What are the qualification required for an MOT tester

It’s only natural that you feel anxious letting a mechanic loose on your vehicle. The unscrupulous practices of some garages have given the motor industry a negative reputation but thankfully this is all changing and standards are becoming higher across the board.

The Government is keen to develop uniformity of quality across the MOT industry. One of the ways in which they are doing this is to update the testing system to increase standards.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the body responsible for overseeing MOT testing standards in England, is in the process of creating new qualifications that will improve the professionalism of MOT testers and Authorised Examiners across the UK.

The theory behind the move is that more investment into training will ultimately increase service standards.

What will the new rules mean for motorists?

The new assessment strategy will ensure MOT testers and Authorised Examiners receive ongoing training and professional development. This will take place on an annual basis to protect skills and quality.

How is the training going to be delivered?

The DVSA has partnered with the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry and representatives from the MOT sector to develop a national framework for standards.

This work will lead to the launch of a new national qualification in MOT assessment and those successfully graduating from the scheme will be issued with a Certificate of Successful Completion.

However, the assessment doesn’t end there. To ensure MOT testers continue to offer the highest quality services, DVSA Examiners will perform a follow up check to ensure the criteria is continuing to be met on a day-to-day basis. If at this point the candidate has met all the conditions, a Certificate of Competence will be issued.

What happens next?

Under the reformed system, MOT testers must complete at least three hours of refresher training on an annual basis. Currently, qualified MOT testers are required to complete two days of refresher training every five years.

The work is part of a major revamp of MOT services to improve public confidence and satisfaction. The DVSA is currently involved in an MOT Modernisation project looking at how it can update and develop the current scheme to improve the quality of testing.

This work, being undertaken by DVSA staff, IT specialists and MOT experts, will also see the introduction of a new modernised computer system in September this year which will replace the current facility.

We hope you found this article ‘What are the qualification requirements for an MOT tester’ useful. If you would like to book your car/vehicle in for an MOT, then please call us on 01375 379401