VOSA
This review of The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) provides visitors to our web site with a general overview of the workings of this organisation. Contact details and other information is given below to direct motorists to important and relevant sections of the VOSA web site.
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has closed. It’s been replaced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was formed on 1st April 2003 following the merger of the Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network division of the Department for Transport. VOSA provides a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services with the aim of improving the road worthiness standards of vehicles ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers, and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners.
Check the MOT status of a vehicle
Enter vehicle details to see the date of the last MOT test, the mileage at the time of the MOT test and the expiry date of the MOT test. Before you start, you will need the vehicle registration mark and either:
• The MOT test number (you can get this from the VT20 test certificate or the VT30 refusal certificate).
• The document reference number from the V5C registration certificate (logbook) if you don’t have the MOT test number.
Vehicle identity check
The Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) has been introduced to help reduce vehicle crime. It is intended to deter criminals from disguising stolen cars with the identity of written off or scrapped vehicles.
Checks when buying a used car
You can reduce the risk of buying a stolen vehicle by following these steps. Before you see the vehicle:
1. Ask the seller for the registration number, make and model and MOT test number.
2. Use DVLA’s online vehicle enquiry service to check that the details you’ve been given match their records.
3. Check that the vehicle’s MOT is up to date, and the MOT history matches the details you’ve been given.
Vehicle recalls database
This database records all UK recalls from manufacturers. If a manufacturer has reason to recall a vehicle it will contact the VOSA who then assign it a unique recall number, which is also transmitted to the DVLA should vehicle owners need to be notified.