The new MOT annual training year is here, and if you are a qualified MOT tester, now is the time to get organised. The MOT Annual Training 2026/27 year runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, and every tester must complete their training and pass the annual assessment before that deadline.
Getting ahead of it makes life so much easier, so here is everything you need to know.
Why does MOT annual training matter?
Annual training is a DVSA requirement for every qualified MOT tester. It replaced the old five-year refresher course back in 2016, and since then the responsibility has sat firmly with individual testers. If you do not complete your training and pass the MOT Annual Training 2026/27 assessment before 31 March 2027, your MOT tester status will be suspended. That means you will not be able to carry out MOT tests until the records are brought up to date, which is a situation no one wants.
The training is also genuinely valuable. The topics change each year to reflect areas where DVSA data shows testers need support, so completing it properly helps you stay sharp and confident in your work.
What are the MOT annual training 2026/27 topics?
For this training year, DVSA has confirmed the following topics for both Group A (motorcycles) and Group B (cars and passenger vehicles) testers. You can also find a comprehensive list of the MOT Annual Training 2026/27 topics from the IMI here.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment:
All testers will be assessed on their knowledge of lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment. This is a broad area covering headlamp aim, headlamp conversions (including halogen to LED or HID), lighting requirements, setting up headlamp test equipment, identifying the beam image, multi-function lamps, and compliance requirements. It is worth spending good time here as the subject matter is detailed.
Information in the MOT Testing Guide:
The second topic area covers information in the MOT Testing Guide. Testers can expect questions on training logs, driving licence requirements, convictions and notification obligations, aborting or abandoning a test, replacement and duplicate certificates, grounds to refuse or decline a test, discipline, and what happens if a vehicle is damaged during a test. Essentially, this is the procedural knowledge that underpins the whole scheme.
Braking:
Braking is the third topic area. For Group A testers this includes linked brake systems, while Group B covers electrical mechanical brakes, 4×4 vehicle testing, and identifying dual purpose vehicles and the correct brake test for Class 4.
The MOT inspection manuals:
Finally, testers will be assessed on the MOT inspection manuals. Both groups will be tested on tyres and suspension. Group A testers will also be asked about sidecars, handlebar condition, and forks and yokes. Group B testers will cover suspension components including ball joints and anti-roll bars, subframes, and emissions and smoke testing, including kit cars, different engine types, and vehicle conversions.
How many hours do you need?
If you test Group A vehicles only, or Group B vehicles only, you need to complete a minimum of three hours of training and pass one annual assessment for the MOT Annual Training 2026/27. If you are qualified to test both Group A and Group B vehicles, you need a minimum of six hours of training and must pass two annual assessments, one for each group. Your training must be recorded on your MTS profile, and a record must be kept and available to show a DVSA Vehicle Examiner on a site visit.
What are the ways to complete your training?
There is no single required method for completing your annual training, which means you can choose an approach that genuinely suits you and your station. At The MOT Group, we work with testers and sites nationwide and offer a few different ways to get it done, always with the focus on practical understanding rather than simply ticking a box.
Group sessions. Our classroom-based group sessions are a great option for testers who want structured support and the chance to ask questions in real time. Coming out of the workshop for a focused half day means fewer distractions, and you leave feeling properly prepared for the assessment. Sessions cover all the required topics, include the DVSA-required annual training log, and take you through the assessment itself, so everything is completed in one go. We run sessions at our training centre, and we can also come to your site if you have a team of testers to train.
Online learning. If attending in person is not practical, online learning lets you study at your own pace and at a time that works around your schedule. We provide DVSA-aligned training packages with clear revision resources, so you have everything you need to cover the topics thoroughly and approach the assessment with confidence.
One-to-one assistance. For testers who want a more tailored level of support through the training and assessment process, one-to-one assistance is available. This is particularly useful if a tester has specific gaps to address or simply finds they get more from focused, individual guidance.
Whichever route works best for you, the important thing is getting it done in good time. Early completion means you can properly absorb the material, revisit anything you are less confident on, and avoid the pressure of the March rush. If you would like to discuss the right option for you or your team, get in touch with us at https://themotgroup.co.uk/get-in-touch/.
Do not leave it until March
It might feel like there is plenty of time, but the end of March has a habit of creeping up. If you leave your MOT Annual Training 2026/27 training until the last few weeks, you risk running into assessment resit windows, delays in results being uploaded, or simply not having enough time to fit it around a busy testing schedule.
The best approach is to get your training booked or started now, spread it across the year if you are using a monthly e-learning platform, and make sure your MTS profile reflects your completed hours as you go.
Station managers, it is also worth keeping an eye on your team’s progress rather than waiting for the deadline to pass.
If you have any questions about compliance at your testing station or want to talk through any aspect of MOT testing, we are always happy to help.