What are the procedures to become a MOT tester?
To inspect a vehicle for MOT test you must be a qualified MOT tester, which requires passing or holding a Level 3 qualification recognized by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). MOT testers are in demand throughout UK at commercial garages as well as in Councils. The average income for an MOT tester is around £21,000 – £30,000 per annum. If you meet the eligibility criteria set by the DVSA, you must complete an MOT tester qualification course.The costs of becoming an MOT tester vary between course providers. Once successful, you get an MOT license, though you will also need to complete annual training and pass an annual assessment every year to maintain MOT tester status.
Eligibility Criteria to become a MOT tester
To take an MOT testing course you must:
- Holding UK driving license for the vehicle classes you want to test
- You are full time mechanic with at least 4yrs experience
- Have no record of criminal offence
- You have good reputation in the community
- You have National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)/ Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) /Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs) in level 3 or in Vehicle Technician, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
- You have a City and Guilds qualification
MOT Tester Course (Class 1, 2, 4 and 7)
The course will cover theory like safe working practices, relationship management and practical training on pre-test checks for an MOT test and carrying out an MOT test. The course duration is 29 hours inclusive of practical sessions.When you complete the course successfully; you get a level 2 MOT testing certificate in either:
- class 1 and 2 vehicles (group A)
- class 4 and 7 vehicles (group B)
MOT Demonstration Test (Class 1, 2, 4 and 7)
You must pass an MOT demonstration test when you’ve achieved your level 2 testing certificate. You can give the test at the training centre where you took the qualification course or at the MOT testing station.
Booking the MOT Demonstration Test
- Login in to the MOT testing service.
- Under ‘your profile’, select ‘qualifications’
- Add your level 2 MOT testing certificate number and choose your test location.
- Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to arrange the test. You may need your MOT testing service user ID and the name and ID number of the testing station or training centre where you want to take the test.
- DVSAexaminer will check your UK driving license and level 2 MOT testing award certificate
- He will record the result in a practice version of the MOT testing service
Class 3 or 5 MOT Tester Training
To become a class 3 or 5 MOT tester, you need to first get a level 2 testing certificate in class 4 and 7 vehicles (group B) and have passed an MOT demonstration test. Send an email to DVSA to find and book a class 3 or 5 training course. On completing the course, call DVSA to book your test. You may need MOT testing service user ID and vehicle test station (VTS) number where you want to have your test
Complete annual assessment to become a MOT tester
MOT testers have to complete annual training and assessments between April and March every year, and if you haven’t performed an MOT test for six months, you must complete a satisfactory demonstration tested by the DVSA.The MOT tester will be responsible for doing training on his/her own, recording training and keeping evidence of it and booking, taking and passing annual assessments.
