If you don’t regularly check the Testing Guide and Inspection Manuals, you may miss important changes to testing or the administration of the MOT testing scheme.

If you engage AAL as your AEC we will ensure you remain up to date and offer you and your business the guidance they need to ensure your testers and the Vehicle Testing Station remain compliant.

To read the full list of changes “see all updates” at the top of the page for the MOT Testing Guide and the MOT Inspection Manual

The latest update to the MOT Testing guide was 29th November 2024

The latest update to the MOT Inspection Manuals was 29th November 2024

MOT Annual Assessment 2024/25 & Training Records – Testers are responsible for recording their annual training on the MOT testing service (MTS) via the User’s profile for the 2024 2025 and subsequent training years.

The online training records will be available to DVSA to review remotely.  With this in mind, it is advisable to record Mandatory Annual MOT Training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) notes online regularly.  Failure to record information regularly may adversely affect the individual Tester/Site RAG rating.

Note – a record of the time and date Testers update the training records is recorded by DVSA.

The pass mark for 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 is 80%. If you do not pass, there’s no limit on how many times you can take the assessment during the same year.

If you test vehicles in Group A, you need to know about:

• corrosion
• classification of vehicles
• MOT test procedures
• the MOT inspection manual for motorcycles and sidecars

Group B (class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles)

If you test vehicles in group B, you need to know about:

• corrosion
• classification of vehicles
• MOT test procedures
• the MOT inspection manual for cars and passenger vehicles

Groups A and B

If you test vehicles in both group A and group B, you need to study all the topics, train for at least 6 hours a year (instead of 3) and take 2 annual assessments.

How do I add a Training Record to my Profile Page?

From your profile page click on “Your Training Logs” section.  Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you will find your current training year is displayed.  A countdown is set out showing the mandatory hours required, versus the hours you’ve already completed.

When “Add Training” is selected the Tester is guided through 6 separate pages with specific questions covering the following topics:

• • Vehicle Class
  • Date of Training
  • Duration
  • Topics Covered
  • Type of Training
  • What you learned

Upon successfully answering the listed questions, the Tester will receive a prompt to save each response. The training duration recorded by the Tester will then be deducted from the Annual Mandatory training hours and displayed on the Tester’s training log.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is crucial for maintaining and enhancing professional competence.  AAL recommend CPD activities are also recorded via the MTS, to demonstrate Testers are keeping up to date with current practices and standards.

This additional information may include:

• studying all relevant special notices (and acknowledge on MTS when required), the MOT testing guide, the Matters of Testing blog, emailed messages from DVSA and appropriate inspection manuals and their amendments
• training on the use of any new or modified equipment installed at their VTS
• studying or training on the significance and correct functioning of any new features that are introduced on vehicle types that they are likely to be asked to test
• internal meetings/discussion on any MOT related topics

AEs must ensure that their testers’ training is up to date.  Consequently where a tester is assigned to more than one site, the AE must not assume the tester training records have been kept up to date.

To comply with Data Protection regulations and DVSA requirements, it is advisable to create a policy document that allows Authorised Examiners (AEs) to regularly view the Tester’s training record. Creating a clear and comprehensive policy document will help facilitate compliance and transparency.  If you require assistance creating a policy document contact us.

Please be aware Testers/Authorisations have to keep previous paper and electronic records (prior to those recorded on the MOT testing service) for 5 years. These must be made available to DVSA on request.

The paper training records must include:

• the tester name and user ID
• which groups the training covered
• the date of the training
• how long the training session lasted
• what topics were covered during the session
• notes on what you did, how you did and what you learned

You must take an MOT Tester Demonstration Test to become an MOT tester after successfully passing the Level 2 MOT Testing certificate. You can take the demonstration test either at the training center where you completed the qualification course or at an MOT testing station where you work.

Qualified applicants must complete the demonstration test if they:

• are a newly qualified MOT tester
• are returning to MOT testing after a break
• missed the annual training and assessment deadline

You do not have to pay to complete the demonstration.

From 8^th January 2024 you will need to provide proof of your DBS check before completing the online application for a demonstration test. You will also need to provide a copy of the DBS certificate at the time of the demonstration test.  The certificate must be obtained no more than 3 months before the demonstration test takes place.

For further information on Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements go to Special Notice 3 2023.

For booking a demonstration test go to http://Book an MOT tester demonstration test – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Contact Us now to make enquires about the benefits and peace of mind of allocating the AEC role to AAL.

What is an AEC (Authorised Examiner Consultant) – the AEC is an independently employed MOT consultant assigned a role at the Testing Authority to check compliance of the MOT test standards.

In late 2019, DVSA introduced the Authorised Examiner Consultant (AEC) role. The introduction of the AEC role was an acknowledgement by the DVSA that specialist support is required by most testing authorities to ensure compliance is above the minimum standards.

25 years before DVSA introduced the Authorised Examiner MOT Consultant role, Automotive Auditors Limited (AAL) was involved in MOT consultancy.  We provided services to numerous garages and Testers and over the years have seen multiple changes to the MOT Testing Service and the scheme requirements. Today we continue to provide MOT consultancy services and DVSA disciplinary representation. Our main principles is and always has been “prevention is better than cure.” Our overwhelming vision is to provide each MOT Testing Authority with the confidence they meet and continue to meet the standards set out by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

AAL are “hands-on” and have developed our AEC role and Auditing techniques to counter the increased scrutiny of the DVSA.  Over the years DVSA have introduced computer technology and artificial intelligence to identify failings and trends at vehicle testing stations to monitor the efficacy of testers by digital analysis.

Our objective is to support your authorisation by introducing various policies to ensure compliance and monitor the VTS and Testing trends.  We review Tester and VTS RAG ratings, individual tester testing times, reasons for failure, second brake and emission test requirements etc and utilise this information to provide individual tester QC templates. In addition, we provide guidance and suggestions to improve the security and the overall quality management of your VTS.

For further information about DVSA’s guidance on the management of your VTS see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-your-mot-centre

Contact us now to make enquires about the benefits and peace of mind of allocating the AEC role to AAL.

Any combination of these errors or omissions could result in a failed warranty claim or a charge back at audit.  AAL provide workable processes, procedures and guidance to reduce the potential for the damaging financial consequences of failed claims and/or a poor audit result. Contact us now for further information.

• Lost revenues due to failures to make valid warranty claims
• Procedural inaccuracies, invalidating submitted warranty claims
• The lack of an audit trail to identify the progress of warranty claims
• Bonus driven targets, which encourage incorrect warranty submissions
• Claims not submitted in accordance with manufacturer’s policy & procedure
• Claims submitted without the correct supporting evidence ie measurements, tech codes/print outs/photos.
• Supporting documentation does not meet manufacturer’s requirements
• Late submission of claims, preventing legitimate correction of errors within manufacturer’s cut off dates
• No clocking times, insufficient clocking times or excessive clocking times. No mealtime/break times clocked
• No separate clocking for retail, warranty or internal work.
• Diagnostic time claimed but not justified
• Claims made outside the manufacturer’s time scale
• Poor recording of customer’s complaint
• Customer’s signature and date missing
• Job card print dates outside of customer signature, clockings etc
• Poor technician write ups
• Technician reports completed outside guidelines or failure to complete write-up in correct manner
• Incorrect labour codes
• Additional authorisation sought after the repair.
• Conflicting information on job cards invalidating warranty claims
• Additional work procedures not followed
• Correct repair procedures not followed
• Incorrect parts fitted, parts lost, parts not returned, parts not returned within the manufacturer’s time scale, new parts replaced instead of exchange parts, exchange parts fitted instead of new parts.
• Mislaid job cards, which could not be found at the time of audit
• Lack of filing procedures and recovery of documents for Audit
• Lack of guidance sheets to assist technicians and managers
• No systems of feedback from warranty administrators to technicians and management
• Lack of coaching or training in relation to manufacturers’ policy, procedure and norms (PP&N)

Contact Us

I run a small business and only employ one tester can AAL assist?

AAL provide business solutions for businesses however large or small.

Each business has to comply with the same set of DVSA rules outlined in the MOT Testing Guide and Inspection Manuals.

Give AAL a ring for further information

MOT Test Quality Information – what is it, why should I review it and what action should I take?

TQI is a monthly summary of your VTS failure rate, is linked to the VTS/NT risk rating (RAG rate) and should be used primarily to monitor testing standards.  Access to TQI data is dependent on your VTS role and features the following information:

• the number of tests an individual or the VTS has carried out
• the average age of vehicles tested
• your failure rate, your site’s failure rate and the national failure rate
• test durations
• component failure rates

Why should you review this data?

Your failure rate might be higher or lower than the site or national average. This does not automatically mean anything is wrong with your testing standard but it is recommended the data is reviewed monthly to check any unusual differences.

What should I do with this information?

• check the relevant MOT inspection manual to make sure the correct standards are being applied
• talk to other testers or the person responsible for test quality control at your testing station
• document these checks and discussions to justify the % rate variance above the national or individual average rates

Regular review with documented justification will provide evidence to DVSA your VTS and Testers take their testing responsibilities seriously and provide a positive record of continued MOT risk assessment.  AAL can assist you with analysing your Test Quality Information, contact us for further information.

Failure to complete the annual assessment will result in your testing status automatically being switched to “suspended”, preventing you from testing. If you wish to resume testing you must complete the current year’s MOT annual training and MOT annual assessment and any additional training prior to completing a demonstration test.

For example, if you did not pass the 2021 to 2022 assessment you will need to pass the 2022 – 2023 assessment.

Once you’ve passed, you need to request and pass an MOT demonstration test. Your account will then be unsuspended.

For advice or recommendations regarding annual CPD training and assessment contact us now.

From 11 January 2021 a record of the emissions test does not need to be issued to the customer with every test. If the vehicle passes the test, the emissions record only needs to be issued to the customer if requested.  However, if the vehicle fails the test, the emissions record must be issued to the customer.

Please be aware the Emission Test print out must be retained by the VTS for all test results for a minimum of 3 months and must be produced if requested.

Failure to produce an emissions record when requested may result in disciplinary action/sanctions being taken.

Testing must stop on any class or type of vehicle as soon as any mandatory item of equipment malfunctions in a way that could prevent a test being properly conducted and DVSA should be notified, preferably in writing.

DVSA Customer Service Centre
0300 123 9000
Opening hours 08:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday

email customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk

Unless DVSA has been notified that testing has been suspended, test equipment which is clearly malfunctioning, inoperative or missing a mandatory upgrade, regardless of its calibration status, may attract sanctions – see disciplinary action and Special Notice 3-2020

Testing must not be resumed until the equipment is properly repaired.

If equipment fails during a test but before its use has been completed, the test must be aborted and any fee paid returned.

If the test is cancelled on the MOT Testing Service a VT30 must be issued, stating the reason why the test was abandoned or aborted

All testing equipment must be kept in good working order and measuring apparatus must be kept calibrated in accordance with DVSA’s requirements. Testing must stop on any class or type of vehicle, if any mandatory item of equipment falls out of calibration, is unable to connect to the MOT testing service when required or malfunctions in a way that could prevent a test being properly conducted on that class or type of vehicle.

There are three exceptions to above

• Where a roller or plate brake tester malfunctions testing may continue, for up to 2 working days from the time the defect occurred, using the DVSA approved decelerometer. Only tests booked before the malfunction can be carried out under this arrangement.
• Where the wheel free play detector malfunctions at an ATL or OPTL approved VTS, testing may continue for 7 calendar days from the time the defect occurred, using the conventional method with an assistant for those specific parts of the test. After that testing cannot continue.
• Where an item of connected equipment is unable to connect to the MOT Testing Service but otherwise is performing correctly, testing may continue for up to 7 calendar days from the time the defect occurred. After that testing cannot continue for vehicles that require that equipment.

Details of the assistant used should be handwritten on the inspection sheet/record of testing.

See What happens if my MOT equipment fails and it cannot be repaired?

In the first instance you should notify DVSA of the failure -see What do I do if any of the MOT Equipment fails?

An AE must apply to DVSA for approval prior to replace or modify any fixed test equipment if:-

• changes will reduce the approved clearances or dimensions
• the range of vehicles that can be tested will be affected

To apply for approval fill in the form to Apply for or vary MOT authorised examiner status (VT01).

Any ‘like for like’ changes to fixed test equipment must be notified to DVSA using the ‘Change testing equipment’ link on the vehicle testing station page on the MOT testing service. Provided the notification has been given, the AE can proceed to have the equipment installed and use it.

First make sure that the changes to your fixed testing equipment do not:

• affect the range of vehicles that can be tested
• reduce the approved clearances or dimensions

Also check that the testing equipment is approved by the DVSA.

Please note at this time (Dec 2020) you do not need to tell DVSA about changes to the following mobile testing equipment:

• diesel smoke meters
• decelerometers
• exhaust gas analysers
• pedal application devices
• tyre tread depth gauges
• 13-pin Euro trailer socket wiring testers
• required hand tools

DVSA Acceptable Equipment

Any new or replacement equipment you buy must be on these lists

In cases where a VTS employs either the manufacturer or a calibration specialist, there must be a written contract and the Test Station must obtain a certificate for each calibration.

All certificates must record.-

• a certificate serial number
• details of the equipment i.e. make, model and serial number
• title and address of calibration company or agency
• signature of calibrator and date of calibration
• smoke meter and gas analyser calibration certificates shall meet the UKAS and DVSA standard agreed.

Maintenance must be conducted by the manufacturer or manufacturer’s agent and a maintenance report issued detailing any remedial work conducted. A signed and dated declaration that the equipment is in good working order must be issued after the maintenance has been completed.

It is the AE’s responsibility to provide valid calibration records to DVSA staff. As part of the new disciplinary process (effective 11th January 2021), DVSA will suspend testing if uncalibrated equipment is found during a site visit. You will not be able to resume testing until the equipment has been calibrated.

Headlamp Beam – Calibration every six months

Brake Testers – Calibration every six months

Gas Analyser – Calibration every six months

Decelerometer – Calibration Annual

Diesel Analyser – Calibration Annual

Pneumatic Steering and Suspension play detectors – Maintenance minimum six month.

Hydraulic Steering and Suspension play detectors – Maintenance minimum 12 months.

If an item of mandatory test equipment is not re-calibrated by its due date, then testing which uses that piece of equipment must cease.  The Site Manager should notify DVSA immediately via the Customer Service Centre.

All testing equipment must be kept in good order and measuring apparatus must be calibrated regularly in accordance with DVSA’s requirements.  Calibration records must be kept for a minimum of two years so it is essential there are no gaps in the calibration records.

Failure to comply with mandated calibration requirements will result in shortcomings leading to DVSA applying a graduated sanction level which could result in a temporary suspension of testing.

Contact us now to find out how AAL can ensure your VTS maintains up to date and accurate equipment records.

If a test has to be aborted because the Tester is unable to continue the test (e.g. because the Tester becomes unwell), no fee may be charged.

The reason why the test was aborted must be entered onto the system and a VT30 produced.

If the Tester who started the test is not available to abort the test on the MOT Testing Service, this can be done by another Tester