It’s that time of year again, time to sharpen your pencils (or rather, boot up the laptop) and get stuck into the MOT Annual Training and Assessment and update your annual assessment records for 2025/26! Whether you’re an MOT Tester, running a test centre or just involved in an MOT testing service, staying on top of the latest training is not just essential, it’s mandatory.
But don’t worry, here at The MOT Group, we’re making it as straightforward as possible for you to complete training by breaking it all down for you in a way that’s clear, helpful, and maybe even a little bit fun (yes, really!).
What’s Covered This Year? Training Requirements for Classes 4 & 7
This year’s annual MOT training and assessment topics are focused on some current and crucial topics, from electric vehicles to adaptive controls. Here’s the lowdown:
Electric, Hybrid & Hydrogen Vehicles
- Identifying EVs & hybrids (spoiler alert: not all high-voltage cables are orange!)
- How to jack a vehicle when the beam jack doesn’t extend past the battery pack
- Emissions testing on hybrids
- Health and safety dos and don’ts around EVs
- Testing guidance for electric & hydrogen fuelled vehicles
Disabled Driver Controls & Modifications
- Understanding adapted vehicles and controls
- Road testing adapted vehicles
- Recognising how these differ from standard models
Fuel Systems, Noise, and Emissions
- Fuel caps and flaps
- Fuel system leaks
- Smoke testing (including pre-checks and temperature/plated values)
- Sound deadening, noise suppression, and headlamp alignment
Testing Procedures & Kit Use
- Test procedures from top to bottom
- Correct use of turning plates, decelerometer, and assistants (OPTL/ATL)
- Suspension checks (spot those seized components!)
Essential MOT Info
- MOT Testing Guide knowledge
- Replacement certificates
- Disciplinary and contingency procedures
- Who to contact for issues like incorrectly registered vehicles or testing queries
3 Hours Training Minimum – No Cutting Corners!
Your annual MOT tester training must clock in at a minimum of 3 hours and should be logged properly on your MTS profile for the DVSA to inspect and ensure you’ve completed your annual assessment records.
This isn’t about ticking a box, it’s about keeping everyone safe, and keeping those standards high.
And remember…the annual training log isn’t just a list (so no copying and pasting the info above!), it should be your reflections – what you’ve learned, what’s been updated, what acted as a reminder.
If you’re not sure how to log your training, follow our step-by-step video which can guide you through it.
How Can I Do the Training?
Whilst we love being in the classroom with you, as a training provider we know that people learn differently so you can choose the method that suits you best from the following options:
- Via IMI Access Code – Supplied by us with all the key details and all the topics, ready to go!
- In a classroom – Learn with one of our expert trainers
- With colleagues – Group learning works great (just not for the actual test).
In the training you can expect us to cover all the assessment topics and go through sample questions with you too so you’re well equipped for the assessment.
Assessment – What You Need to Know
- It must be done alone – no team working on this one!
- It’s an open book exam so have the MOT Manual and MOT Guide ready to use (just don’t ask your mate Dave sitting next to you for the answers!).
- The assessment is also multiple choice and includes 30 questions
- You must score 80% to pass your MOT annual assessment
Top Tips for Smashing the Annual Assessment:
- Don’t cram – 3 hours of training is manageable if you plan it right throughout the training year. Don’t try and cram all the topics into half an hour!
- Find the method that works best for you to help the info stick.
- Keep your training log honest and personal – no copying & pasting!
- Stay ahead of the game - technologies and procedures are evolving fast, especially with EVs for example so make sure you’re keeping up to date with the fine details.
- Use the resources available – work through any online training modules you have. To get the most out of these, on completion make sure you supplement the training videos with information from the MOT Guide and MOT Inspection Manual for a more comprehensive understanding.
Ready to book your MOT annual training and assessment? Get in touch karena@themotgroup.co.uk