21 straight answers about becoming an MOT tester, staying qualified and training with MOT Expert. Not covered here? Call 01604 422700.
Becoming an MOT tester
Qualifying as an MOT tester
You need to meet the DVSA eligibility rules, complete the Level 2 Award in MOT Testing for your vehicle class (Classes 4 & 7 is a four day course, Classes 1 & 2 is two days) at our Northampton training centre, then perform a Demonstration Test in front of a DVSA Officer to become a "live" MOT tester.
To qualify you must have a minimum of 4 years' lawful full-time employment servicing and repairing the class of vehicle you wish to test, a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent), a full UK driving licence in that class of vehicle, and no unspent criminal convictions. No Level 3? See the next question.
Yes. The one day Pre-MOT Entry Assessment is recognised by the DVSA and gives you access to the Classes 4 & 7 course if you do not hold a Level 3 or equivalent. The IMI ATA Light Vehicle Inspection accreditation is the other route for experienced technicians who can demonstrate their inspection skills.
Classes 4 & 7 (cars and vans) is four days. Classes 1 & 2 (motorcycles) is two days. The Pre-MOT Entry Assessment is one day. After the course you book your Demonstration Test with the DVSA. See the full course list for every duration.
It is the final step. Once you have completed the course you carry out an MOT test in front of a DVSA Officer. Pass it and you become a "live" tester for that vehicle class. Our training is built around getting you through it first time.
Vehicles are grouped by class for testing. Class 1 and 2 are motorcycles. Class 4 covers cars and light vans. Class 5 includes minibuses and ambulances. Class 7 applies to heavier vans up to 3.5 tonnes. To test a class you need the training and experience for that class.
Yes. MOT Expert is a dual accredited centre (IMI and SEG/ABC) and the Level 2 Award in MOT Testing meets the DVSA requirements for new testers. With over 1,500 students a year passing through our doors, we are one of the UK's longest established MOT training providers.
Annual training and assessment
Keeping your MOT tester licence
Every year between 1st April and 31st March, MOT testers must complete three hours of training, complete an Annual Assessment, and keep a record of the training for five years. The DVSA publish the syllabus each year. See Annual Training & Assessment.
Failure to complete the training and assessment by 31st March will result in your MOT tester licence being suspended. Testers who have lapsed or received a cessation will also be required to complete it before a demonstration test.
Yes. We provide it either at our dedicated training centre or online for your individual study. Our package includes a minimum of 3 hours of training, training videos and revision questions for your annual test, the Annual Assessment with a free exam retake, and technical support from our team.
Yes, if you are qualified and hold a current licence to test Classes 4 & 7. The Classes 3 & 5 add-on is 3 hours of training plus a multiple choice test, online or face to face, followed by a demonstration test with the DVSA.
Yes. The MOT Tester Skills Refresher & Assessment comes as a 1, 2 or 3 day package covering the MOT routine, the Inspection Manual and defect classification, with practical inspections and individual feedback. An optional CPD assessment can be added to any package.
Managers and test centres
Running an MOT station
Yes. The Level 3 Award in MOT Test Centre Management is a two day course which is mandatory if you plan to manage or own an MOT station. To be the AEDM (Authorised Examiner Designated Manager) for the AE it is mandatory to have completed this course. It is a lifetime qualification.
Yes. The MOT Manager Annual Refresher & Compliance Update covers the updates from the previous 12 months, management responsibilities and administration, quality control and tester monitoring, and equipment records and compliance checks.
Yes. MOT Awareness for Managers & Customer-Facing Staff is a practical workshop for service advisors, sales advisors and front-of-house staff, covering the inspection routine, defects and advisories, and how to explain MOT results to customers.
Courses and our centre
Booking, costs and where we are
At our dedicated training facility: MOT Expert, 60 St James Mill Road, Northampton NN5 5JP, in the centre of the UK with good road links. Tester courses are a mixture of classroom and workshop based training. We can arrange and provide accommodation for customers coming from afar.
The tester courses are delivered in person at the Northampton centre, with classroom and workshop based training. Annual training and assessment, and the Classes 3 & 5 add-on, can be done online or face to face.
Call our office on 01604 422700 and one of the team will go through the options and costs with you, or send an enquiry and we will come back to you, usually the same working day.
Yes. We can book several people from the same garage, test centre or fleet onto a course together, and annual training can be delivered at the centre or online for individual study. See Group & In-House Training or email info@motexpert.org.
Try our free MOT practice quizzes: Automotive Knowledge, Classes 4 & 7, Classes 1 & 2 and Hybrid. Your score, whether high or low, helps us point you to the right training programme, and one of the team will call you with your result.
Still Have a Question?
Speak to one of our team on 01604 422700 or send us an enquiry and we will come back to you, usually the same working day.
