K. Police vehicle defect rectification scheme (VDRS)
What the vehicle defect rectification scheme is, when police may issue a vehicle defect rectification form, the role of the VTS in the VDRS scheme, what fees the VTS can set for VDRS.
At the end of 1986 all police forces in England, Wales and Scotland introduced the vehicle defect rectification scheme (VDRS). The aim was to improve road safety by checking that defects noted by the police are put right, something that prosecution does not necessarily ensure. Authorised examiners (AEs) are invited to take part in the VDRS scheme because of their experience in such work, but co-operation is voluntary.
Queries about the procedure, the content or completion of defect forms, see Role of the VTS and other relevant matters should be directed to the police force that issued the document, not the department or DVSA.
When a police officer finds a fault on any vehicle that is, or will be, required to pass an MOT test, they may issue a vehicle defect rectification form instead of advising or prosecuting the driver or issuing a prohibition notice. Once the defect is rectified, the form is endorsed by a tester to confirm that this has been done adequately.
The driver or owner must then return the completed form in the manner instructed on the form within the specified time, usually 14 days to avoid prosecution for the defects. Alternatively, to avoid prosecution, the driver or owner may produce evidence that the vehicle has been scrapped.
A vehicle testing station (VTS) may be asked to verify that the faults have been rectified and to endorse the form, or to rectify the faults as well. If a vehicle is presented at a VTS that is not authorised to test that class of vehicle, the driver should be told to go to an appropriate station (unless the defects are absolutely straightforward – for example, a light not working).
A tester should carry out the examination and once satisfied that all defects listed on the form (whether an MOT testable defect or not) have been properly rectified complete the appropriate section. If the tester cannot satisfy them self that the defects listed have been rectified, they must not endorse the form. The tester need only be satisfied that the listed defects have been rectified; other faults that may be noted during the examination should be brought to the attention of the presenter.
To endorse the form, you may use any embossing stamp or ordinary rubber stamp that includes the business name and phone number. Ideally this should also include your VTS number, but this can be added by hand if you don’t have a stamp that includes it.
There is no set fee for this examination; the charge is a commercial matter for agreement between the presenter and the VTS.
This police-initiated examination is quite separate from the statutory testing duties. The vehicle must not be registered via the MOT testing service and MOT documents must not be used in connection with it. However, any malpractice in connection with the VDRS scheme could lead to loss of repute and disciplinary action against AEs or testers within the MOT service.