You will need to meet the eligibility criteria and pass several qualifications before you can become an MOT tester in the United Kingdom.
This section explains how to take a tester qualification course and then pass a DVSA demonstration test. To stay qualified as an MOT tester you will also need to complete (and pass) annual training and assessment.
The first step will be the most important if you want to carry out MOT tests at an authorised testing station. You can use the section below to check that you meet all the rules relating to the eligibility criteria.
The next step is to complete the MOT tester course (class 1, 2, 4, and 7). The information below explains how to apply and what the theory and practical courses will involve.
After getting the level 2 MOT testing certificate you would need to pass the DVSA MOT demonstration test (class 1, 2, 4, and 7).
As a qualified MOT tester you need to complete your annual training and pass an assessment (between April and March). Another section explains MOT tester training and annual assessments in greater detail.
Completing an MOT testing course is a vital part of becoming an authorised examiner. The prerequisites for taking the MOT tester qualification course include:
There are further eligibility requirements for becoming a class 3 or 5 MOT tester. In this case, you must already have:
MOT course providers only accept certain types of qualifications or accreditations from candidates wanting to test class 3, 4, 5, or 7 vehicles (meaning cars, private buses, and light commercial vehicles). The list of accepted qualifications includes:
According to the GOV.UK website you can hold a National Vocational Qualification, Scottish Vocational Qualification, or Vocationally Related Qualification in:
A City and Guilds qualification also meets the prerequisites providing it is in:
Note: Certain types of other qualifications (and equivalents) also meet the accepted standard for taking the MOT testing course, such as:
Providing you have a valid IMI or ATA accreditation ID card, you will be accepted for participation in the MOT tester qualification course with an Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Accreditation or Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) in:
Note: As a rule, an ABC Awards Accreditation in Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment or a City and Guild Pre-Vehicle Testing Assessment (3428-01) would also meet the grade.
Successful completion of the MOT testing course (class 1, 2, 4 and 7) is a prerequisite of becoming an MOT tester. You will need to show that you meet the eligible requirements before you apply.
You can search online to find an approved MOT tester qualification course (further details below). The course provider will charge a fee for conducting the MOT tester training.
Note: Course providers set their own prices. But, you should expect to pay at least £1,500 + VAT.
Tester training covers a minimum of 29 hours of theory and practical modules. At least eight (8) hours of the course will be 'hands-on' practical training.
The five separate parts of the MOT tester course (class 1, 2, 4, and 7) are:
You will get detailed information from the course provider about how the assessments work. But, you will need to pass (both):
When you have completed your training the course provider will give you a Level 2 MOT Testing Award in (either):
Note: The certificate you receive is needed to book and take a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency MOT demonstration test.
You can perform your vehicle testing demonstration once you get the level 2 MOT testing certificate. The MOT demonstration test is free of charge and can be carried out at (either):
There are several ways you can prepare before booking the demo test. For example, you should:
You should have already carried out an MOT test by yourself (without assistance) before you book the demonstration. Follow these five basic steps for booking the test:
DVSA Customer Service Centre
Telephone: 0300 123 9000 (choose option 2, then option 4)
Open Monday to Friday: 7:30am to 6pm
Call charges to 0300 numbers.
When taking the actual vehicle testing exam you will need to bring:
Important: Failing to bring all these things with you means the DVSA examiner will cancel your test.
The DVSA examiner will provide you with full instructions on what you have to do. But, you will need to:
Passing the demonstration test means you will be able to start doing MOT tests at the testing stations where you are already a registered tester (listed in the MOT testing service).
What happens if you should fail the demonstration test? In this case, the DVSA examiner will provide you with feedback on your performance and give you further advice on what to do next.
You can also become a class 3 or 5 MOT tester by taking another training course and the demonstration test.
The prerequisite for class 3 (e.g. 3-wheeled vehicles over 450 kg unladen weight, minibuses, taxis) and class 5 (e.g. ambulances, private passenger vehicles, motor caravans) tester training includes:
You can find a class 3 or 5 training course by emailing the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). There will be a fee to pay once you book it with the course provider.
DVSA
Email: [email protected]
Note: Course providers set the prices. Charges can vary depending on where you book the training.
A successful completion will result in a certificate. You cannot book and take a DVSA MOT demonstration test without the certificate. You would also need to pass the demo test before working as a class 3 or 5 MOT tester.
Important: Do not enter the details of your certificate on the MOT testing service.
A DVSA examiner will test you at (either):
There are several ways you can prepare for the demonstration test. For example, you should:
When you call the DVSA (details above) to book your class 3 or 5 test exam you will need:
The examiner from the DVSA will check:
The DVSA examiner will provide you with full instructions on what you have to do. But, you will need to:
Passing the demonstration test means you will be able to start doing class 3 or 5 MOT tests at a testing station authorised to test these vehicle classes.
What happens if you should fail the demonstration test? In this case, the DVSA examiner will provide you with feedback on your performance and give you further advice on what to do next.
To stay qualified you will need to complete your MOT tester training and annual assessments some time between April the 1st and the 31st of March in the following year.
Despite being able to choose when you complete the training and assessment, as a vehicle tester you are responsible for:
Note: The DVSA published a short video [1:29 seconds] for MOT testers highlighting some of the major changes to the MOT since May 2018.
You can make a return to MOT testing after an absence. But, you would need to have extra training and take a test. The exact procedure for returning to MOT testing will depend on:
If you received a formal warning or a disciplinary period you would need to complete all the steps before you can start testing again.
Testers who stop voluntarily would need to complete all the steps before they can start testing again.
MOT Vehicle Testing and Approval
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday: 7:30am to 6pm
Information on call charges.
The information that they will ask you for includes:
Completing an approved MOT tester (or manager qualification course) is a requirement for becoming an MOT tester (or an MOT manager).
You can search online to find the contact details of a course provider. The GOV.UK website has a page to help you find an MOT tester or manager course near to your location.
Note: After entering your postcode into the online facility it will give you a list of relevant results and how to contact them.
Testers can use the online MOT testing service to record test results, update examiner details, and to check and buy MOT slots. You can also:
Contact the service desk if you need further help:
MOT Testing Service Desk
Telephone: 0330 123 5654
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: 8am to 2pm
Phone call charge rates.
The main overview section has further advice and information for anyone who is running a transport and driving business (e.g. an MOT testing station).
How to Become an MOT Tester in the United Kingdom