Test Quality Information (TQI) is updated once per month, at the start of each month, and is based on your testing activity from the previous full calendar month.

Although the data is only refreshed monthly, the DVSA expects testers and garages to review this information regularly and use it to monitor testing standards over time. As a minimum, you should review your TQI every month when new data becomes available.

However, best practice is to:

• Review TQI monthly as soon as the new data is released
• Revisit trends regularly to spot patterns over time
• Compare results across multiple months, not just one snapshot

The MOT Testing Service allows you to view:

• The last full calendar month
• The last 3 full calendar months

Looking at a longer period helps you understand whether patterns are consistent or just short-term variation. According to DVSA guidance, testers should:

• Access their Test Quality Information reports via the MOT testing service
• Compare their personal performance with site and national averages
• Question and understand any differences in results

TQI should be used as a starting point, not a final judgement. Differences in data do not automatically mean something is wrong, but they should always be understood. When looking at your TQI data, you’ll typically see:

• Number of tests carried out
• Average age of vehicles tested
• Your failure rate vs site and national averages
• Test durations
• Component failure rates

This information is grouped by vehicle class:

• Group A (Classes 1 & 2)
• Group B (Classes 3, 4, 5 & 7)

Each group is displayed separately, so it’s important to review the correct category based on the vehicles you test. It’s important to understand that differences in your data are not always a problem. For example:

• A higher failure rate may be expected if you test older vehicles
• Certain component failures may be higher depending on location or vehicle type

The key is to:

• Identify unusual or consistent differences
• Understand why those differences exist
• Record your findings where appropriate

If something doesn’t look right, you should:

• Check the MOT inspection manual
• Speak to other testers or your site manager
• Review your testing approach

Because TQI is based on patterns over time, reviewing it regularly helps you:

• Stay aware of your testing performance
• Identify trends early
• Avoid surprises during DVSA inspections
• Demonstrate that you are actively monitoring your standards

The DVSA may use this data when preparing for site visits, so being familiar with your own TQI is essential. Since your TQI data updates once per month, and it's not possible to view TQI for previous months, we recommend reviewing your TQI data once per month noting any differences to the national averages.

Reviewing your TQI data monthly ensures you're always aware of your testing patterns, and you're more likely to understand and explain any big differences to national averages because it'll all have happened no longer than 30 days ago.

This also demonstrates to DVSA that you're managing and staying on top of your compliance activites.