Notes for Guidance and Code of Practice for Informal Hearings Foreword 1. These notes explain the procedures for informal hearings which may be held as part of the process of determining appeals from; ·   Authorised  Examiners  (AE),  Designated  Councils  (DC),  Nominated  Testers  (NT)  and  Designated Council Inspectors (DCI) who have been served with a statutory Notice of   Cessation   of   their authorisation, designation or approval to test. ·   applicants who have been served with a Notice of Intent to Refuse their application for authorisation, designation or approval to test.   These notes should be read in conjunction with Requirements for Authorisation Application Pack, Sections E and I of the MOT Testing Guide. 2. The Statutory requirements in relation to appeals are contained in the Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981  as  amended.    The  Regulations  provide  that  where  those  who  have  been  served  with  a  statutory notice wish to make representations to the effect that; ·   their authorisation, designation or approval should not cease or should be restored, or that; ·   their application for authorisation, designation or approval to test should be approved; they should make such representations in writing within 14 working days from the date of the notice (Regulations 10 (1) (c) and 8 (9) respectively). All written representations or statements should fully set out your case and all the evidence you wish to rely upon.    The availability of informal hearings does not affect the terms of the Regulations. Informal Hearings provide an additional process whereby cases may be put personally to officials in VOSA’s Appeals Section.    Requests for a Hearing 3. Requests will normally be granted.  If you  wish your case to be heard at a hearing it is in your interests to submit your request to the local VOSA Office as soon as possible after you have received the Notice of Cessation or Intent to Refuse to Authorise, Approve or Designate.  This can be made by letter or fax.  A date for the hearing will be offered by the Appeals Section.  You will be permitted to refuse the first date offered. Who May Attend the Hearing 4. You may attend and/or be represented by your trade association, consultant or legal representative.  The Appeals Section may arrange for VOSA personnel involved in the disciplinary or intended refusal action to attend the hearing where their evidence is at issue. Appendix 8.8 – Informal Hearings   8.8 The MOT Testing Guide   Issue Date February 2010