Form

How to apply to open, run or change an MOT test station

Updated 5 August 2024

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

1. Introduction

This guidance tells you how to fill in the application form to:

• apply to become an authorised examiner (AE) - a sole trader, partnership or limited company authorised to run an MOT testing station
• tell the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) about a change in your details or circumstances

• change your AE designated manager (who manages MOT testing in your business)

• apply to set up a new MOT testing station
• apply to take on an existing MOT testing station
• make a change to a current MOT testing station, including changing classes of vehicle it can test, or upgrading test equipment to one person test lane (OPTL) or automated test lane (AT)L
• apply to become an AE following a short term cessation

Before you fill in the application form, read the MOT testing guide for test stations.

2. Who can fill in the form

The legal entity that will hold full control and responsibility for MOT testing must fill in the form.  

Nominating a third party to submit the application on your behalf

If you want to nominate a third party or ‘duly authorised’ person to submit the application on your behalf you must include a letter of authority with your application.
 
The letter of authority must be:

• on the AE applicant’s headed paper
• signed by an AE principal or the AE designated manager if you are already an approved AE  

The AE principal or the AEDM that signs the letter must be either:

• a partner in a partnership
• a director or officer of the company
• the sole trader of the company 

You can send a scanned copy of letter of authority by email if it’s sent from the AE applicant’s email address.

3. Which type of application you’re making

Depending on what you’re applying to do, you need to:

• fill in different parts of the form
• send different documents with your application

Find out what you need to do if you want to:

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Apply to become an MOT authorised examiner

An MOT authorised examiner is a sole trader, partnership or limited company who is authorised to run an MOT testing station.

1. Request a basic DBS check for the sole trader, every partner in a partnership, or every director in the company.

2. Each person that makes up the authorised examiner will need to create an account on the MOT Testing Service. If your application is approved the applicants will be allocated the role of AE Principal on the MOT Testing Service which will give access to the AE, VTS and test data held on the service.

3. On the application form, select the option to Apply to become an authorised examiner (AE). You can also select an option for an MOT testing station at the same time.

4. Fill in part A, part B, D1 of the form. Every partner in a partnership and every director in a company needs to fill in a part B extra declaration sheet.

5. Open an email to [email protected] and attach the application form and any extra declaration sheets.

6. Attach the supporting documents listed in D1 to the email.

7. Send the email to DVSA.

8. Post any declaration of unspent criminal convictions your limited company or partnership has (England, Scotland and Wales), and copies of any criminal record check certificates (Scotland only) to DVSA.

Go back to the list of application types.

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Already an MOT authorised examiner

An MOT authorised examiner is a sole trader, partnership or limited company who is authorised to run an MOT testing station.

1. On the application form, select the option that I am currently an approved AE. Then select the relevant option for an MOT testing station application.

2. Fill in A1, A2, A3 and either A5 or fill in the separate declaration (depending on whether your company has convictions or not).

3. Fill in part B. When you apply to make a change to your authorisation you will need to update your AE principal details. Each AE principal that makes up the authorised examiner will need to create an account on the MOT Testing Service for example, all partners in a partnership, directors in a Company or the business owner for a Sole Trader. When your application is approved the AE principals will be allocated the role of AE Principal on the MOT Testing Service which will give access to the AE, VTS and test data held on the service.

4. Open an email to [email protected] and attach the application form.

5. Send the email to DVSA.

6. Post any declaration of unspent criminal convictions your limited company or partnership has to DVSA.

Go back to the list of application types.

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Make a change to a current MOT authorised examiner

An MOT authorised examiner is a sole trader, partnership or limited company who is authorised to run an MOT testing station.

Follow these steps if you want to change some of your details, for example, changing a director of the company.

1. Request a basic DBS check for any new partner in a partnership, or any new director in the company.

2. On the application form, select the option to Make a change to a current AE.

3. Fill in part A, part B and then D1. Use the part B extra declaration sheet if there’s more than one person.

4. When you apply to make a change to the AE Principals, such as a change of director, each person that makes up the authorised examiner will need to create an account on the MOT Testing Service. When your application is approved the AE Principals will be allocated the role of AE Principal on the MOT Testing Service which will give access to the AE, VTS and test data held on the service.

5. Open an email to [email protected] and attach the application form and any extra declaration sheets.

6. Attach the supporting documents for D1 to the email.

7. Send the email to DVSA.

8. Post any declaration of unspent criminal convictions your limited company or partnership has (England, Scotland and Wales), and copies of any criminal record check certificates (Scotland only) to DVSA.

Go back to the list of application types.

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Change of AE designated manager

The AE designated manager is the person who manages MOT testing in your business.

1. Request a basic DBS check for the person who will be the AE designated manager.

2. On the application form, select the option for a Change of AE designated manager.

3. Fill in part A, part B and D1.

4. When you apply to make a change to your authorisation, such as a change of AEDM, each person that makes up the authorised examiner will need to create an account on the MOT Testing Service. When your application is approved the AE principals will be allocated the role of AE Principal on the MOT Testing Service which will give access to the AE, VTS and test data held on the service.

5. Open an email to [email protected] and attach the application form and any extra declaration sheets.

6. Attach the supporting documents for D1 to the email.

7. Send the email to DVSA.

8. Post any declaration of unspent criminal convictions your limited company or partnership has (England, Scotland and Wales), and copies of any criminal record check certificates (Scotland only) to DVSA.

Go back to the list of application types.

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Set up a new MOT testing station

1. On the application form, you must select a relevant option from the first box before you select the type of MOT testing station application you want to make. Make sure you fill in any sections that are required for that option.

2. Select the option to Apply to set up a new MOT testing station from the second box.

3. Fill in part C, D2 and D3. Use the part C extra declaration sheet if you’re applying for more than one.

4. Open an email to [email protected] and attach the application form and any extra declaration sheets.

5. Attach the supporting documents for D2 and D3 to the email.

6. Send the email to DVSA.

Go back to the list of application types.

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Take on an MOT testing station that’s currently testing

Before you apply, the existing MOT authorised examiner must tell DVSA they are giving up (surrendering) their authorisation.

1. On the application form, you must select a relevant option from the first box before you select the type of MOT testing station application you want to make. Make sure you fill in any sections that are required for that option.

2. When you apply to make a change to your authorisation you will need to update your AE Principal details. Each person that makes up the authorised examiner will need to create an account on the MOT Testing Service. When your application is approved the AE principals will be allocated the role of AE Principal on the MOT Testing Service which will give access to the AE, VTS and test data held on the service.

3. Select the option to Apply to take on an MOT testing station that’s currently testing from the second box.

4. Fill in part C and D2. Use the part C extra declaration sheet if you’re applying for more than one.

5. Open an email to [email protected] and attach the application form and any extra declaration sheets.

6. Attach the supporting documents for D2 to the email.

7. Send the email to DVSA.

Go back to the list of application types.

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Take on an MOT testing station that was previously approved but is no longer testing

1. On the application form, you must select a relevant option from the first box before you select the type of MOT testing station application you want to make. Make sure you fill in any sections that are required for that option.

2. When you apply to make a change to your authorisation you will need to update your AE Principal details. Each person that makes up the authorised examiner will need to create an account on the MOT Testing Service. When your application is approved the AE principals will be allocated the role of AE Principal on the MOT Testing Service which will give access to the AE, VTS and test data held on the service.

3. Select the option to Apply to take on an MOT testing station that was previously approved but is no longer testing from the second box.

4. Fill in part C, D2 and D3. Use the part C extra declaration sheet if you’re applying for more than one.

5. Open an email to [email protected] and attach the application form and any extra declaration sheets.

6. Attach the supporting documents for D2 and D3 to the email.

7. Send the email to DVSA.

Go back to the list of application types.

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Make a change to a current MOT testing station

1. On the application form, you must select a relevant option from the first box before you select the type of MOT testing station application you want to make. Make sure you fill in any sections that are required for that option.

2. Select the option to Make a change to a current MOT testing station from the second box.

3. When you apply to make a change to your authorisation you will need to update your AE Principal details. Each person that makes up the authorised examiner will need to create an account on the MOT Testing Service. When your application is approved the AE principals will be allocated the role of AE Principal on the MOT Testing Service which will give access to the AE, VTS and test data held on the service.

4. Fill in part B, part C, D2 (if it’s relevant to the change you want to make) and D3. Use the part C extra declaration sheet if you’re making changes to more than one.

5. Open an email to [email protected] and attach the application form and any extra declaration sheets.

6. Attach the supporting documents for D2 (if relevant) and D3 to the email.

7. Send the email to DVSA.

Go back to the list of application types.

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Apply to become an AE following a short term cessation

You will need to complete a full application for the Authorised Examiner.

1. Request a basic DBS check for the AE Designated Manager, and either the sole trader, every partner in a partnership, or every director in the company.

2. Each person that makes up the authorised examiner must create an account on the MOT Testing Service. If your application is approved the applicants will be allocated the role of AE Principal on the MOT Testing Service which will give access to the AE, VTS and test data held on the service.

3. On the application form, select the option to Apply to become an AE following a short term cessation

4. Fill in part A, part B, D1 of the form. Every partner in a partnership and every director in a company needs to fill in a part B extra declaration sheet.

5. Open an email to [email protected] and attach the application form and any extra declaration sheets.

6. Attach the supporting documents listed in D1 to the email. If there are no changes to the original authorisation and AEDM, only DBS information is required.

7. Send the email to DVSA.

Post any declaration of unspent criminal convictions your limited company or partnership has (England, Scotland and Wales), and copies of any criminal record check certificates (Scotland only) to DVSA.

Go back to the list of application types.

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4. Filling in part A

Sections in part A Go to the guidance about filling in section:

A1. Declaration

The declaration must be completed by either:

• the sole trader
• a duly authorised partner of a partnership
• an officer of the company
• a duly authorised person in a company or partnership

Go back to the list of what’s in part A.

A2. Statement of responsibilities

The statement of responsibilities must be completed by either:

• the sole trader
• a duly authorised partner of a partnership
• an officer of the company
• a duly authorised person in a company or partnership

Go back to the list of what’s in part A.

A3. Current AE number

Leave this blank if you’re not a current AE.

If you’re a current AE, you can find your AE number on your MOT authorisation certificate (VT9).

It’s not the same as your MOT testing station ID or your MOT testing service user ID.

Allow 6 weeks for a change to the authorised examiner to be processed. You can send your application in advance of the proposed changes.

Go back to the list of what’s in part A.

A4. Business details

These are the details of the business applying to be an AE.

Trading name

This is the name of the business applying to be the AE.

Example A partnership of Mrs F Smith and Mr J Stevens trading as ‘Smith’s MOT test centre’ would enter ‘Smith’s MOT test centre’.

Limited company number

This is your company number from Companies House. Only fill this in if you’re a company.

Registered office

This is the official address where the business is registered.

Correspondence address

This is the address used to contact you and where all correspondence will be sent.

Go back to the list of what’s in part A.

A5 and A6. Declare your limited company or partnership has no unspent criminal convictions

Only fill in this section if you’re a partnership or company and your business does not have any unspent convictions.

If your limited company or partnership does have unspent criminal convictions, fill in a separate declaration sheet and post it to DVSA.

Go back to the list of what’s in part A.

A7. Authorised examiner designated manager (AEDM)

You must nominate someone to be an AEDM. ​​This would usually be an AE Principal or you may nominate a senior manager. In either case it must be the person who exercises the most direct control and has direct responsibility for all MOT testing operations at all sites over the MOT testing operations.

The AEDM must have a Level 3 Award in MOT Test Centre Management or have attended a DVSA run MOT Managers’ Course or Authorised Examiners’ course.

Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

The person who will be the AEDM needs a basic DBS check (a ‘basic disclosure’ in Scotland) before you can apply.

You need to include:

• the reference number from the disclosure certificate (it’s at the top right-hand side of the certificate)
• the DBS consent code (sometimes called a ‘share code’) to let DVSA check the record (England and Wales only)

In Scotland, you cannot get a consent code. You need to post a clear scan or copy of the certificate instead. Write your AE number (if you’re already approved), your business’ trading name and your business’ postcode at the top.

A8 - Nominate an AEP to attend an MOT management training course

Fill in this section if your AEDM is not also an AEP. You must nominate one AEP to attend a level 3 MOT management training course. Who this is will depend on the type of business you have. It will be either:

• the sole trader
• the partner in a partnership who will have the most direct control over MOT testing
• the director or an officer of the company having direct responsibility for all MOT testing operations at all sites

A9 - Authorised examiners returning from disciplinary action

Fill in this section if you are an Authorised Examiners wishing to reapply for authorisation when subject to a short-term cessation.

This part must be completed and submitted with relevant supporting documents before the end of the cessation period.

Go back to the list of what’s in part A.

5. Filling in part B

Sections in part B Go to the guidance about filling in section:

B1. MOT authorised examiner principals (AEPs)

Each person named in the application will become an ‘MOT authorised examiner principal’. This includes:

• the sole trader
• every partner in a partnership
• every director in a company

Every one of these must fill in part B (use separate declaration sheets if there’s more than one person).

Each person must create an account on the MOT Testing Service and provide their User Identification Number.

Go back to the list of what’s in part B.

B2. Personal declaration of non-conviction and bankruptcy

Basic DBS check

You need a basic DBS check (a ‘basic disclosure’ in Scotland) before you can apply.

You need to include:

• the reference number from the disclosure certificate (it’s at the top right-hand side of the certificate)
• the DBS consent code (sometimes called a ‘share code’) to let DVSA check your record (England and Wales only)

In Scotland, you cannot get a consent code. You need to post a clear scan or copy of the certificate instead. Write your AE number (if you’re already approved), your business’ trading name and your business’ postcode at the top.

Convictions

A conviction is any penalty imposed by a court of law from an absolute discharge to a prison sentence until spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, it does not include fixed penalty offences.

Bankruptcy

You cannot apply if you’re currently bankrupt (or had your estate sequestrated in Scotland).

If you’ve been made bankrupt within the last 5 years, you need to include one of the following with your application:

• a copy of the ‘certificate of discharge’
• an independent declaration to confirm that you’re no longer under these restrictions

Go back to the list of what’s in part B.

6. Filling in part C

Sections in part C

Go to the guidance about filling in section:

C1. MOT testing station details

Fill in this section if you’re applying to set up a new MOT testing station or change a current MOT testing station.

If you’re applying for more than one MOT testing station, fill in a part C extra declaration sheet for each one.

MOT vehicle testing station number

Leave this blank if you’re applying to set up a new MOT testing station.

If it’s an existing MOT testing station, you can find the number on your MOT authorisation certificate (VT9).

It’s not the same as your AE number or your MOT testing service user ID.

State the reason for change to the VTS

Fill in this section to explain the changes required, such as:

• adding or removing a test class
• replacing or changing any fixed test equipment to upgrade to a one person test lane
• altering the building or layout of test equipment

Check section B. Authorised examiners of the MOT testing guide for more information on changes to fixed equipment.

Check D. Requirements for authorisation and appendix 2: facilities and security of the MOT testing guide for more information.

MOT testing station trading name

Enter the proposed full trading name of the MOT testing station.

Test classes

Select the MOT classes of vehicles you want to test.

Test lane facilities

You need to say if the MOT testing station will include:

• a one-person test lane facility (lanes to carry out testing where the tester has the option of not using an assistant)
• a two-person test lane facility
• an automated test lane facility (lanes that can be used in an automated mode and where the tester has the option of not using an assistant)

Check section D (requirements for authorisation) of the MOT testing guide for more information.

Go back to the list of what’s in part C.

C2. MOT equipment

Some types of equipment can connect directly to the service you use to record MOT test results. This means that test results can be automatically transferred to the service without the need for manual data entry.

You will need a software code (called a key) to transfer the test results from your equipment to the MOT testing service. Your Site Manager will need to request the key.

You need to nominate a suitable person to be your Site Manager on the application form. Your Site Manager must:

• be responsible for the day to day running of your MOT centre
• have an MOT testing service account

You can change your Site Manager at a later date if you need to.

Check what MOT equipment is approved by DVSA for more information on connected equipment and how to request a key.

Go back to the list of what’s in part C.

C3. Declaration

Sign the declaration to confirm the AE understands their responsibilities in meeting and continuing to comply with the requirements of authorisation for a VTS.

Go back to the list of what’s in part C

7. Filling in part D

Sections in part D Go to the guidance about filling in section:

D1. Authorised examiner supporting documents

Tick the boxes to confirm that you’re including the relevant documents with your application. These are:

• a copy of your partnership agreement with this application (only required for partnerships)
• a letter authorising you to act on behalf of the limited company or partnership (not needed for sole traders)
• a copy of a certificate showing the authorised examiner designated manager has completed an MOT manager training course

Go back to the list of what’s in part D.

D2. Solicitor’s letter

Send a solicitor’s letter on headed paper that states either:

• you own the land
• you have a rental agreement
• there’s an enforceable lease in place between you and the landowner

Check how to find a solicitor.

The solicitor should be governed by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (England and Wales) or the Law Society of Scotland (Scotland).

The solicitor’s letter also needs to state:

• you have the legal right to operate within the premises
• you have exclusive use of the premises for MOT testing, including the test bay, test facilities, office, security equipment, waiting, viewing, and reception areas
• planning permission is in place

The letter must be signed by a solicitor of the firm you appoint.

Do not send copies of a lease with your application ​​unless DVSA asks you to. You only need to send the solicitor’s letter.

Go back to the list of what’s in part D.

D3. Site plans and drawings

Supply plans and drawings in a digital format where possible.

Depending on why you’re applying, you’ll need to include one or all of these:

• a site plan showing the location of testing premises
• a fully dimensioned drawing of the test bays

Go back to the list of what’s in part D.

8. Filling in the declaration that your limited company or partner has unspent criminal convictions

Only fill in the separate declaration if you’re a partnership or company which has unspent criminal convictions.

A conviction is any penalty imposed by a court of law from an absolute discharge to a prison sentence.