We’re transforming the way we conduct vehicle approval services, introducing Vehicle Examination Facilities (VEF) for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) and Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) customers and bringing the test closer to you.
In this blog post, we'll outline why we’re doing this and what positive changes this will have for industry.
Improving access to approvals tests
Currently, the vast majority of approval tests are carried out in DVSA’s own Goods Vehicle Testing Stations (GVTS) across Great Britian. But many customers have to travel long distances to attend a test, costing businesses time and money.
To help make our services more efficient and accessible to you, we’re creating a VEF network across the country – alongside continuing to provide IVAs and MSVAs at some existing sites.
The new model will bring approvals tests closer to customers. It is very similar to the way heavy vehicle annual tests are conducted and allows approvals tests to be conducted at third party sites. DVSA staff will continue to carry out the test.
VEF sites can operate as:
- own account site: conduct tests on their own vehicles
- open access site: which can test third party customer vehicles
- or a combination of both
If you’d like more information on how to gain VEF status, contact our team on ATI@DVSA.gov.uk.
Existing Privately Owned Testing Facilities (POTFs) can also apply to gain VEF status. This means that these sites can gain the same benefits as VEF providers.
Why DVSA is making this change
VEFs will bring many benefits for our vehicle approval customers and businesses who wish to apply for VEF status. For approvals customers:
- tests will be closer to your business, helping to reduce time and money spent travelling, and freeing up staff member’s time
- it allows you to apply, pay and book tests easily online
- it will also provide customers with more choice on they can have tests carried out
For businesses who gain VEF status it will:
- allow your sites to display official branding and help attract new customers
- be able to generate income from any underutilised test lanes
How we have worked with pilot sites
To make sure our processes run smoothly, we’ve been working with some pilot sites to get their feedback on the authorisation and application processes.
So far, feedback has been really positive. And where issues have arisen, we handled them quickly and easily.
Their input has been really valuable in refining the process for the rollout of the VEF network.
It has helped us to put the right standards in place for prospective applicants in terms of their infrastructure and equipment. This will make sure our examiners can carry out vehicle approval tests at the new sites safely and in accordance with the standards.
To raise awareness of VEFs, we have:
- written to our regular customers to promote the benefits of gaining VEF status
- run webinars for eligible businesses outlining the benefits of becoming a VEF site
- engaged with trade associations to help increase awareness in industry
Next steps
In the coming months we hope to start to authorise sites that meet the required standards and begin building up the VEF network.
We’ll also continue to work behind the scenes to make sure the new VEF network is suitable for all our approvals customers.
We’ll continue to engage with trade associations to increase awareness of VEFs and the positive roll these sites will play in our vehicle approvals service. Our webinars will also continue to run over the next few months.
As ever, we love to hear from you, so please leave us a comment with any questions or feedback that you have.
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