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This blog post was published under the 2015-2024 Conservative Administration

https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/mot-security-card-roll-out-update/

MOT security card roll-out update

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: MOT testing service, News and updates
MOT tester entering details into MOT service on a computer using the new MOT security card.
The very first MOT test conducted with the security card on the live service on 6 October.

We’ve now started sending out the new MOT security cards to all trade users of the MOT testing service, that’s over 73,000 people. Over the next 6 weeks, we’ll be sending around 2,500 cards every day.  

During that time, site managers at each vehicle testing station (VTS) will receive a pack containing the new security cards for their testers. If you’re a site manager, you’ll need to give them to your team and make sure they activate them.   

If you’re a tester and you haven’t received your security card by 8 December, let your site manager know and they’ll order one online for you.

Tester feedback

Many testers have already activated their card and are using it to access and use the service.

I know that some of you have had concerns, however those who are already using the cards have told us that:

  • the cards are easy and straightforward to activate and the instructions that come with the pack are helpful
  • they quickly got used to using their cards
  • knowing there’s an added security layer to protect personal information is a good thing  

Activating your card

When you get your security card, you’ll need to activate it straight away. It’s easy to do, just follow the prompts on your login screen.

Remember, your current PIN will be switched off later in December which means you won’t be able to use the MOT testing service unless you’ve activated your card.

Read more information about the new MOT security cards.

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59 comments

  1. Comment by Chris posted on

    You say that the site manager will be able to order cards? How as I'm a site manager but cant access anything because the system says I need a card first and still havn't received it from October.

  2. Comment by carl posted on

    NOW ON SECOND CARD IN 2 WEEKS ,NEW CARD ONLY WORKED FOR 2 DAYS, ABSOLUTE RUBBISH

  3. Comment by David posted on

    I just received my card today.
    I can't see how this will be better than a number stored in my head .
    Seems to me like a waste of time .
    That's just my opinion ?

  4. Comment by mike posted on

    I have logged in with the 2 security questions because I forgot my card' now I have the card how do I log back in with the card....

    • Replies to mike>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Mike,

      You'll be should be able to log into the service as normal now that you've found your card. However, If you've logged into the service by answering your security questions then you won't be able to log in using your security card until the following day.

      Regards

      Thomas

  5. Comment by Rober posted on

    My card only lasted 3 days then said number not recognised.
    To save waiting on the phone for 15 min I had to report it damaged and reorder.

  6. Comment by karen posted on

    cards arrived this morning, not enough for test station so immediately had to order more. Logged on ok with cards received but seriously do not see how this is more secure than previous system. We are having to pay for more stuff, equipment, training etc but the price has not been reduced!!!!

  7. Comment by Nissar Mohammed posted on

    Received my card today. Very happy with it. I believe its good for security. only nag is you have to put pin number at the start. But otherwise happy days.

  8. Comment by prb5244 posted on

    i have used my card with no problem for a week my site manager has not activated his is there a cut off time when the functions on his account stops functioning we use a agancy tester at weekend and he has to put him on and off

    • Replies to prb5244>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi,

      He'll need to activate his card before December 15. After that date, you won't be able to log on to the MOT testing service without a security card.

      Regards

      Thomas

  9. Comment by Nissar Mohammed posted on

    Still waiting on the cards. Looking forward to using them. I think it will vastly improve security.

  10. Comment by steve posted on

    just opened up envelope with 2x cards one works and one doesn't that's a 50% fail already what a load of rubbish!!!!! and this is the future ha

  11. Comment by Tim posted on

    I'm using the new card and I think what is the point of adding the pin at the front of the test???
    The old pin was used to complete the test..The last thing you did to confirm and print the certificate just like the old system it meant that your first layer of security was used to log onto the system start a test, add defects and so on but in order to complete the test or change vehicle details (colour, class; van to camper for example) but more importantly to issue a result you needed your pin.
    WHY is the new pin used at the front, log on user/password then pin, if you keep the device refreshed you can log a result without another security layer.
    Does DVSA know that internet explorer can be re-opened and have page re-freshed after a tester walks away from a PC so without that last minute pin input that test could be resulted in the office while the tester is in the workshop.
    Note to testers; NEVER JUST SHUT DOWN THE BROWSER WITHOUT FIRST SIGNING OUT! and also use crome or Mozilla not internet explorer as IE can be re-freshed before your log on times out.

    As a tester I like the new card its a shame its not an ID photo/push button code card.
    Why oh Why have we lost the last line of defence of the "cant issue a ticket without a pin"?

  12. Comment by Stephen posted on

    Tried 6 different codes, still would'nt let me in. 15 mins on the phone to speak to a HUMAN.
    Why can't we have a direct line straight through too speak to someone. What a load of rubbish

  13. Comment by Ian posted on

    What an extreme waste of money how many times has the system been hacked and what could you actually do on the system without being traced

  14. Comment by Thomas posted on

    Why don't we have a form of chip and pin reader at the station then all tests will have to be done properly and securley

  15. Comment by Richard posted on

    The new card only makes your log in to the MOT all the time your are using it (prevention against key log hackers) What it will not do is improve the MOT security ie you can issue an MOT from anywhere that has access to the internet unlike the old one that was tied to a phone line. Its about as secure as the Tester who holds the card.

  16. Comment by Lou posted on

    I'm the site manager / admin. I don't do MOT tests as I'm not a registered tester, but do I still get a card so that I can access the system?

    • Replies to Lou>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Lou,

      You will get a security card. We'll be sending out packs of security cards to every VTS. In the pack, there will be enough security cards for everyone who uses MOT testing service at your VTS. If you don't receive enough cards you'll be able to order more.

      Regards

      Thomas

  17. Comment by ian posted on

    what happens if you don't answer the security questions correctly. i don't have a clue what i put for my significant date i picked from years ago,

    • Replies to ian>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Ian,

      If you don't remember your security questions you can reset them on the 'Your profile' page. Under 'Account security' you'll need to click 'Change your security questions' to reset them.

      Regards

      Thomas

  18. Comment by Dave posted on

    If you loose the card . Do you have to report it to DVSA or Police ? How many days can you login with out the card ?? Will the DVSA offer or sell a compatable lanyard holder ? How many cards a year are we allowed to have and will we have to pay for them ? Regards Dave.

    • Replies to Dave>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Dave,

      No, if you lose your card you don't have to report it. Once the card is activated it's linked to that user so it can't be used by anyone else.

      If your card is lost or broken and you have ordered a replacement card, you can log in to the service by answering security questions for a maximum of 5 days. Your replacement will arrive within that five day period.

      No, we won't be providing or selling a lanyard holder for the card.

      We don't have a set figure for how many cards can be requested per year. However, DVSA reserves the right to charge for replacement cards if it's found that people are abusing the free card service.

      Regards

      Thomas

  19. Comment by R Malik posted on

    Its a bad, bad policy . you are going to through spanner in the works..
    We are not amused !
    There was nothing wrong with the old system .
    A very unhappy freelance tester .?

  20. Comment by Lloyd posted on

    I have to now do 10 test,s a day on a new ATL lane things keep changing the job is getting harder I think at the age of 58 Its time to GET OUT !!! change for change sake all the time and not for the better its a joke

  21. Comment by mark tainton posted on

    what if have not tested for a number of years?or presently not employed by a vehicle testing station?

    • Replies to mark tainton>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Mark,

      If you haven't tested for a number of years then you'll need to take the MOT annual training course and assessment, including a demonstration test. If you haven't tested for over 5 years you'll need to undertake the 'Becoming a Tester' training programme.

      Once you have completed your training you'll be able to order a security card via the MOT testing service prior to your demonstration test.

      If you have tested within the last six months but aren't presently employed at a vehicle testing station then we can send a card to your home address. If this is the case, you'll need to contact the MOT testing service via mot@vosa.gsi.gov.uk before 9 December to let us know.

      Kind Regards

      Thomas

  22. Comment by Graeme posted on

    Hi what if im a tester but I'm away from testing not registered with a garage for testing how do I get at card

    • Replies to Graeme>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Graeme,

      As long as you have been actively testing within the last 6 months, you should contact the MOT testing service on mot@vosa.gsi.gov.uk to get a card. If you do this before the 9 December a card can be arranged to be sent to an address of your choice.

      Regards

      Thomas

  23. Comment by d bradley-scrivener posted on

    sounds very similar to the old smart card system so we can go back to storage and use that was in place 18 months ago so to speak

  24. Comment by Casper posted on

    Tried this morning to assign a tester , unable to do so as a security card is required ????

    We have not yet received any cards .
    How do I explain this to my customers ?

    • Replies to Casper>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Casper,

      Firstly, the person being assigned as a tester should order a card via the MOT testing service. Then they should call the Business Service Desk on 0330 123 5654, the desk will enable them to carry on testing while they wait for delivery of their card.

      Regards

      Thomas

      • Replies to Thomas (DVSA)>

        Comment by Tony Gregory posted on

        That number doesn't work. Tony south wales

        • Replies to Tony Gregory>

          Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

          Hi Tony,

          Sorry about that, was a typo - have updated the above comment to the right number which is 0330 123 5654.

          Regards

          Thomas

  25. Comment by darren posted on

    so why need a card in the first place if you can still log on without it

    • Replies to darren>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Darren,

      Logging in using security questions is only a temporary measure that needs to be there for occasions where testers lose, forget or damage their card. As mentioned in our previous blogs about the security card the new security cards are something we needed to introduce to add an extra layer of security to your account.

      The card produces a unique number every time you log into the service. By using this unique number to log in it'll prevent attacks from things like keylogger trojans. A keylogger trojan can record all the keystrokes you enter into your computer without you knowing.

      Regards

      Thomas

  26. Comment by bob posted on

    we have been using the cards for a week and the issue i see is the card is so thin and flimsy that you cant put it in your wallet etc it will snap.
    can the card be left on the mot desk area so as to avoid the card breaking

    • Replies to bob>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Bob,

      The cards might seem thin but they are built to withstand day to day use in a garage environment. We've tested dropping, bending and even stamping on the cards and they've continued to work. You should treat it like a personal bank or credit card and keep it safe place this could be in your wallet, on a lanyard, or somewhere else it's up to you.

      Regards

      Thomas

  27. Comment by steven wildbore posted on

    Steve; Regarding on line testing do we do it our selves, or is it the responsibility of our AE or station manager.

  28. Comment by charles posted on

    I love that you give "Tester Feedback" when you haven't sent them out yet !!!

    • Replies to charles>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Charles,

      Over 2,000 testers have received their security cards, activated them and are successfully using them.

      Regards

      Thomas

  29. Comment by Andy posted on

    Where will the card be sent to if you test at more than one testing station?

    • Replies to Andy>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Andy,

      Your card will be sent to the VTS at where you conducted your most recent test.

      Regards

      Thomas

      • Replies to Thomas (DVSA)>

        Comment by RICHARD DUNCAN posted on

        If a tester is currently testing at two test stations do both stations issue the tester a card or is one card usable at both stations

        • Replies to RICHARD DUNCAN>

          Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

          Hi Richard,

          The tester will only need one card. Once he's activated it he can use it at any VTS.

          Regards

          Thomas

  30. Comment by Gav posted on

    Just seems a total waste of money. What's wrong with the current password & PIN number at the moment? Just seem to change things for no reason. Even today the way you fill in rfrs has changed & it's no better than before!!

  31. Comment by Michael posted on

    Is there a video link to show the card system working thanks michael

  32. Comment by David posted on

    How do you get your card if your not at the moment testing ? As not working there any more?
    Having a break from working in garage,

    • Replies to David>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi David,

      If you're going back to work at your existing VTS then there should be a card for you already there.

      If it's not there, or you're going to a different VTS, the site manager will be able to order you a card.

      If you're not returning to work till after the full roll out (in the new year) then you should contact the Business Service Desk helpline on 0330 123 5654 before you return to work to order a card. It'll take 3-5 days for the card to arrive, so you'll need to do it before you return to work at the VTS.

      Regards

      Thomas

  33. Comment by Alan Taylor posted on

    I am on two systems ie two garages will you send to the garage where i test more often?

    • Replies to Alan Taylor>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Alan,

      The card will be sent to the VTS where you last tested / accessed the service.

      Regards

      Thomas

  34. Comment by mark posted on

    I don't believe mot testers said this is a good thing we are manual workers not office wallers

  35. Comment by alan deakin posted on

    i work at 8 different sites will i require one card or one at each site?

    • Replies to alan deakin>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Alan,

      You'll only need one card. Once you've activated it you can use it at any VTS.

      Regards

      Thomas

  36. Comment by STEVEN posted on

    Is there a system in place to use a spare card for just one day if your own card is left at home e.t.c

    • Replies to STEVEN>

      Comment by Thomas (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Steven,

      You'll still be able to log into the system and test if you forget your card by answering 2 security questions.

      A vehicle testing station won't get a spare card, as once a card is activated it's linked to one user only and can't be reallocated to anyone else.

      Regards

      Thomas