DVSA’s ambition to go paperless takes another step next month when it commences rolling out digital annual test certificates for HGVs.

From 29 April, paper copies of certificates will no longer be issued when a vehicle passes its test.

The DVSA said results will be uploaded to the system “almost instantly” and the changes would save operators and businesses time by not having to file or keep certificates.

The shift towards a digital service also means that operators will no longer need to contact DVSA to replace lost copies of their annual test certificates, which previously cost £13.00.

The agency said a switch over to digital would also help operators reduce an overreliance on paper within the industry and will help lower their environmental impact.

Certificates can now be viewed, downloaded and printed freely from the MOT History Service, which has been delivered through the commercial vehicle service (CVS) project.

Gordon Thompson DVSA head of vehicle testing said: “The CVS project has been a great success for operators across the country.”

“These latest improvements will make our services more efficient and streamlined for operators and cut down on the amount of paperwork we all have to work with.”

“We look forward to working with the industry to further develop our digital services.”

For the time being, DVSA will continue to provide paper copies of failure certificates to ensure that operators are fully aware of vehicle repairs that are required.

Going forward, HGV operators, transport managers, drivers, and ATFs will be encouraged to make the swap to DVSA’s digital services to view test data and certificates.

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