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Abbreviations
Abandon
The term used when a test cannot be completed because the NT considers it unsafe to continue or because it becomes apparent during the test that certain items cannot be satisfactorily inspected. An appropriate fee may be charged for the test.
Abort
The term used when a test cannot be completed because of a problem with the VTS’s/DC’s testing equipment or the NT. No fee may be charged for the test.
AE
Authorised Examiner – the organisation that operates and manages one or more VTSs and is responsible for controlling the quality of testing carried out. Except in the case of a ‘sole trader’ the AE is not a person but a legal entity (e.g. a company or partnership).
ATL
Automated Test Lane – These are lanes authorised by VOSA for use in the automated mode.
Bodied vehicles
A bodied vehicle is defined as ‘a vehicle with a structure consisting/comprising of a floor pan and panels which, with a roof fully encloses the vehicle occupants and without a roof encloses them other than where the roof would be’. As a guide, if the driver sits in the vehicle with surrounding structure it would be classed as bodied.
Bus
A motor vehicle which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers (see also Minibus).
Catch Up
The process by which testing test data recorded while testing under Emergency Testing is subsequently entered via the VTS Device.
Coach
A motor vehicle which is constructed or adapted to carry more than 16 seated passengers, with a DGW of more than 7,500kg and a maximum speed in excess of 60mph.
CPD
Continuing Professional Development
DGW
Design Gross Weight – i.e. the maximum gross weight that the vehicle was designed to operate at by the manufacturer. This is normally found on the manufacturer’s plate fixed to the vehicle, or in the case of older or heavier vehicles by a `Ministry Plate’. Such plates are not required on all vehicles.
DVSA
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
ET
Emergency Testing, the process by which testing may continue when the computerised system is not available due to a wide scale failure affecting a significant number of VTSs.
Fallback
The process by which testing may continue when the computerised system is not available at a VTS, for example, following the breakdown of the VTS Device.
Fallback Review
The process by which test data recorded while testing under Fallback is subsequently confirmed on the MOT computer database.
Immediately
Taking place without delay.
Large Class 4
A Class 4 vehicle with a DGW greater than 2500kg.
LVI
Light Vehicle Inspection
MAM
Maximum Authorised Mass – The maximum gross weight permissible in GB.
Minibus
A motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than eight but no more than sixteen seated passengers (see also Bus).
Ministry Plate
Displays the maximum authorised weights at which a vehicle may be operated. This information supersedes the maximum weights displayed on the Manufacturer’s plate.
MoI
Method of Inspection.
MOT
Ministry of Transport test for car safety
NT
Nominated Tester – a person nominated by an AE to carry out tests, Inspectors appointed by Designated Councils to carry out tests, all of which are approved by VOSA. Also VOSA staff appointed under section 66A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
NTT
Nominated Tester Training
NTTA
Nominated Tester Technical Assessment
OPTL
One Person Test Lane. These are lanes authorised by VOSA to conduct testing where the tester has the option of not using an assistant if so desired.
Password
Personal Identification, used in conjunction with a Smart Card to access the MOT database via the VTS device. Can be numbers or letters, or a combination of both.
QC
Quality Control.
RfR
Reason for Rejection.
Replacement manual pages
Replacement pages are normally sent out under a Special Notice. They must be inserted into the manual immediately. Superseded pages should be removed.
Siemens
Siemens IT Solutions and Services Ltd – Service provider for MOT Computerisation.
Smart Card
A card issued to an authorised user to access the MOT database via the VTS Device.
SN
Special Notice – an official notice issued from time to time by VOSA to inform AEs, NTs and other system users of changes to the testing scheme. SNs may also be used to highlight areas of concern and to advise of developments of the scheme.
ULW
Unladen Weight – The weight of a vehicle inclusive of the body and all parts which are ordinarily used with the vehicle when working on a road. Unladen weight does not include the weight of water or fuel used for the propulsion of the vehicle, or of loose tools and loose equipment.
VOSA
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.
VSI
Vehicle Specific Information, provided to NTs to aid the correct assessment of a vehicle under test.
VT20
An MOT Test Certificate which includes the English/Welsh dual language version (VT20W).
VT20 ET
An MOT Test Certificate for issue during a period of Emergency Testing.
VT30
A notice of refusal of a MOT Test Certificate including the Welsh counterpart (VT30W).
VT32
An Advisory Notice – issued to advise of items of concern identified during the test that do not justify the refusal of a test certificate.
VT40
MOT Inspection Check List used by a NT during a test for vehicles other than motor bicycles (see VT40M).
VT40M
Motor bicycle MOT Inspection Check List used by a NT during a test.
VTS
Vehicle Test Station.
VTS Device
The Computer device installed at each VTS on which each test must be registered, from which MOT documentation is produced and to perform certain administrative functions.
V5/V5C
Vehicle log book/registration certificate. Issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency