In December 2020, we told you about a new secure way to log into the MOT testing system (MTS) via your smartphone.
If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still log in by email or with your existing security card.
Chris Price, Head of MOT policy, takes a closer look.
From mid-February 2021, you will be able to log into MTS using an authentication app on your smartphone.
Once the app is set up, you only need to authenticate once a day, which will make it easier to access MTS.
The system will remember certain details when the authentication takes place. If any of these change, the system prompts you to authenticate again, much like a bank does.
So, if you change site location, such as visiting another garage, the system will prompt you to authenticate again.
As we rollout the app, we will stop issuing replacement and new security cards. So, from mid-February if you lose or damage your security card it won’t be replaced. From then, you will be able to login to MTS via email or by using the authentication app.
Once you’ve set up the app you will no longer be able to use the security card.
Why is this happening?
We’re making these changes to improve MTS security and make it easier to use.
Only having to authenticate once a day using the app or email will make accessing MTS quicker. Plus, new users won’t have to wait for a card before they can access the service.
When we spoke to testers about the changes, over half of them told us their preferred security method is to use an app.
How to set up the app
When the app goes live, these screens will be visible on MTS:
Step 1
Download and install an authentication app to your device, for example Authy or Microsoft authenticator. These can be found by searching online or on the App store.
Select ‘Set up authentication app’ in your MTS profile.
Step 2
You will be asked to confirm you have an app installed on your device.
Step 3
Using the camera on your device, scan the QR barcode in MTS and the app will generate a 6-digit code for you to input.
Step 4
Set up is now complete, and the app can be used to generate a 6-digit code each time you need to sign into your account.
Can I still login using my security card or via email?
Existing users will still be able to sign in via email or by using a security card, as long as the card is still working.
Once the app is set up, this replaces your security card.
New users will not have an option to apply for a security card. Login will be via app or by email.
What happens next?
Authentication by app will go live from mid-February and we will let you know before this happens.
As we rollout the app, we will remove the option for MTS users to order a new or replacement security card.
37 comments
Comment by James posted on
Great stuff dvsa 👍 99% people have smart phones I think it’s a great idea
Comment by Bradley posted on
Will be better than me losing or breaking my card all the time should be a good idea
Comment by GRAHAM BAKER posted on
i will find it much easier if i can use E mail to log in
Comment by bert posted on
So do i need an app on my phone as well as the computer I use to do my testing?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
No, just download an authentication app from your smartphone app store, sign into MTS as normal, then go to your profile page and then set up the authentication app. This process links the phone app to your profile. Once this is done the app on your phone generates a 6-digit code in the same way as a security code which MTS will recognise and allow you access.
Comment by Justin posted on
Even more faff than the security card, but getting rid of it saves you money! What happens when phone runs out of charge? Bet i cant do mots.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Signing into MTS with a security card is time consuming and means you have to enter a security code every time. For many testers this process is repeated several times a day, the app and email sign in remembers previous sign in information which enables once a day authentication.
Comment by Ian Wills posted on
I spend my life trying to ban mobile phones from Testers / Staff
Really thoughtful of DVSA - and great for health and safety !!
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Our research showed the majority of testers kept their smart phone when in the workshop However, with once a day authentication most users will not need access to their smart phone throughout the day.
Comment by Mart posted on
Do people read the article before commenting? Sounds like a great idea to me. Just to clarify for people who didn’t read it, you will still be able to use your smart card or log in using your email address.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
If you download an app, it will replace your smart card. You can still log in by email or use your card until it stops working.
Comment by myke posted on
Will it work on my 4year old Windows 10 smartphone.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
It depends if the phone allows you to download an authenticator app. It may not be possible, but give it a go. You'll still be able to log in with email or your security card if not. Thanks
Comment by myke posted on
Hi Julia, found it on Microsoft store, searched for "Microsoft authenticator" for Windows10 mobile phone, installed and ready to go. Thanks
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
thanks julia what i was asking is what is called on the app store so i can get the right app i have problems with mywords/ reading thatts all
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi - if you have and android phone, go to Play store and search for Authy or Microsoft authenticator. These and other apps that do the same thing will come up. You need to download one and, when the system goes live, follow the steps in the blog post to link to the MTS system that you log into to carry out/record tests. The same goes if you have an Apple phone. Thanks.
Comment by Sanj Sharma posted on
Good idea let's hope it goes smoothly
Comment by Stephen Ball posted on
I couldn't find the app.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi - if you have and android phone, go to Play store and search for Authy or Microsoft authenticator. These and other apps that do the same thing will come up. You need to download one and, when the system goes live, follow the steps in the blog post to link to the MTS system that you log into to carry out/record tests. The same goes if you have an Apple phone. Thanks.
Comment by Tony Maun posted on
Hope it lasts all day unlike the email sign in which doesn’t !!!
Comment by Mark Marsden posted on
No thanks unless you supply a smartphone
Comment by Kev posted on
While I do agree that this is a step forward, it does also raise the question why I should use my own personal phone or tablet for my employers benefit ?
The employer won’t let employees connect to wireless, so they would be using their own data plans to access.
It will also raise the question why employees are using their phones in work time, but then it’s unfair for the employer to expect it be ok to log into the MOT service on my phone but not to answer an important call or text ??
Just a thought !!!
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Thank you for your comments. You will still be able to log in by email.
Comment by trevor harris posted on
didnt ask me,what if as my phone fails and security card not replaceable no way i can sign on???
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
You can still log in by email. This has been in use for some time and will continue.
Comment by Hamish Benton posted on
What is the name of the App I'm struggling to find it
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi - if you have and android phone, go to Play store and search for Authy or Microsoft authenticator. These and other apps that do the same thing will come up. You need to download one and, when the system goes live, follow the steps in the blog post to link to the MTS system that you log into to carry out/record tests. The same goes if you have an Apple phone.
Comment by Stephen Parsons posted on
Great thanks 👌
Comment by john stratford posted on
Are you going to supply me with a mobile for work or pay for my service provider ?? Why should I use my personal phone for your business??
Do you really think this is making things more secure ? I think it will actually allow more fraud by unscrupulous testers .
I will only do this when you provide a works phone and service .
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
You don't have to use the app if you don't want to. The blog post gives other ways of logging into the service.
Comment by Kev posted on
Only until the card breaks!! Then we are supposed to get a smartphone?? Don’t think so
Comment by dave posted on
it clearly tells you you can log in via email. the cards that we use at the minute are not the futer move forward or you will get left behind.
Comment by Peter adams posted on
What if you don’t have a phone some people don’t want a phone
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
The second sentence in the blog post says 'If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still log in by email or with your existing security card.'
Comment by Tony James ryan posted on
Brilliant idea
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
what is the app going to be called so we can look it up on the app store and will it work on a apple phone
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Under step 1 in the blog post, it says: 'Download and install an authentication app to your device, for example Authy or Microsoft authenticator.' You have to download an authentication app for this to work and the blog post gives all the steps to take. As it says in the blog post, you will be able to do this from mid February. This blog post it to give advance notice. You can find an authentication app in the App store or Google Play store.