Issue Date April 2011
General
1. Penalty points for shortcomings of method in an observed test will be scored according to the tables in
this Appendix. Where no testable item within a section or sub-section is assessed the section or sub-
section scores will be applied.
2. Items that the presenter may have difficulty observing during a mystery shopper check are shaded
grey. VOSA will take this into account if disciplinary action is to be considered.
3. The term assistant for a VTS authorised to use an ATL or OPTL means the appropriate equipment
used to replace the assistant.
Retests
4. The extent of test required is set out in Section B5. For such retests, penalty points will only be awarded
for shortcomings in those parts of the test that you were required to do (excluding non testable
advisories).
5. In all other circumstances, regardless of whether a fee is actually charged, a full retest must be carried
out. The penalty for incorrect test methods will be limited to 30 points if;
a.
the vehicle was failed by the same NT at the same VTS within the preceding ten working days;
b.
all items that had failed the previous test have been re-examined using normal test procedures and
equipment; and
c.
all items that could reasonably be expected to have been affected by the repairs following the
previous test have been re-examined using normal test procedures and equipment.
Penalty points will not be limited in this way if a full retest is required and any of the three conditions
above is not met.
Split Testing
6. ‘Split testing' is when an NT who signs a VT20 or VT30 personally assessed some, but not all the
testable items and has relied on another person’s assessment of the remaining items. Those items so
assessed will be regarded as not having been examined but the maximum penalty for those items will be
limited to;
a.
30 points if the other person was also a qualified NT at that VTS or;
b.
50 points if the other person was not a qualified NT at that VTS.
Appendix 8.3 – Incorrect Test Methods
8.3
