Last modified: 2026-08-17
Abstract
Annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) inspections are a legal requirement for vehicles over three years old in the United Kingdom. Despite this, existing digital services supporting MOT compliance and booking remain fragmented, offering limited functionality in terms of comparison, personalisation, and user engagement. This paper presents MOT+, an Android‑based mobile application designed to unify MOT booking, automated reminders, and garage comparison within a single platform. The system integrates AI‑driven chatbot support, location‑based garage search, real‑time MOT reminders with calendar synchronisation, and gamification features aimed at improving user motivation and engagement.
A mixed‑methods evaluation was conducted. Quantitative findings indicate high perceived usefulness of the chatbot (M = 4.2/5) and strong appreciation for automated MOT reminders (M = 4.5/5), while gamification demonstrated a moderate positive effect on booking motivation (M = 3.9/5). Qualitative feedback highlighted improved clarity of MOT‑related information and reduced reliance on complex government websites.
The results align with the Technology Acceptance Model and Self‑Determination Theory, suggesting that perceived ease of use, usefulness, and intrinsic motivation are key drivers of adoption in AI‑enabled public service applications. This study contributes practical insights into the design of unified MOT platforms and extends existing work on chatbot integration and gamification in mobile public services.