As an MOT testing service user, you’ll get a brand new security card later this year to replace the current PIN system. This card will make the MOT service more secure by making sure only you can sign into your account.
How the card works
The card will work just like online banking security. Every time you press the button on the front of the card you’ll get a unique 6-digit personalised identification number (PIN).
You’ll need to enter your user ID and password and then this number each time you log in to the MOT testing service.
Trialling the cards
Over the last month we’ve been trialling the new card with some vehicle testing stations (VTSs). So far feedback has been positive, one tester said: “it’s good, easy to use, an improvement”.
Another said: “the cards are better than using the current PIN as there is no number to remember and it seems more secure”.
Next steps
Following the success of this initial trial we’ll continue to test the cards with more VTSs over the summer. Testing them like this will make sure that we can keep making improvements to how you use the card before everyone gets one.
Look out for more details about this card over the next few months.
308 comments
Comment by JOHN. posted on
A total waste of time and money as already said if it ain't broken don't fix it.
What is more important vehicle safety!!!! or admin.I know what's more important
do you? (VOSA). It's taken a year to get this running relatively smooth,so leave it alone.PLEASE.!
VOSA ARE YOU READING THESE COMMENTS ??
I HOPE SO TAKE ACTION !!!!
Comment by Pete posted on
Are we going to be generating / inputting a new code every time we register test, print ticket, duplicate, etc etc ? Because I use the one stored safely in my head about 26 times a day .... what a waste of time and effort if it is.
Comment by Matters of Testing posted on
Hi Pete,
You'll only have to generate the a PIN when you login to the service. You won't have to generate and input a PIN at test entry, printing a test certificate etc...
Regards
Thomas
Comment by stoker posted on
Thomas ,Pin entry needs to be done at point of data base entry as is now when the test is complete.
Errors will occur with multiple testers using the same computer if it is done on logging in.
Comment by Rob posted on
While we are all united against this proposed muppetry, why don't we agree not to discount the fee as well, we're the only one's losing out !! Hmmm Thinking about it though, there's 200 odd angry men on this blog, so 18000 odd others must be happy/ complacent/ or c.b.f'd ! So I guess we're doomed as usual.
Comment by Rick Ager posted on
Most don't know about it why no email or special notice its only on matters of testing
Comment by stuart whiting posted on
A total waste of time, we can test without fishing cards out of our pockets/wallets.
The passwords and pins we use are ours only to remember and works fine.
These things WILL fail with constant use by a busy MOT tester.
As already said don't try to fix something thats not broken, let common sense prevail.
Comment by phil posted on
If it ain't broken, don't try to fix it. Or is it broken ? has anybody ever had their log on details stolen or hacked into ? Ive never herd of it before. I just think that there is an office of people trying to justify their jobs, this just seems totally pointless to me.
Comment by George Lambert posted on
Dear Thomas,
As you can see no one is in favour of this change, Can you assure us that at no time in the future we will not have to pay for replacements, just like we now have to pay for everything else.Can you also reply to my comment and tell us how many fraudulent Mot's have been carried out since the inception of the new system? Many thanks.
Comment by phil wilde posted on
Well well well.
Judging by all the negative comments it looks to me like the inhabitants of planet vosa(dvsa) have once again seriously underestimated the people of planet commonsense......Where do you the trails that are always so positive and speak highly of new ideas?
Not one comment has been good.
If I were DVSA I would be embarrassed to read all of the above.
Whoever won this contract for modernisation has started with a blank piece of paper and not used any parts of the old system that worked!
I would love to be a fly on the wall at dvsa this week ?
Bear in mind that testers/mechanics are intelligent people and can see through this nonsense and you won't go far wrong.
Lots of love Phil ?
Comment by Ken posted on
I'm amazed how Dvsa has decided a card is a better option it's another thing to lose how it can stop fraudulent use I have no idea sounds like someone's on the take and in fact my bank like all banks tell you to memorize a four digit number not six so only you know it in fact it's easier for me to get money out than doing a test amazing they walk among us,
Comment by Stevie posted on
Waste of time !!!
We seem to be playing with computers more than working these days , who thinks these thing up?
By the way , I agree with the other comments about your PIN number now is only stored in your head , nobody is going to hack that, and I bet these things will fail before long causing more grief .
Comment by john philips posted on
private big businesses must rubbing their hands ,with all these needless changes the dvsa are imposing on small independent mot garage and refusing to do anything at all about the fee
Comment by wozza posted on
this i the problem you have with government agency contract workers ......as soon as their job is complete and no more contract work they have to draw up new ideas for new contract work
they have no idea of how the real world works
how many smart cards were lost or damaged when smart cards was in circulation????
that cost the industry millions in remaking and reissuing smart cards
we have a password we have to keep changing so leave it as that
the system is simple it works so stop trying to change it
Comment by Colin posted on
They want your feedback and then just ignore it . The ball on this is rolling, none of our comments or actions are going to stop this one. The system at the moment is fine why bring back the card ?
Comment by darren posted on
very true colin it doesnt matter what comments you put on here they do not listen,if something new is coming out they will go ahead and do it anyway,they say they trial these new ideas out with other garages and they probably do but only local ones to them not wide spread and even if you try to get any sense out of your local rep hes being told what to say from the powers above so at the end of the day we are all no better off
Comment by Jim Walker posted on
The system works. We change our password every six months that is working. If the card dies then what? we will not be able to test till we get a new card? That is really good idea.
Comment by Matters of Testing posted on
Hi everyone,
Thanks for all your comments. We really appreciate all your feedback. We understand the concerns you might have about the new MOT security cards and would like to address the main points raised.
The card is more secure than the current PIN you use as it adds an extra layer of security to the log in process known as 2 factor authentication (2FA). 2FA is made up of something you know (your username and password) and something you own (your MOT security card). This level of security should prevent unauthorised access to the MOT service and the recording of fraudulent test results.
The card is waterproof and should withstand day to day use within a garage environment. However if you notify us that your card is broken, lost or forgotten, a temporary online process will be put in place so you can continue testing. You'll receive your replacement card free of charge.
Regards
Thomas
Comment by dave b posted on
will the cards have any user details on them ie name because me & the other tester at my garage used to put our smart cards in the firms safe so we did not forget them & if there is no i d on them you could get muddled up?
Comment by Matters of Testing posted on
Hi Dave,
The cards won't have your name or any other details on them. However, we would encourage you to personalise your card when you get it to make sure you don't get them mixed up. You could do this in anyway you wish - such as using permanent marker, coloured tape, stickers etc...
Regards
Thomas
Comment by Robert shotton posted on
So we enter user I'd, password and one off pin,dose that mean we don't enter pin at end of test.and if you do have to enter pin at end of test.what if you have forgotten it.you can't press button because pin will be different. And if people are hacking the system now to do fraudulent tests,what's to stop them now.if you fall I'll and your card is stolen or whatever, anybody can test until you realise your card isgone, if they can clone credit cards they can clone this one,
Comment by Matters of Testing posted on
Hi Robert,
The security card will generate a new PIN every time log in to the service. You won't need to remember your PIN just input the number displayed on the card into the service each time you log in.
The card is linked to your account and if someone was to take your card they couldn't log in to the service without also having your user ID and password.
Regards
Thomas
Comment by Robert shotton posted on
Thanks. So how are people carrying out fraudulent tests now then.without user I'd, password and pin which is in my head.you are contradicting yourself, if people cant carry out tests without I'd and password what's the point of having a pin at all. If you mean unscrupulous testers are doing dodgy tests then no security in the world will stop it.it is only ever been found out in a suprise visit by your ve, or by accident. That was one of the points of having a risk assessment and score.because some mot stations just did what the hell they wanted .please give me a proper answer on this subject. Thanks
Comment by Robert shotton posted on
Ps user Id is the only thing that is on show when you log in,password and pin are hidden.
Comment by john posted on
Thomas can you advise will the new card have to be kept in a secure place ie'are we reverting back to the old day safe and keys system and at what point in the process will we need to input the security number . I belive the high volume of concerns could have been much less if proper information was issued at the outset of this announcement
Regards Tom
Comment by Matters of Testing posted on
Hi John,
You won't have to keep the card in a secure box but you should keep it safe. You should treat it like a personal bank or credit card. Once the card has been registered to you no one else will be able to use it.
Regards
Thomas
Comment by Tony S posted on
Hi Thomas
So we generate, log in and enter the Pin. Start test, enter vehicle details, now this one's a 3 year old, 1st test.
As the system is now we have to re-enter Pin because of change in vehicle details.
So with the new card system, do we now have to re-generate a new Pin, in order to start this test.
Regards Tony
Comment by Matters of Testing posted on
Hi Tony,
With the new card you will only have to enter your PIN when you log in to the service. You won't have to generate and input a PIN at test entry, printing a test certificate etc...
Regards
Thomas
Comment by Nigel posted on
Bottom line how much is this going to cost us on roll out because I don't think for one minute its going to be free
Comment by john posted on
Thomas , Good to know that you take note of comments made. The problem as i see it is that usually people would accept an upgrade or change to a process such as this number generating card ,even though people do resist change ,however its an unfortunate reality that from a testers and vehicle presenters perspective DVSA or Vosa as was have a poor record of delivering a fit for purpose mot system.
I think long term dvsa need to prove to the trade that they can listen and learn from the people on the front line ie testers and vehicle owners and gain their confidence by providing a reliable sytem with appropiate back up and training.
Comment by I V McKie posted on
surely someone should be reading feedback from the blogs. As this is more of a true response to this NEW system than a feedback from a select few obvious yes men the trial is used on .
Comment by mark posted on
the never listen do they we are the ones in the front line why not take our advise instead of a load of civil servants trying to justify there non jobs
Comment by Les posted on
So it's a done deal! We're getting the cards whether we want them or not. Don't see the point of asking for peoples comments if you've already made up your mind.
Comment by darren posted on
so true totally agree with you,but hey as they say muck (being polite) rolls down hill and were the ones taking it if we like it or not as we always do
Comment by john posted on
dvsa you are shot in the head, spend more time on important issues and stop dreaming up stupid ideas that only cost the garages more money when you havent increased the price for years
Comment by Stoker posted on
Thomas
Perhaps many of the concerns could have been answered if more information was given with the announcement ?
My question is,
Are we going back to the secure box and keys again for these mot cards?
Without any doubt I can guarantee that I will be unable to test due to a failure of this system at some point . Dvsa should be planning a system with fewer hurdles for testers to overcome and let them put all there thoughts and efforts into carrying out the actual test with a view to improving road safety.
Comment by richard green posted on
how many times is this system going to be messed about with.. We just get settled into a routine and yet again another thing comes along to upset the routine. its continually changing and I don't believe for the better. Lets get back to simplifying log on/log off process and stop tying test stations up in red tape. and get back to the main reason the test was introduced..SAFETY OF VEHICLES
Comment by julian posted on
how much are we going to have to pay for this as soon as we pay for everything else
Comment by alex posted on
please rather than wasting money on a card system the DVSA reinvest in refresher courses for N.Ts this would seem a far better use of government money from a safety point of view.... yet again a complete miss appropriation of funds
Comment by Rob posted on
Is it time for DVSAEXIT? We'll all be so tied up trying to log on or off that we'll forget to look at the vehicles!!. When are they going to install the pokemon app on the system ? It'll be as usefull.
Comment by Mr. T. posted on
As an AE I’m more interested in the IP address that the test was carried out with, yes it changes every time the system is rebooted if you are not paying for a fixed address,
More importantly we should have the device ID with the IP address in are reports then the AE’s can police any irregularity’s affectively,
No hardware required just someone with a brain to write the program or is that asking to much.
Mr. T.
Comment by darren posted on
have you noticed as well that no one from dvsa has replied to any of your comments regarding this this matter or have they realised that they have made yet another major balls up
Comment by C. JONES. posted on
HELLO DVSA ANYBODY LISTENING ? Can you hear what we are ALL saying or is there no point having this right to reply/comment system?
Comment by steve posted on
another waste of time, fix what we have to use at the moment before messing with things again.
who is testing these things ? I bet its not a tester with dirty hands !!
Comment by Mick posted on
I have a good idea dvsa should give us a vote on it simple
Comment by dave b posted on
what a crazy idea this system works so leave it as it is !!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Steve W posted on
Lets think of this another way. it would be a rare happening for a member of the public to abuse this system so who are we protecting it from. Exactly. TESTERS. we already have access to the system so it makes no difference because it would generally be the suspect testers within our ranks us that will still abuse the system they already have access to. surely the dodgy test itself is more of a problem than making it more of a chore to access something we already have the right to use.
Comment by Mike posted on
For a long time I've been saying MOTs should be done by VOSA/DVSA at their own centres and take it away from private companies then a fail is a fail and it can be fixed by garages or owner and retested. No hassle with security and no arguments whether it's a failure or not with a standardised test for the same fee all over the country.
Comment by mark posted on
thats a good idea then we can jump on them when they miss things on the test
Comment by Dan posted on
Ridiculous!
Comment by WBG posted on
Like all technology there is always someone somewhere ready to take it on and break it. Bank accounts, credit cards and even email addresses. What makes DVSA think they are above others in security matters, if someone wants to get in then they will!! Why waste money on this and put extra time on our already short days??
Comment by steve posted on
I am agreement,the way the system works is fine (most of the time) only I know my pin. As I do repairs as well this would have to placed in a safe place to prevent damage or loss which will be something to take up my time when I could be working !!
again if it aint broke don't fix it
Comment by john posted on
Do you all really think the DVSA is listening and are interested in comments from the real world of vehicle testing. ?
Comment by Dan posted on
Another pointless exercise...Why is DVSA wasting it's (dwindling) funding on this rubbish when it should be spending more time and effort actually getting the system running effectively! The current system is fine and everyone understands it. I thought the idea was to do away with smart cards and the cost of producing them! What a waste of money!
Comment by Tony Green posted on
So the scenario is one person testing station and his/her smart card fails at the start of a full days testing, what fall back system is or will be in place to rectify the problem & more importantly how long is it likely to take? Will the failure of a card from the DVSA constitute an incident and contingency testing be declared or will it be down to the individual testing station to sort and be unable to test until rectification, therefore losing more money? I don't see how this card can be any more secure than the current PIN system? Surely there are more pressing matters concerning the day to day operation of the current system that need improvement long before we create more issues with this system.
Comment by Les posted on
Wow, more security, as cards can become damaged etc and not work I suggest we spend millions on eye scanners just like those needed to launch nuclear weapons. After all, we can't really do an MoT test without our eyes. Get some scanners in please they will be even more secure.
PLEASE LEAVE THE SYSTEM ALONE
Comment by john posted on
Briliant idea ,fantastic ,And sort out the existing long term system problems another day maybe ??
Comment by Stephen posted on
Can this card thing, withstand oil,grease and dirt.
I know it doesn't like washing machines (ex wife washed hers) it took over a week to get a new card.
They also want AE's and SM's to look into testing times, well having to wash hands after every test can add minutes, so therefore a 40 min test becomes 60 mins. are you really sure Ian O
Comment by Dan posted on
Most major banks are moving away from this technology now anyway. There are known problems with these sort of cards being lost, broken, or stolen so most banks now just issue pin's that people remember.
Comment by cheekyboy posted on
I agree with all the other comment what a complete waste of time and a stupid idea, I'd love to know who these people are who are trying out these new ideas, i've never known anyone i know to test anything
Comment by Darren posted on
Make the system more stable first. Endless log in problems, password changes etc.
Comment by kerry posted on
please listen to us and whats best... just settled in to a nice routine and its all up in the air YET AGAIN!! more things to worry about ie losing breaking not working do i need to carry on grrr
Comment by Tony posted on
Give it enough time and the whole structure will implode from this constant meddling,leave well alone -stop trying for job justification and making test stations pay for everything,ie.give something back!
Comment by Stephen posted on
Talk of security. I changed my email several months, no problem, now dvsa have started sending emails to my old address, WHY. Have they lost the plot or can't they read.
Comment by Robert shotton posted on
User I'd, password, pin.number,3 months of gas readouts, calibration certificates, 2 years, risk assessment paperwork daily and monthly, rolling annual assessment and test yearly,system problems weekly basis, will you please just stop adding pointless things on to nt's.we have enough responsibly and stress without this rubbish
Comment by kerry posted on
well said
Comment by Amir Manzoori posted on
Having read the comments, I couldn't agree with them more.
As we already have a username dedicated to each individual, pass word that changes every three month, and a pin which known only to every tester, why is there a need for further securities? We are not issuing passports, though MOT is very important, unless the brains that thought about this new security system can come up with a reason to justify the extra expense, it should be stopped in its track.
Comment by Jas posted on
Why change something. Current system works.
May be mot test fee should be standardised. This would be a real improvement.
Comment by nick posted on
a card is open for fraud and misuse , its very difficult to get a pin out of someones brain
Comment by john posted on
Oh dear, the system is hardly stable now, why add to the problems.
Comment by George posted on
WHY WHY WHY, Apart from the fact that someone is going to make a nice little earner. Don't fix some thing if its not broke !! How many Mot's have been carried our fraudulently since the new system was introduced?
Comment by Rob posted on
The computer's becoming the biggest part of the test, Just another tweak to raise our blood pressure !!
Comment by stoker posted on
If its not broke don't fix it !!
I hope the help desk is prepared for the ensuing system failures and testers unable to complete tests.
Comment by IAIN WILSON posted on
complete waste of time. if you lose/break it does that mean no testing till new one arrives?
Comment by p howarth posted on
leave the system alone works well,don,t fix whats not broke
Comment by DEREK JARRETT posted on
why fix what ain't broke, but its coming whether we like it or not, suck it n see.
Comment by jim posted on
just something else to go wrong and upset the tester no change there then.
what happens when the card gets damaged,phone and wait for half an hour.
better leave as is.
Comment by Russell posted on
TOTALLY AGREE WITH THE COMMENTS ABOVE!
We need to concentrate on the quality of the testing.
Comment by Ian posted on
More time consuming admin there is no way to secure the system if you wish to do wrong things another number is not going to stop you what happens when the card doesn't work stop testing???
Comment by Keith posted on
Someone sits in an office all day thinking these things up to justify their job and wages. Thats all it is, it will never stop.
Comment by b hill posted on
if we are to carry these on our person then how long will it be before one gets broken/damaged causing big problems.we have 3 codes to remember now, is that not secure enough ?
Comment by Stephen posted on
What a load of rubbish. isn't there enough security all ready.
Comment by Andy posted on
I agree with all the feedback why change something that's not broke it works good now so leave it alone
Comment by Jon posted on
Ridiculous idea, more complication which is not required. Another waste of tax payers money.
Comment by Rick posted on
How is this more secure? Only I know my pin at the moment, if someone gets hold of my card anyone can generate one. Seems pointless. Also at a time when half your services are being shut do to save money this seems like it is a complete waste in that respect as well
Comment by glen posted on
SPOKEN TO MY TESTERS AND THEY SAID WHY FIX WHATS NOT BROKE
Comment by Graham posted on
Is there a back up plan incase it gets lost, eg send a code to email address?
Comment by Richard posted on
why over complicate matters using the random no system we and a lot of the business users have to use this proposed system for banking and it is frequently going wrong and does cause a lot of problems . We have a pin no system in place for mot's that works very well please leave it alone we all have enough to do with out further hassles and problematical electronics.
Comment by Neil posted on
What a waste of time and money ! Unless we are expected to pay for this as well as our training and assessments!
Comment by adrian posted on
This is getting ridiculous.. What with the new training etc and now this. I am seriously considering pulling out of the MoT scheme..
Have these guys lost the plot?. Are they on some sort of power trip? Honestly the people that are thinking of these things want sacking... MoT test times are already exceeding the old system (some thing the new system was supposed to reduce) now this soon it will take an hour and a half to do an mot and i will be at least £20 per hour down on our current Labour rate.. Shocking.
Comment by Edwin posted on
A good idea but we have a system that works why change
Comment by paul posted on
I agree with all these comments no one knows my pin I keep it as safe as the one for my bank if the card gets damaged or stopped working then what fall back more time needed to enter results as the others say if its not broke don't fix it
Comment by Martin posted on
Please Please...For once just listen to what people are saying. It is us who will have to put up with this backward step towards the horrible smart cards we were all glad to be rid of. I wholeheartedly endorse every single comment I have read up to now.