A newly launched app is being aimed at drivers wanting to overcome the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) computer glitch on the renewal of vehicle MoT test certificates.

A DVSA software malfunction means that testing centres have been forced to issue old-style MoT paper certificates to overcome the problem, fuelling issues for motorists on system entry delays and safeguarding certificates either lost or misplaced.

However, drivers can now take advantage of Boxtoff which enables documents to be instantly scanned and securely uploaded to a dedicated motoring folder, using a desk top computer or mobile device. 

Car registration, insurance and driving licence details can also be filed, together with car tax expiry info, keeping motorists legal with its automated renewal reminder feature and email alert system.

Up to five documents can be filed for free using Boxtoff Lite.  Unlimited storage is available for the upgraded Boxtoff Premium version at 99p.

Both versions of the app allow users to auto dial emergency numbers in the event of an accident or breakdown as well as send enquiries via email. 

Boxtoff also provides a solution to motorists concerned about losing their paper driving licence with its forthcoming abolition by the DVSA.  Filing a copy of your paper licence online could prove useful when renting a car in the UK or abroad in the future, as this version may continue to be mandatory ID amongst reputable car rental companies.

DVSA computer glitch

The known issues include difficulties printing duplicate MoT certificates if originally recorded on the old MOT Comp system.

As a temporary workaround to address this difficulty, the agency recommended referring customers to another local garage using the old MoT comp system that can issue duplicates for a £10 fee, or contacting the DVSA customer service centre for a copy at the same price.

Other known issues identified by the agency, along with suggested workarounds, include:

  •  Potential problems with carrying out retesting during the first ten days of using the new MOT system; recording retests has since been "simplified"
  • Contingency tests are currently being recorded by the new service as being carried out at 1am on the day of testing; no workaround is available at present
  • Historic odometer readers are missing from the new service; no workaround is again available
  • Difficulties with the size of printed text on testing certificates; businesses recommended to check their printer settings