New MOT tester training, to improve car and road safety

Published Date: 19th Jul 2016

A new process for qualification and assessment for MOT testers has got the go ahead for later in the year to improve road safety.

From September this year the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed that a nationally recognised qualification will be required to start MOT training to become a tester.

Previously you only needed to have 4 years experience in motor vehicle repair and you could take a written test from the DVSA to see if you qualify to be a tester.

Testers will also have to take part in continuous professional development in the trade every year and also undertake assessments to carry out the annual vehicle inspection.

The majority of MOTs carried out today are done to the right standard, the DVSA data shows however that some errors are still made. They’re looking to improve upon this with annual training for all testers.

Current figures show around 27 million cars go through the MOT test every year in Great Britain. The recent computerisation of the MOT test sees the DVSA collect a huge amount of test data. They can then analyze through this to find the most common MOT advisories and failures and work out if any mistake is being made.

So What did the DVSA have to say on the new tester scheme?

DVSA’s Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said:

“Checking your vehicle is safe to drive is one of our top priorities. Ensuring the quality of MOT testing will ensure customers can be confident their vehicle will be tested in a highly professional manner.”

“The new qualification as well as the annual training and assessment will continue to build on the professional reputation of the MOT industry. It will help DVSA to regularly assess the standard of the industry and quickly address any problems that arise.”

“By achieving this new qualification, garages or testers will enable their businesses to flourish, but where standards are not being met, DVSA has an obligation to protect the public by withdrawing authority to carry out MOT testing.”