The DVSA Demonstration Assessment is basically the final hurdle in becoming an MOT Tester. A DVSA rep comes to your workplace to watch you carry out a test and check you know what you’re doing. It might sound daunting but if you’ve done the course and paid attention, you’ll be fine. Just remember that when they come to carry out the DVSA Demonstration Assessment, they’ll also do a Site Review. That means checking the whole garage setup including equipment, cleanliness, records etc. So make sure everything’s in order before they turn up. (Read More)

Once you’re eligible (ie. you’ve got the experience, the right qualification/VTAA, clean licence, and DBS), the course to become an MOT Tester is just 4 days. You’ll usually get your IMI certificate within 2 weeks, and once that’s in hand (and your DBS has cleared), you can book your Demonstration Assessment with DVSA. So, in real-world terms, you’re probably looking at just a few weeks from starting the course to being ready for final sign-off. (Read More)

  Can I become an MOT Tester if I’ve been working in a garage for years but don’t have a formal qualification – that’s a question we get a lot! If you’ve been full-time on the tools for at least 4 years, properly servicing and repairing light vehicles (not just fitting wipers and topping up screen wash), then you’re halfway there. If you don’t have a Level 3 qualification in vehicle maintenance and repair, there’s another route: the Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment (VTAA). It’s a hands-on way of proving you know your stuff, but don’t try and wing it as the assessors will spot a chancer a mile off. If you’re solid on your skills, this route could be for you. You can find out more info about the VTAA route to becoming an MOT Tester HERE (Read More)

As an Authorised Examiner, your responsibility for MOT Tester Annual Training & Assessment is to ensure that:   All your testers have recorded their training on their MTS profile.  Testers have kept records of training for the last five years.  They have taken and passed the annual assessment.  Their assessment results are uploaded to their MTS profile.  If your testers don’t comply, both they and your business could face suspension. That’s why it’s crucial to have a process in place to regularly check the status of your team’s annual training and assessments.  (Read More)

Yes! Passing the MOT Tester annual assessment isn’t enough—you must upload proof of your training and your assessment results to your MOT Testing Service (MTS) profile by 31st March. If you don’t, your testing status will still be suspended.    You’re also required to keep a record of all your training for the past five years. This is your responsibility as an MOT Tester.  (Read More)

If you miss the 31st March deadline for the MOT Tester Annual Training and Assessment, your MOT Tester status will be suspended—meaning you won’t be able to carry out MOT tests. To regain your testing privileges, you’ll need to:    Complete the MOT Annual Training for the current year (so if you miss the 31st March 2025 deadline, you’ll need to complete the 25/26 training year).  Pass the annual assessment for the current year.  Request and pass an MOT demonstration test conducted by the DVSA.   Until all three steps are completed, you’ll remain suspended—so it’s best to get your assessment done in good time!  (Read More)

The Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment (VTAA) course combines classroom learning and hands-on workshop assessments over two days. To complete the course, you must pass: One online assessment. Four practical assessments covering brakes, suspension and steering, wheels and tyres, emissions, and electrics. These assessments are designed to validate your skills and provide proof of your competence in vehicle inspection and maintenance, paving the way for you to become an MOT tester for classes 3, 4, 5, or 7 vehicles. (Read More)

To be eligible for the Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment (VTAA), also known as the Light Vehicle Inspection or LVI, you need to meet specific DVSA criteria, including: A minimum of 4 years’ full-time experience in servicing and repairing the relevant vehicle classes. A full and valid UK driving licence for the vehicle classes you intend to test. Passing a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Being deemed ‘of good repute’ (check out the MOT guide for more info) This course is ideal for technicians without formal qualifications, those who have misplaced their documents, or skilled workers who’ve moved to the UK and need an accredited qualification. (Read More)

The  Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment (VTAA), also known as the Light Vehicle Inspection (LVI), is a two-day course designed for experienced technicians who want to become MOT testers but lack a Level 3 qualification. It provides a recognised accreditation equivalent to Level 3, enabling you to meet the DVSA requirements for MOT tester certification. Whether you’ve lost your qualifications, never attended formal training, or have relocated to the UK, the VTAA offers a straightforward pathway to becoming certified. (Read More)

Criminal convictions, particularly unspent ones, can impact your our ability to pass the DVSA MOT Demonstration Test and, therefore, your application to become an MOT tester. As part of the booking process, you’ll need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If your DBS certificate shows unspent convictions, the DVSA will review your case to determine your eligibility. If you believe your unspent convictions do not constitute as serious offence as detailed in the convictions and repute section of the MOT testing guide you can still apply, but you’ll need to send a copy of your DBS certificate and a covering letter explaining your circumstances to the DVSA. They will assess your application and may request additional information before deciding whether you can proceed with the DVSA MOT demonstration test. Transparency and timely submission of documents are essential in these cases.   (Read More)

Before booking your DVSA MOT demonstration test, you’ll need to ensure you have: A Level 2 Award in MOT Testing for the relevant vehicle class. A valid UK driving licence for the vehicle types you’ll be testing. At least four years of professional experience in vehicle servicing and repairs. An active MOT Testing Service account with your qualification details updated. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) consent code or certificate. Having all these ready will help prevent delays in booking your test. (Read More)

The DVSA MOT Demonstration Test is a practical assessment required to become an authorised MOT tester in the UK. It ensures that you can competently inspect vehicles and meet DVSA standards. During the test, a DVSA examiner observes your ability to conduct a full MOT test, record findings, and answer related questions. The DVSA MOT Demonstration Test is a mandatory step to prove your knowledge and skills before you can perform MOT Tests. (Read More)

Yes, you can absolutely work as both a mechanic and an MOT Tester, but remember, the roles are different. As an MOT Tester, your job is to inspect and certify a vehicle’s roadworthiness – you’ll be responsible for spotting issues, not fixing them. Mechanics, on the other hand, are responsible for diagnosing and repairing any faults a vehicle may have.   If you’re currently a mechanic, adding MOT Testing to your skill set could make you more versatile and valuable in your testing station.  (Read More)

The training to become an MOT Tester takes place over 4 days and is a mixture of classroom and hands on practical training.  There are two assessments at the end of the course, an online multiple-choice assessment and a practical demonstration.     (Read More)

Yes you do have to be a qualified mechanic to become an MOT Tester. DVSA requires testers to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification.  This can include an Accreditation, otherwise known as an LVI or ATA. You can find out more by visiting the MOT Guide (Read More)

The MOT annual tester training requirements for Group A (Class 1 & 2 vehicles, like motorcycles): you need to study corrosion, vehicle classification, and the motorcycle inspection manual. For Group B (Class 3, 4, 5 & 7 vehicles, like cars and vans), you’ll need to cover similar topics but with a focus on cars and passenger vehicles. If you test both groups, you need 6 hours of training annually and must complete two assessments.  (Read More)

You must record your MOT annual tester training on the official MOT Testing Service. This involves logging into your MOT profile and entering details such as the training date, duration, and topics covered. Managers should also view their testers’ logs to ensure they are up-to-date, as the DVSA can access and review these records.  (Read More)

If you don’t complete your MOT annual tester training by the 31st of March, you risk facing penalties from the DVSA. Your site could be flagged as needing improvement, and you may even be suspended from MOT testing until the training is completed and recorded. It’s essential to finish it early to avoid last-minute stress and potential issues with compliance. (Read More)

You need to make a manual record that shows the emissions limits were tested and met but the DSM couldn’t register the reading.  Be sure to include the following information in the record and keep it for 3 months:   test station number tester’s name date and time test number vehicle type vehicle registration number that the vehicle passed the emissions test (Read More)

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 […] (Read More)

 If you’re rated red on your Tester RAG rating system, don’t go into panic mode! It doesn’t necessarily mean a visit from DVSA. What you and your Site Manager should now do is look at the situation – try to work out why your RAG has changed – look carefully at TQI and TL reports – has anything changed recently? Going forward monitor the situation monthly – if there was no apparent reason, it’s likely all will return to normal shortly. (Read More)

Each tester has their own RAG rating on their testing service profile. In line with GDPR, the info is for ‘their eyes only’ and unavailable to Managers. However, the standard best practice is that the testers share the information so that managers know the risk attached to their testers and can record the information. (Read More)

So you have a shiny new mobile phone, you now need to re-pair the DVSA Authenticator app to your new mobile. To pair a new app, you should follow these steps:   Sign into MTS using email authentication Go to ‘My Profile’, Click ‘Set Up Authentication App’ When prompted to enter a six digit code Click ‘sign in via email’ – this is shown below the box to enter the six digit code. User is then sent a code to enter before signing in again, Once signed in go to ‘My Profile’ once again Click ‘Set Up Authentication App’ The user will then be prompted to scan a QR code with their new phone and set up the app. Once set up the user can then authenticate using their new app or device. (Read More)

All MOT testers need to have completed their three hours of annual MOT Tester training training before 31st March each year. In our experience, it will help your stress levels no end if you if you complete the majority of the training before the end of January each year! (Read More)

The DVSA requires all MOT Testers to complete a minimum of three hours of training each year between 1st April and 31st March. (Read More)