Yes – if you have a criminal conviction you can still become an MOT Tester but it will depend on the offence involved and the punishment that was given.
This is what the MOT Guide has to say –
“The DVSA understand that certain convictions can be emotive in nature and as such DVSA will take into consideration any conviction which is defined to be a serious offence. The DVSA considers a serious offence to be defined as any unspent criminal conviction of an individual or business entity to which that individual had an association to, where any of the following has been imposed: a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of three months or more, a fine exceeding level 4 on the standard scale (currently £2500), a community service order (or equivalent) requiring unpaid work for more than 60 hours, any punishment outside the UK corresponding to the above. If the conviction does not fall under these categories then the conviction will be considered acceptable for participation within the MOT scheme, unless there are grounds for consideration as part of an individual’s good repute.”
In real terms then – A 1 or 2 month suspended or served sentence should be fine, A fine that was less than level 4 should be fine, A community service order for less than 60 hours should be fine.
TIP – Always follow the guidelines in Appendix 7.3 in the MOT Guide. Download/print and keep a copy of that appendix from the Guide with the application form so if the rules change, a candidate can show that they were within the rules at the time of application.