, Roland Batchelor, Dougie Brandon

Distribution If you have any problems with or queries about distribution, please contact the editor at mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk

Produced by COI on behalf of VOSA (ref 293863) on 50% recycled paper.

Editorial office VOSA, 4th Floor, Berkeley House, Croydon Street, Bristol BS5 0DA

While great care has been taken to ensure accuracy, VOSA and the editorial team cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions. The content of this publication should not be reproduced without the consent of the editor.

OPINION

You ask: ‘I have been having some problems working out when to use PRS duringthe MOT. I realise that it can only test, but there appearsto be some difference of opinion on whether it is used before or after repairs tothe vehicle are completed. Can you shed some light on this??’�

the MOT. I realise that it can only be used after the test, but there appears to be some difference of opinion on whether it is used before o

‘I have been having some problems working out when to use PRS during

the vehicle are completed. Can you shed some light on this??’

Stevo sheds some light on PRS and retests Ask Stevo…

Stevo says: After having been to various VOSA MOT seminars over the last few months, I’ve been asked several times to explain PRS and retests. It seems that the requirements for PRS (or Pass after Rectification at Station) are often misunderstood, so I’m happy to help.

PRS was designed to save time by allowing repairs to be completed before entering the result of the test. This allows a tester to fail and pass the vehicle in a single action at one visit to the VTS Device.

PRS is a partial re-examination for which no fee can be charged and during which the tester cannot register any new tests. If you need to test a second vehicle before repairs to the first are complete, you cannot use PRS. Instead, you must fail the first vehicle and follow the partial retest procedure when you come back to it later in the day.

So, PRS can only be used if a vehicle has failed the test for items that you expect can be repaired within the next hour or so. Typically, this will cover items such as lights or tyres, but there is no definitive list.

Once you have started repairs, you will soon know how long these are likely to take and whether you can get hold of the parts you need. If it becomes clear that repairs are unlikely to be completed within the hour, you should fail the vehicle.

If you choose not to use PRS or the situation doesn’t allow its use, you should simply fail the vehicle, then complete a retest as appropriate.

Talking of retests, you can carry out a fast track retest if:

• you do not need to print a checklist, and

• the retest doesn’t involve measured items, and

• you do not need to preserve the expiry date, and

• you do not need to access Vehicle Specific Information, and

• the vehicle is retested by the same VTS no later than 10 working days after the date of the original test.

Otherwise you must carry out a partial retest in the same way as you would do if the vehicle failed the test for measurable items. In any other circumstance a full retest must be conducted. This includes vehicles that fail their retest, as only one partial re-examination is permitted per full examination.

Remember you can only enter a pass on the system or issue a VT20 once the vehicle has been repaired, retested and meets the requirements!

The MOT Testing Guide provides information on the use of PRS in section B5 and on retest procedures in sections B5 and L2.

John Stephenson heads up the MOT Technical Standards team and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of the MOT scheme.

Send your comments, queries and views on the MOT to mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk with ‘Ask Stevo’ as the subject.

MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 3 MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 3MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 3MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 3MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 3

NEWS

Changes to the MOT test (SN 4-2009) Changes to legislation coming into force on 26 April 2009 will see some suspended items being returned to the registration plate test. These include:

• colour

• overprinted, shadowed or honeycombed background

• non-reflective borders that are too close to the characters.

Additional items not to be reintroduced will be removed from the inspection manuals at the next opportunity.

The checking of tow bars is now also to be included in the MOT

test. Instructions on how and what to test are included as a ‘temporary’ inspection manual page in SN 4-2009 (Annex A).

You can find a copy on the back cover of this issue.

Special Notices update Special Notices (SNs) sent before 4-2008 were followed up by changes to the MOT guide and inspection manuals. These SNs will be removed from the VTS Device.

You do not need to keep hard copies of SNs sent before 4-2008. If you do need to keep a hard copy of SNs sent after this, we’ll let you know. You can also access an up-to-date list of SNs online at

www.vosa.gov.uk, by clicking on ‘Special Notices’ from the list of Quick Links on the right.

Remember, acknowledging an SN can only be done through the VTS Device.

VTS key metrics reminder Don’t forget that VTS key metrics will appear on your scheme performance report from May 2009 onwards.

MOT Comp will monitor the information and show a ‘significant change’ marker (###) against any

significant changes in the data. A ‘significant change’ marker may trigger an internal VOSA review of your VTS.

If you see ‘###’ next to one of your key metrics, take the opportunity to look into

it and make any necessary changes before we carry out our review.

You can find more information on key metrics on pages 6 and 7 of January’s Matters of Testing (Issue 42).

Bredbury Area Office closure Bredbury Area Office is due to close on 24 April 2009. The management of MOT testing

stations in this area will be taken on by Chadderton Area Office. New VT9 authorisation

certificates will be issued to affected stations over the next few weeks.

Fixed penalties coming for vans From May 2009, VOSA examiners will start to issue fixed penalties for certain offences discovered at the roadside. This new penalty scheme will apply to light goods vehicles, as well as to heavy goods and public service vehicles and

will require the payment of a financial penalty or deposit to resolve.

You can avoid fixed penalties by driving within the limits of the law and making sure your vehicle is

road legal. A van driver’s walkaround check is key to achieving this. Performing this check thoroughly can help to avoid penalties, endorsements on your licence and endangering the operator’s risk score.

4 | Matters of Testing

MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 5

NEWS

MOT Seminars 2009 report The MOT Seminars 2009 are over and we thought you’d like to know how they went. The theme for this year’s seminars was about VOSA helping you to ‘Get it right’. The presentation provided:

• an update on the MOT scheme

• advice on items that may be included in future MOTs

• information on changes to legislation that will be included in April this year.

The main feedback from those who attended was that these were the best seminars yet – informative and very enjoyable. Our thanks to all who made the time and effort to be there – despite February’s adverse weather conditions – and for making 2009 such a stimulating season of seminars!

If you have any suggestions for topics to be covered or a change to the style/format for future

seminars, please email them to seminar@vosa.gov.uk. See you next year!

Shorter sentences are coming VOSA, together with members of the Trade User Group, conducted a recent review of the disciplinary system. As a result a decision has been made to include a new suspension period with the current options for disciplinary action.

This new sanction will take the form of a 28 day suspension from testing. It will include a requirement to complete additional training before returning to MOT testing:

• Testers will have to meet the current entry qualifications for new testers, which may involve passing the NTTA exam and completing a relevant NT training course.

• AEs will have to get their AEDM to complete the MOT Managers course.

Any future disciplinary action will continue to be based on the

conditions of each case. A formal warning or suspension – instead of a cessation – may be used in all but the most serious cases.

This new sanction supports VOSA’s goal of improving road safety by allowing testers to retrain and return to work within a reasonable timeframe. A Special Notice will be issued to let you know when this new sanction is to be made available for use.

New MOT Service Level Agreement VOSA, in partnership with trade associations and the VTS councils, is preparing an MOT Service Level Agreement. The agreement sets out the levels of service and standards of behaviour that both VOSA and AEs can expect of each other during compliance and

enforcement inspections at MOT testing stations.

At the time of going to press, this document is in the process of being agreed with Trade User Group members and VTS councils. Once agreement has been reached, it will then be signed off by the trade and the

VOSA Chief Executive, Alastair Peoples. It is planned that this agreement will be reviewed on a yearly basis.

You can email your questions or comments about the Service Level Agreement to mattersoftesting@ vosa.gov.uk with ‘MOT Service Level Agreement’ in th subject box.

6 | Matters of Testing

COVER FEACOVER FEATURETURE

MOT Test Station Survey 2008We asked, you answered. Now we take a closer look at what you had to say in the MOT Test Station Survey 2008

You might be wondering why we decided to conduct a survey in the first place. Our reasons were simple: we put a lot of time and effort into making sure that we have a robust and cost-effective testing scheme. But ultimately, the 36.8 million tests conducted in 2008 in the UK were carried out by you – so it seemed a very good idea to ask you what you think!

How the survey was conducted We wanted you to speak freely, so in December 2008 we asked independent market research company Simpson Carpenter to find out more about your needs and to identify where we needed to improve. Using an independent market research company to conduct the survey also ensured that respondents remained anonymous.

Who we spoke to… During the course of the research managers/owners of 757 testing stations – made up of a selection of MOT sites across the country – were contacted by telephone.

The sample was structured to ensure that each kind of testing station was fairly represented, including:

• fast-fit chains

• franchised dealers

• independent garages

• independent fast-fit stations.

… and what you said The results were very positive:

• Of the sites contacted, 96% were satisfied or highly satisfied

with their various interactions with VOSA.

• In relation to their contacts with VOSA staff, 92% were satisfied or highly satisfied.

• VOSA visits generated a 92% satisfaction rate.

• VOSA training provision also scored highly at 92% satisfied.

• VOSA communications achieved a 96% satisfaction rate.

Using MOT Comp Over 95% of respondents found it easy to:

• enter data

• use smart cards

• navigate the system

• use MOT Comp in general

• complete computerised forms.

However, some actions – such as accessing inspection manuals, the testing guide and reports, and searching for specific information – are considered to be slightly less easy to perform. We have now provided the inspection manuals and other documents online as well as on the VTS Device. See Devil’s Advocate (page 9) for instructions on how to find these.

Thinking about the future We asked what areas you thought we could focus on to have a positive impact on your business. Your most frequent answers included:

• better/faster printers

• a generally faster system

• high speed internet connection/ broadband

• automatic MOT reminders sent to customers.

Although dot matrix printers are, admittedly, very slow, they are also amazingly sturdy and almost never break down. Laser printers, while faster, tend not to last long in a garage environment. We are also piloting new base units, which will be phased in on completion of a successful trial period. VOSA, together with Siemens, intends to roll out an MOT Reminders Service later this year. Your customers can subscribe to this service – for a small fee – to receive a timely reminder that their car is due for MOT. This service is now due to be made available in the autumn.

Next steps We are extremely pleased with these results but our aim is to continue to improve. We will be analysing your responses in more detail and will focus on those areas where we achieved the lowest levels of satisfaction. We will then develop strategies to improve in these areas and tell you more about our plans in the next issue of Matters of Testing.

So, if you were one of the VTS sites that we contacted, we would like to thank you for

MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 7

COVER FEATURECOVER FEATURE

taking the time to answer and for your feedback.

These survey results can be viewed on our website: www. vosa.gov.uk/MOT-customer­survey-results.

If you have any comments on these results, please post them to MOT Customer Survey Results c/o Matters of Testing, Berkeley House, Croydon Street, Bristol BS5 0DA or email them to mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk under the subject header ‘MOT Customer Survey Results’.

Summary of responses The survey questions were divided into separate areas of focus.

These were:

Contact with VOSA VOSA’s overall satisfaction rating is up 7 points from 2007 (96%

satisfied). Indications are that the VOSA relationship with national

chains is stronger than with some smaller workshops, but even

here the majority are very satisfied with VOSA’s service.

MOT CompMost elements of MOT Comp are generally felt to be easy to use,

though searching for specific items was thought to be less so. Your

least favourite MOT Comp activity is using the dot matrix printer.

Qualifications, training and inspections

Training standards are considered to be high but there is a strong

wish for us to increase the practical content.

VOSA’s communications

VOSA is seen to communicate well.

Points of interest The majority of sites rely upon the loyalty of past custom. Only fast-fit chains show above average new customers at 7%. These generally high levels of repeat custom show that the public are very satisfied with the service they receive from their VTS.

Customer satisfaction As can be seen from the pie charts (right), your level of satisfaction with the testing process itself is good, with an almost 50/50 split between ‘very’ and ‘fairly’ satisfied.

However, those of you who have contacted VOSA with a query about the testing process rate our customer support service much more highly.

Predominant customer type (Base: All 757 MOT sites)

Mostly repeat customers

Mostly new customers

Equal mix of new and old

Satisfaction with VOSA testing support (Base: All 289 who had test-related contact with VOSA)

61%

36%

1%

Satisfaction with current testing process (Base: All 757 MOT site personnel)

49%

48%

2%

Very satisfied Fairly satisfied Very dissatisfied Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

It takes three – wheels that is!

BIKES, TRIKES AND QUADSBIKES, TRIKES AND QUADSBIKES, TRIKES AND QUADS

When Piaggio released their new three-wheeler in 2007, it attracted a huge amount of media interest. With two independently suspended front wheels, it claimed to have improved stability and a braking ability superior to conventional machines. But what about testing them? We take a closer look!

wheels that is!wheels that is!

It’s been two years now since Piaggio launched their MP3 ‘three-wheeled’ motorcycle, so by the end of this year you should start to see them turn up for their first MOT test. But what test class are they?

The introduction to the inspection manual tells us that ‘other than for the inspection of tyres, any two wheels of a vehicle shall be regarded as one wheel if the distance between the centres of the areas of contact between such wheels and the road surface is less than 460mm.’

As the unmodified MP3 has a track width of about 420mm, this rule means that for the purposes of an MOT it should be treated as a ‘two-wheeler’. It would therefore require a Class I or II test depending on the engine capacity.

8 | Matters of Testing

any such machine.

An increase in track width However, it is important to be aware that a modification is available to increase the track width to 460mm or more. This would then mean that the MP3 should be tested as a tricycle. As this is not easy to spot with the naked eye, it may be wise to measure the track width to be sure you are testing the machine in the correct class.

This kind of modification also means that these machines can be ridden on a car driving licence and without a need to wear a crash helmet. Not too many road safety concerns there then!

Then there’s the MP3LT Piaggio’s concept behind having two front wheels was to make the bike more stable when cornering and braking, which did seem to be

the case when we tested a pre­launch model.

Piaggio also now produce a wide track version of the MP3. Called the MP3LT, it has a track width of 465mm and is consequently type approved as a tricycle. Apart from the increased track width, other differences include a modified parking brake and a foot brake pedal that operates on the brakes of all wheels.

More in the next issue In the next Matters of Testing, we will be looking at the concerns involved in testing these machines relative to their various test classes. It is also worth mentioning that the MP3 is not the only three-wheeled motorcycle on the market and you need to apply equal care in deciding the correct vehicle class when presented with any such machine.

MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 9

Devil’s Advocate

OPINION

MOT Computerisation has been around for the best part of four years now. As a result, we’ve had plenty of time to get used toreading through the inspection manuals and MOT Testing Guide on the VTS Device. Now that these have also been published on the internet, do we still need to bother with hard copies, or is it time we moved to a totally electronic world for these documents?

The

Against If the VTS Device goes down and we have to operate in fallback or Emergency Testing, hard copies of the Inspection Manual and Testing Guide may be the only copies around that we can refer to.

When we issue a VT30, the customer often asks to see the manual page that the Reason for Rejection refers to. This means either printing off a copy of the page or taking the customer to the VTS Device, which can be inconvenient. It is much easier to keep a hard copy in reception.

It is useful to keep a hard copy of the manual and guide to hand in the test bay, as it saves us having to keep going back to the VTS Device each time we want to check something.

We have difficulty reading electronic documents on screen, particularly as we have to scroll back

to the top of the page each time we want to navigate through the document. Hard

copies are much easier to read and to flick through to different sections.

For The inspection manuals and guide are now also available on the internet. The link to these documents takes you directly to the same pages that are on the VTS Device, giving alternative access to the up-to-date version.

Hard copies are only up-to-date on the day they are produced. Now that they are available online, customers can view the appropriate pages at their leisure.

When changes to the inspection manuals or guide take place during the year, you have to print out the new pages or your hard copies quickly go out of date. A dot matrix printer can be slow at the best of times, let alone when there is a large update that includes pictures.

Reading A5 hard copies with small text can also be difficult. However, you can enlarge the text on a VTS device screen, by holding down the Ctrl button on your keyboard at the same time as using the scroll function on the mouse. You can also use the Page Up button on the keyboard as a shortcut to return to the top of the page.

Online addresses The inspection manuals and the MOT Testing Guide can be found at www.transportoffice.gov.uk. Choose ‘Do it online’ from the central column, then select ‘MOT Inspection Manuals’ from the drop-down list under ‘MOT Garages and Testers’.

Requirements for Authorisation can be viewed at www.transportoffice.gov.uk. Choose ‘MOT Garages and Testers’ from the list on the left, then select ‘Requirements for Authorisation Application Pack’.

Special Notices are available online. Go to www.vosa.gov.uk and click on ‘Special Notices’ from the list of Quick Links on the right.

SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on… VTS councils

Councils are a meeting point between you and VOSA to discuss the frontline issues that affect testers and VTS managers. These meetings help VOSA’s MOT policy teams to ensure that new initiatives are workable for those who use them every day.

There are six VTS council groups that meet once every six months in the South West, South East, East, Midlands, North and Scotland. The councils are made up of Authorised Examiners (AEs), Nominated Testers (NTs) and VOSA staff.

Each council holds informal, round-table discussions on issues relating to the MOT testing scheme and the policy. These will typically include:

✓ testing standards

✓ inspection methods

✓ system improvements

✓ MOT Computerisation

✓ testing equipment and facilities.

How they work These councils offer the chance for AEs and testers to have their say on new developments in the MOT scheme. By raising issues and concerns, council members help to maintain the ongoing high standard of the scheme. Council meetings also give AEs and testers the opportunity to share best practice between garages. VOSA MOT staff communicate recent updates and also open up the meeting to discuss suggestions for improving the scheme and/or MOT policy.

10 | Matters of Testing

Don’t go there However, there are some topics that are wholly the preserve of the Department for Transport, and cannot be discussed at these councils. These include:

✗ test regularity

✗ statutory test fees

✗ regulatory changes

✗ testable vehicle types.

A social evening A council meeting evening consists of a buffet followed by a short presentation and an open discussion around a question and answer session. Anything that cannot be addressed on the night is taken away and answers are provided at a later date. VOSA supplies the venue and provides refreshments but members are expected to cover their own costs of attendance.

VTS council membership is open to MOT trade employees, although the number of spaces still available is limited. These meetings are not open to consultants, journalists or trade representative bodies, which allows those present to speak their minds openly.

If you’re interested in becoming a VTS council representative, email mattersoftesting@vosa. gov.uk with your details and which council you’d like to attend. Please add the subject header ‘VTS Councils’

MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 11

YOU TELL US

Horror Story Seat belts that won’t hold you down!

VTS council member Martyn Langbridge of Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre Ltd sent us the photographs for this issue.

You could be forgiven for thinking that the first picture shows a set of hair extensions. The second picture reveals that it is, in fact, a seat belt! We don’t know whether it was actually used for restraint purposes in the vehicle but we shudder to think of the outcome if it had really been needed! We all agree, though, that it is well past its sell-by date.

The Reasons for Rejection in the inspection manual (Condition of seat belts (2)) are:

Have you got a horror story to tell? Send your photos and ghastly tales to the postal address at the front of the magazine or by email to mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk with the subject ‘Horror Story’.

a. a cut which causes the fibres to separate

b. fluffing or fraying sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt or which has clearly weakened the webbing

c. stitching badly frayed, not secure, incomplete or repaired.

In this case, these are a bit of an understatement – we didn’t think that someone would drive around with a seat belt in this state! As we are all aware, seat belts are safety critical items, though obviously this vehicle owner had a different view.

We have no idea how the belt ended up in this condition but defective components like these make an excellent case for a yearly MOT test. In fact, we were so gobsmacked by these photos that we used the second one in this year’s seminar brochure along with the article ‘MOT 422 311’. Just think, if this had come in for a service you would certainly have brought it to the attention of the customer as an item that should be replaced. However, it would then have been the customer’s decision whether or not to replace it. Fortunately, at MOT test it is a different story.

HOT TIPS

The knowledge

Safely jacking the Citroën C5

One of our vehicle examiners recently asked whether the Citroën C5 could be jacked safely as he had heard that there may be a health and safety issue that could impact on the MOT test. As our information was a bit sketchy, we contacted Citroën for advice. Citroën told us that they were issuing advice through their dealer network but would send one of their engineers, along with the latest C5, to our workshop in Bristol.

The problem is that when the latest versions of the C5 (those with VIN prefixes VF7RD or VF7RW) are jacked and the wheels are hanging free, the manufacturer’s advice is to remove the LSD (suspension) fluid

reservoir cap as there is a risk that the hydraulic reservoir could rupture. Citroën also advise that the C5 should only be raised using the designated jacking points.

Although the cap is readily accessible, it is not acceptable to remove it during the MOT test. As the axles are normally lifted independently at MOT tests, we asked Citroën if these procedures would still require the removal of the cap. We also asked about the possibility of using other mounting points, such as the sub-frame, to jack.

Citroën’s response was that the cap must still be removed when the car is jacked, but need not

be removed where only one wheel at a time is raised. However, they would not support the use of anything other than the designated jacking points. We are therefore adding this advice to the Vehicle Specific Information (VSI) database. Remember, it only applies to those C5s with the VIN prefixes mentioned earlier.

An added bonus from Citroën’s visit was that this version of the C5 has an electronic parking brake, which we were able to test successfully with the roller brake tester. We will therefore also be issuing advice on its operation in VSI.

Suspension diagrams For many years now we have used the same six diagrams to show jacking positions when raising the front of the vehicle. In fact, five of them have been used since the ’70s! These diagrams show the most common types of suspension that were in use at the time but technology and design have moved on considerably since then.

More and more vehicles now have air/hydraulic control or a complicated multi-link suspension. This makes it more difficult to show individual suspension types as simple diagrams in VSI.

Although some of the current diagrams do not match the actual suspension configuration, their only real purpose is to show

whether the suspension must be loaded or hanging free. We have therefore tried to simplify the diagrams, using only two basic templates as a pilot exercise on the following vehicles.

Under load The diagram for vehicles that must be jacked with the suspension under load can be found in the VSI for all Mazda RX8s.

Hanging free The diagram for vehicles that must have the suspension hanging free can be found in the VSI for all Mercedes Sprinters.

The more astute among you will notice that these are adaptations of existing diagrams. Why not tell us if you think these work by emailing mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk with the subject header ‘Suspension diagrams’.

12 | Matters of Testing

MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 13

UPDATES

National average risk scores have come down

Over the past nine months we have seen a marked improvement in risk scores at VTSs that have had another site assessment. This shows us that you have been working hard to improve the operation of your test stations.

From May 2009 onwards, test station staff with specified roles will be able to view their station’s risk score and Red/Amber/Green (RAG) segment on the VTS Device. Special Notice 4-2009 gives full details of this.

VOSA is working to improve the way we calculate risk scores by including things like VTS disciplinary history in our calculations. This will enable us to better identify those VTSs that are likely to have low testing standards.

Improving all the time VTSs are receiving new site assessments as part of their individual enforcement plans. Results so far show that most of the original green test stations have stayed green. We are also pleased to see that a large number of higher risk garages have reduced their scores enough to move to a lower risk segment. This lets us focus on the remaining higher risk garages.

Because such a large number of garages have reduced their risk score, your test station may move to a higher RAG segment even though we may not yet have carried out a new site assessment. This is normal and allows us to focus our resources on those that most need it.

Therefore, if you do find that your garage has moved, it does not necessarily mean that it has been reassessed. All it means is that a lot of other garages have been able to show that they have made improvements – your turn will come!

In the future your risk score will only change following a site assessment or disciplinary action (or if the risk scoring calculation changes). Your RAG segment, though, may change monthly. If you are a newly authorised test station, your risk score will be blank and your segment will be shown as white. There is no need for you to contact us about this as we will visit you to conduct a site assessment within six months.

The MOT Compliance surveyallows VOSA to check thestandard of MOT testing by making sure that the correct pass/ fail result has been given. So far, we have seen the number ofincorrect results reduce compared with last year.

This is very encouraging as theseresults are being achieved by theMOT trade and VOSA workingtogether towards the same goal: providing better customer serviceand improving road safety.

If you would like to know more about site assessments and risk scores, you can view a list of Frequently Asked Questions on our website at www.vosa.gov. uk/MOT-site-assessment-faqs

TT-BRAKE-BRAKET-BRAKET-BRAKE

14 | Matters of Testing

t o

60-second INTERVIEW Allison Parker works at the Siemens Service Desk in Durham City.

What kind of work do you do?

I provide advice on problems with the VTS Device and advice on the user guide. The VTS Device can provide a copy of the user guide if necessary; just toggle between screens or press F5 and select ‘VTS User Guide’. The online copy is always up to date, so it’s the best one to use.

I love talking to customers and building up a rapport with them. It doesn’t matter how long the call takes, I always try to help.

What’s your team like?

Everyone here is really friendly, happy to help each other out and dedicated to the customers. We’re divided into different pods, named after cars. I work on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. We try to make sure each pod is a mixture of new and experienced staff, so that we can help each other better.

What should customers consider before they call?

Calls are much easier when customers have their information ready; so have your user ID, the VTS site number and the error code from the bottom righ f the screen to hand.

What’s the funniest call you’ve had?

It was back in the early days, when I was still training. I must have been watching too much Strictly Come Dancing because instead of asking a caller for their lambda reading, I asked for their Lambada reading. I was on speakerphone and everybody fell about in hysterics and started singing the Lambada.

What’s the most difficult call you’ve dealt with?

It was when a customer refused to answer the authentication questions at the beginning. We can’t log the call unless we add this information to the system. In the end a supervisor had to get involved.

How do you like to relax?

I enjoy a glass of red wine and a really good crossword. I also keep budgies, two fire bellied toads and a leopard gecko.

Vroom with a view! At this time of year dirt and grit often splash up from the road to cover the windscreen, not to mention the rest of the car! It’s important, therefore, that washers and wipers are working correctly to give the driver a clear view of the road.

But what about testing these items? In the latest DVD, Jake Fawcett explains the important checks that have to be carried out to ensure a clear view at the front of a vehicle.

The DVD covers all aspects of section 8 of the MOT inspection manual, including more modern issues such as:

• washer fluid coverage

• what to do about bonnet-mounted items

• what to do when the SatNavis left in place.

Hopefully this will give you a clear view on what to test!

If you’d like to suggest a topic for future films, email mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk with the subject ‘MOT Matters DVD’ or send a postcard to the Editor at the address at the front of this magazine.

On the job Posh do attracts record crowds

One of our MOT Seminar presenters thought numbers for a recent seminar had massively increased when he noticed how quickly the car park was filling up. He then found out that Peterborough United Football

Club (our seminar venue) had recently rescheduled a match for the same evening.

The presentation went ahead with only one interruption from outside – a loud cheer about half way through. The rest of the seminar went on smoothly until

there were only a few minutes left. The presenter said he had time for one last question and a customer raised his hand to ask ‘Who won…?’.

And Peterborough’s nickname? The Posh (hence the title)!

MOT enquiries can now be made through our national contact centre: 0300 123 9000 Matters of Testing | 15

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2 3 4 5 6 Across 5 Nobleman (4) 7 Jelly-like dessert (10) 8 Long journey (4) 10 Compass point (4) 12 Cigarette deposit (3) 13 Very much, enormously (6) 16 Mental picture (5) 18 Egg cells (3) 20 Information (4) 21 Irritates, annoys (4) 22 Moose (3) 24 Fielding position in cricket (5) 25 Expel from the nose (6) 26 Signal agreement (3) 27 Jonah (4) 29 Opera song (4) 33 End, termination (10) 34 This place (4)

Down 1 Sick, unwell (3) 2 Leg joint (4) 3 Leave out (4) 4 In addition to (3) 5 Favourite (3) 6 Foe (5) 9 Robust, vigorous (5) 10 Bleach (6) 11 Personal pride (3) 13 Fence of bushes (5) 14 Heinous, nefarious (4) 15 Voice box (6) 17 Masculine (4) 19 Stage whisper (5) 23 Lock opener (3) 25 Tennis shot (5) 27 Seventh month (4) 28 Bird’s home (4) 30 Top card (3) 31 Wildebeest (3) 32 Jump on one foot (3)

Competition: Quiz

We included Peterborough United FC’s nickname in our On the Job feature, but what are the nicknames for the clubs listed below? Send the answers along with your VTS address to us by 29 May 2009: Competition, Matters of Testing, VOSA, Berkeley House, Croydon Street, Bristol BS5 0DA or email them to mattersoftesting@vosa.gov.uk

1. Stoke City

2. Bristol City

3. Derby County

4. Accrington Stanley

5. Brentford

The first correct entry drawn will win £20 of vouchers that can be used at most high street stores.

You’ve won! The winner of last issue’s wordsearch competition is: Sandip Pandya of London. Congratulations Sandip, the vouchers are winging their way to you! The answer to last issue’s wordsearch competition is: JEEP

Crossword answers

ce; 31. Gnu; 32. Hop. t; 30. A e; 27. July; 28. Nes Serv 25.y; e dy; 10. Whiten; 11. Ego; 13. Hedge; 14. Evil; 15. Larynx; 17. Male; 19. Aside; 23. K y; 9. Har t; 6. Enem e 1. Ill; 2. Knee; 3. Omit; 4. And; 5. P WN: DO

e. onclusion; 34. Her Jinx; 29. Aria; 33. C 27.e; 26. Nod; ta; 21. Irks; 22. Elk; 24. Gully; 25. Sneez a; 20. Da t; 12. Ash; 13. Hugely; 16. Image; 18. Ov es ek; 10. W r eer; 7. Blancmange; 8. T 5. P OSS: CR A

Temporary Towbar page for Class III, IV, V & VII Information Method of Inspection Reason for Rejection

This inspection applies to: all types of towbar fitted to the rear of a vehicle. It does not include emergency towing eyes.

If a tow ball or pin is not fitted at the time of test, e.g. because it is detachable, has been unbolted or otherwise removed , but the attachment brackets are still in place these brackets should still be assessed unless they have been deliberately rendered unfit for further use.

Assessing wear

Wear in a pin, jaw or hook should be regarded as excessive if the thickness of the metal at any point is reduced by more than 25% of the original thickness. Pin locating holes should be rejected if they are worn or elongated by more than 25% of their original diameter. These criteria also apply to pins and brackets for any height adjustment or swivel devices.

For tow balls the amount of acceptable wear is considerably less. However, a tow ball should only be rejected if a visual assessment indicates that the tow ball is obviously excessively worn.

Play in detachable tow balls

Some detachable tow balls have play between the receiver socket and the tapered swan neck fitting, with up to 3mm movement measured at the ball end. Reason for Rejection 4a should only be used where play is greater than this.

Inspection of components

No covers or panels shall be removed to facilitate the inspection of any components, including tow ball covers. However, it may be necessary to inspect some components from inside the luggage compartment, including lifting of loose fitting mats or carpet.

Quick release mechanisms must not be operated, only visually assessed

1. Visually assess the towbar for wear and pull on the towbar and/or its mountings to check for security, corrosion, fractures or damage.

2. Check the towbar assembly is attached to the vehicle structure using mountings, supports and fixings of an appropriate size and type.

3. Check the presence and security of:

a. retaining devices e.g. nuts & bolts

b. locking devices e.g. split pins, ‘R’ pins.

Note: Some locking devices are not obvious. In such cases, the vehicle presenter should be advised of any evidence of disturbance or insecurity.

4. On detachable tow balls:

a. check for play between the tow ball arm and its receiver socket

b. visually assess the condition of any quick release mechanism.

5. On height adjustable or swivelling towbars, check:

a. for presence, and security of locating or swivel pins

b. locating or swivel pins and brackets for excessive play or wear

c. locating or swivel pin retaining devices for presence and security.

6. Check the condition of the body and chassis in the vicinity of the towbar mountings.

1. A towbar component insecure, fractured or excessively:

• worn

• corroded , or

• damaged.

2. Towbar assembly is attached to the vehicle structure using a mounting, support or fixing which is obviously of an inappropriate size or type.

3.

a. Retaining device missing or insecure

b. locking device missing , insecure, inadequate or damaged to the extent that its operation is impaired.

4.

a. Excessive play between a detachable tow ball and its receiver socket

b. a quick release mechanism that does not secure the tow ball arm as intended.

5.

a. A locating or swivel pin missing or insecure

b. excessive play or wear in a locating or swivel pin or bracket

c. a locating or swivel pin retaining device missing or insecure.

6. Any deliberate modification, excessive corrosion, damage, fracture or inadequate repair of a load bearing structure or supporting panelling within 30cm of the towbar mountings, which affects its strength to the extent that the security of attachment of the towbar is significantly reduced.