New app helps keep Britain’s roads safe

Every year, assessors from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test the safety of more than one million commercial vehicles. Traditionally a clipboard and paper process, it has been revamped with the help of a new app we created and built in the cloud.

The app is the first step in the DVSA's digital transformation project, devised to make life simpler for customers and staff. Here’s how it’s making jobs easier, processes smoother and, ultimately, Britain’s roads safer.

An end to testing times

The app, added to DVSA mobile devices, allows assessors to check and record all aspects of a vehicle’s safety digitally. They can scan licence plates for immediate access to its test history and take and upload photos of any faults. When a vehicle passes, it is certified instantly.

Besides making the process more efficient, it improves data accuracy and reduces certificate errors. It also makes the test more transparent for customers.

“Previously, if a truck failed a test because of faulty brakes, only the paperwork would tell a new tester what the problem was. Staff no longer have to rely on the customer to provide the paperwork, as the digital record will be accurate and available in real time,” explained Jamie Turner from Deloitte Digital.

It also means enforcement teams out on the roads have up-to-date data at their fingertips, so they can more easily identify unsafe and non-compliant vehicles.

Start of a journey

The app, launched in early 2019, is the first stage of the journey. Using only server-less technologies means it’s infinitely scalable and cost effective. The transformation will include a new website that allows customers to manage their accounts, track their test history and top up credit balances. Other new products will redesign and rebuild back-end services.

“We’re making sure we’re helping all types of users – back-office employees, frontline staff and customers – through new technology,” continued Jamie. “We’re giving the DVSA access to better information to help people do their jobs and ensure safety on our roads.”