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MOT Tester Annual Training and Assessments

The new DVSA model for MOT annual training and assessment replaces the old 5-year refresher course. Instead, it follows the continuing professional development (CPD) model.

So, how does the CPD model affect tester responsibilities? In simple terms, it means you can update your skills each year as part of a more 'manageable' refresher course.

How to Stay Qualified as an MOT Tester

The information in this section explains how to complete your yearly training and take the ‘reauthorisation’ assessment.

Check how many training hours you need to do to stay qualified. Further details cover the process for booking an assessment and recording the result.

Staying qualified as an MOT tester means completing the required training and passing an assessment each year.

Thus, you will be responsible for recording your training as you complete it (some time between the start of April and the end of the following March).

But, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), anyone becoming an MOT tester after the 1st of May 2020 would not need to start their refresher training until after the 1st of May 2021.

Important: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will suspend your MOT tester status if you do not pass the required annual assessment.

MOT testers will need to:

  1. Complete a minimum of three (3) hours of training each year (and sixteen hours in five years).
  2. Keep proper records of the training for at least five (5) years.
  3. Book and take the assessment through one of the authorised providers (e.g. IMI).
  4. Record the result of the assessment in the correct section of the MOT testing service profile.


Planning Your Training

As an MOT tester, your personal responsibilities include planning and doing your own training every year. Once you have completed at least three hours you will also need to book yourself a final ‘reauthorisation’ assessment (and pass it to maintain your tester status).

There are several ways you can complete your MOT refresher training. You can choose to study by yourself (e.g. eLearning) or you can join other testers as a group.

Either way, some of your learning methods should include:

  • Studying the current MOT manuals and special notices (including the testing guide for test stations).
  • Having discussions with other testers (e.g. in a group) and performing practice demonstrations.
  • Learning about any content and regulation changes from a tester with more experience.

Note: Booking a training course through one of the providers is another way to complete your annual training (e.g. ABC Awards, City & Guilds, or the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Costs vary according to the course provider).

Topics You Need to Study

There are two different topics to study and learn about depending on what type of vehicles you test. So, if you test class 1 and 2 vehicles you should be studying the topics in ‘group A’. Whereas, testers of vehicles in class 3, 4, 5, and 7 should study the modules in ‘group B’.

Class 1 and 2 (Group A)

As part of their annual training, MOT testers of vehicles in group A need to know about:

  • Testing standards updates since 2018 (by choosing ‘see all updates’ in the inspection manual).
  • Using MOT test quality information to monitor your standards of testing.
  • How to update the details of your user profile on the MOT testing service.
  • Vehicle identification.
  • Tyres, lighting, and brakes.
  • The introduction section of the MOT inspection manual for group A vehicles.

Class 3, 4, 5 and 7 (Group B)

As part of your MOT tester training and annual assessments for vehicles in group B, you need to know about:

  • DVSA MOT Tester Training and Annual Assessments in the United KingdomTesting standards updates since 2018 (by choosing ‘see all updates’ in the inspection manual).
  • Using MOT test quality information to monitor your standards of testing.
  • How to update the details of your user profile on the MOT testing service.
  • Vehicle identification.
  • Tyres, lighting, brakes, and suspension.
  • The driver’s view of the road.
  • The introduction section of the MOT inspection manual for group B vehicles.

MOT Testers of Group A and B Vehicles

What if you test vehicles in both groups (A and B)? If this is the case, you would need to study all the topics in both groups.

Important: Anyone who tests vehicles in both group A and group B would also need to train for a minimum of six (6) hours each year (not three) and they would need to take two (2) MOT tester annual assessments.

Keeping Records of the Training

According to the latest information on the GOV.UK website you must keep a record of your training for at least five (5) years. The content that you will need to record includes:

  • The MOT annual training year, the date you trained, and how long the session lasted.
  • What particular topics you covered during the training session (including notes on what you did, how you did it, and what you learned).
  • Which vehicle groups your training covered.
  • Your name and MOT testing service user ID.

Even though there is no set format to follow you must keep a record of your yearly training. The DVSA produces a template to record the annual training required by MOT testers.

Note: Failing to keep training records can result in disciplinary action taken by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency – which may also affect your tester status.


Taking the Annual Assessment

Once you have completed the training you will be able to receive your assessment any time during the same year. You can book an MOT annual assessment through one of the providers (payment details above).

Online Assessment Procedures

Testers take the annual assessment online, often at home or at the premises of the provider. As a rule, it will take around 45 minutes to complete the 30 multiple-choice test questions.

The DVSA provide examples of the kinds of multiple-choice questions asked in an annual assessment (and the correct answers).

Note: The assessors will allow you to use your own guidance notes and the MOT inspection manual during the evaluation.

Passing the Annual Assessment

The pass mark is 80% for the current year’s assessment. But, it may change. Assuming you pass, you will receive a certificate to keep with your training record.

You should record your assessment result in your MOT testing service profile (like you record MOT test results). However, you should select the section titled ‘Annual assessment certificates’ instead.

What happens if you fail the assessment? If you do not pass you can take it again during the same year. There is no limit on how many times you resit the test.

Not Passing the Assessment in the Training Year

If you do not pass the assessment in the training year you would need to complete the MOT training and pass the annual assessment on the topics that relate to the next year.

After passing, you would then need to request and pass an MOT demonstration test by calling the DVSA. You would need to give them your MOT testing service user ID and the MOT centre number where you will take the test.

DVSA Customer Services
Email: [email protected]

DVSA Headquarters
DVSA
Berkeley House
Croydon Street
Bristol
BS5 0DA

Important: You must discontinue carrying out MOT tests if you do not pass before the training year ends. The DVSA would also suspend your MOT testing account.



MOT Tester Training and Annual Assessments in the United Kingdom