Understanding your regulatory responsibilities and the key tasks to complete
An MOT centre ownership change or change of directors brings with it a number of important administrative and regulatory responsibilities. Whether you’re buying an MOT Test Centre, bringing in a new director or changing the structure of an existing business, it’s important to understand what needs to be reported to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Some changes can affect your MOT authorisation and the information held by DVSA, so getting everything in order at the right time matters.
In this guide, we’ll look at the key steps involved in an MOT centre ownership change, the information you may need to provide and some of the consequences of getting it wrong.
Please note: Full information can be found on the gov.uk website – HERE – this blog is intended as an overview and our take on what is required. It does not replace or supercede any official information.
Key Steps During an MOT Centre Ownership Change
One of the first things to establish is what DVSA needs to be told about the change and when. Depending on the nature of the ownership or directorship change, this may include:
- Submitting the VT01 Form: Where required, the VT01 form, Apply to open, run or change an MOT test station, is used to provide DVSA with details of changes to the MOT Test Centre.
- Creating MOT Testing Service Accounts: New directors or other relevant individuals may need to set up their own MOT Testing Service accounts.
- Providing Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks: New partners or directors must provide basic DBS checks to verify their eligibility to operate a test station.
Update Authorised Examiner (AE) Details
An MOT centre ownership change may also mean that the details associated with the Authorised Examiner (AE) need to be updated. Changes involving directors, partners or the constitution of the business should be dealt with correctly and within the required timescales.
It’s important not to assume that an existing MOT authorisation will simply continue unchanged following a change to the business.
Review and Update Site Management
You should also review the Site Manager details held for the MOT Test Centre. If an MOT centre ownership change means that the existing Site Manager is leaving the business or their responsibilities are changing, make sure the appropriate details are updated.
The person responsible for site management needs to understand their role and the MOT Test Centre’s day-to-day compliance responsibilities. This is also a good opportunity to check that responsibilities, access and records are properly handed over rather than relying on knowledge held by the previous owner or director.
DVSA Disciplinary Action
Failing to deal correctly with an MOT centre ownership change can have serious consequences. Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
- Suspension of Testing Privileges Depending on the type of change, an MOT Test Centre may not be able to continue testing until the necessary requirements have been completed and DVSA has confirmed that testing can continue.
- Penalties Failure to notify DVSA of a change in the constitution or operation of a business, a change to, or of an approved site, or the failure to cease testing after such a change pending DVSA’s written confirmation that testing may resume could result in 500 or 100 disciplinary points.
How the Pro-Tech Team Can Assist
There’s a lot to think about when the ownership or management of an MOT Test Centre changes. Although the official requirements are available through GOV.UK and DVSA, understanding what applies to your particular situation, and making sure everything is dealt with in the right order, can be another matter.
The Pro-Tech team has significant experience supporting MOT centre ownership changes and can help you understand the process, identify what needs to be completed and make sure important steps aren’t overlooked.
We can provide:
- Documentation Support Where appropriate, we can support you with the documentation required as part of the process, including forms such as the VT01. Where legal advice is required, for example in relation to leases or other legal documents, we’ll always recommend obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified professional.
- Training and Ongoing Support An MOT centre ownership change isn’t only about completing the initial paperwork. New AEDMs, AEPs, Site Managers and other members of the team need to understand their responsibilities and the standards expected within an MOT Test Centre.
Pro-Tech provides MOT training and ongoing support to help your team maintain those standards after the ownership change has been completed. We can also help you review the policies, procedures and processes that support ongoing MOT compliance.
Need Help with an MOT Centre Ownership Change?
If you’re buying, selling or changing the ownership or directorship of an MOT Test Centre and aren’t sure what needs to happen next, the Pro-Tech team can help you work through the process.
