E. Tester
Who is eligible to become a tester, when applications might be refused, training and keeping up to date.
Testers are those persons appointed by authorised examiners (AEs) and approved by DVSA to carry out MOT tests to the correct standards, register tests on to the MOT testing service prior to starting a test and confirm test results when completed. The tester must personally make all the decisions regarding testable items. Similarly, inspectors employed by designated councils (DCs) will be treated in the same way as testers employed by AEs.
Before prospective testers and those returning to testing are permitted to carry out tests they must:
- satisfy DVSA that they meet the relevant criteria set out in Eligibility for becoming a tester
- have set up two factor authentication
- have successfully completed the relevant training and demonstration tests detailed in Appendix 6: Tester training and demonstration tests
A tester may be assigned to more than one vehicle testing station (VTS). Where a tester is assigned to other VTSs testers must ensure that the correct test location is selected on MOT testing service prior to starting a test.
A tester may commence testing following the authorised examiner designated manager (AEDM) or site manager (SM) of that VTS assigning them the tester role at that VTS via the MOT testing service. Even if the tester is still testing at another VTS, it is the AE’s responsibility to ensure that all testers on their list of testers remain fully competent. This includes ensuring testers:
- have completed their annual tester training and assessment and successfully completed their annual assessments
- are fully familiar with the equipment at the particular VTS and are up to date with any changes - AEs cannot assume that a previous AE has done this
The AE of each VTS is responsible for any breach of the standards for tests at their own VTS, regardless of the contractual arrangements with their testers.
If a tester ceases to be actively involved in MOT testing (whether due to a change of duties, employment or location or for any other reason) the appropriate person must update the MOT testing service. In addition the AEDM must immediately inform DVSA in writing or by email that a tester has died, in order to prevent any further correspondence and/or reminders being issued to that tester.
An individual shall cease to be a tester, where they become a patient within the meaning of Part VIII of the Mental Health Act 1983 or, in Scotland, becomes incapable of managing their own affairs
An individual shall cease to be a tester at a particular VTS, where the relevant AE revokes the appointment of that tester. The AE can revoke the appointment of a tester at any time. In the case of a multi-site AE, this may be from all sites, a selection of sites, or a single site.
Using the MOT testing service a tester may remove their name from the list of testers at a VTS, this can also be done by the AEDM or SM. In exceptional circumstances the tester may request in writing or via email if preferred that DVSA remove their name.
Testers must notify DVSA and their associated AE immediately, in writing or by email, of any conviction, as defined in Appendix 7: Convictions and repute.
Testers must ensure that personal details recorded within their MOT testing service user profile are correct and kept up to date. Any changes to their details can be made by the tester via the service or in exceptional circumstances by contacting the DVSA Customer Service Centre.
The tester’s profile must also include a unique current email address. This will be used for:
- essential correspondence
- MOT testing service sign in authentication
- forgotten password
- account reclaim
Contact DVSA
DVSA Customer Service Centre
[email protected]
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
Before attending an MOT testers course an applicant needs to be sure that they meet the DVSA requirement. They will need to:
- have a current full UK driving licence for a vehicle class within the test group they wish to test, subject to the paragraphs Restricted driving licences and Non UK licences found within this section.
- be a skilled mechanic that has at least four years full time employment, permitted by law, in the service and repair of the vehicle types to be tested
- have no convictions, as defined in Appendix 7: Convictions and repute
- be otherwise of good repute, as defined in Appendix 7: Convictions and repute
From 1 April 2022, you must provide a basic Disclosure and Barring (DBS) certificate at the demonstration test. The basic DBS check must be dated within 3 months of your DVSA demonstration test. A basic DBS check verifies an applicant’s identity based on the evidence provided and can confirm they are free from any unspent convictions. Find out more about applying for a basic DBS check.
In addition, anyone wishing to become a tester for vehicles of classes 3, 4, 5 or 7 must either possess an acceptable vocational educational qualification or acceptable accreditation.
Further details on acceptable qualifications are given in Appendix 5: Tester qualifications and Appendix 6: Tester training and demonstration tests and on GOV.UK
Intention to refuse the authorisation of a tester
If DVSA intends to refuse the authorisation because the candidate repeatedly fails to pass the initial practical demonstration test or does not meet the criteria set out in Ongoing requirements they will write to the applicant explaining the intention to refuse. The intention to refuse may be sent to the applicant at any stage during the authorisation process when it becomes apparent that the applicant does not or is unlikely in the foreseeable future to meet the criteria.
The candidate may appeal against this intention. Any appeal must be made in writing to the DVSA office who issued the intent to refuse to authorise and be received within 14 days from the date of the notification of the intention. An informal hearing may be requested in accordance with the Informal Hearing Notes for Guidance and Code of Practice issued with the notice.
If at the end of this appeal period no such appeal has been received DVSA will write to the candidate confirming the refusal to approve.
Disqualification of testers from driving
A tester is not automatically subject to cessation from MOT testing on loss of a driving licence. A disqualified tester must not carry out road tests where these are necessary. This requirement can pose major problems for motorcycle VTSs where a road test may be necessary for a number of reasons but is less troublesome for other classes where a road test is only normally necessary if a decelerometer brake test is needed. A tester without a valid driving licence should not start an MOT test if a road test is likely to be needed.
If however, that need becomes apparent during a test, the test must be aborted and repeated in full by a tester with a valid driving licence. Should the VTS be unable to provide a suitable tester at the time, it must refund any test fee paid or, if the customer agrees, make an alternative appointment when a suitable tester will be available.
Restricted driving licences for tester
A tester without a valid driving licence category, for the class of vehicle to be tested, should not start the MOT test if a road test is likely to be needed.
However, if that need becomes apparent during a test, the test must be aborted and repeated in full by a tester with an appropriate driving licence. Should the VTS be unable to provide a suitable tester at the time of test, it must refund any test fee paid or, if the customer agrees, make an alternative appointment when a suitable tester will be available
Non UK licences
Current UK law states that:
You can drive in Great Britain (GB) on your full, valid EC/EEA driving licence until you are 70, or for three years after becoming a GB resident, whichever is the longer period. Alternatively, you may apply to exchange your licence for a UK equivalent.
In order to continue driving after these periods a British licence must be obtained.
If your driving licence has been previously exchanged from a non-EC/EEA country, you can drive for up to 12 months from the time you first became resident. You may be able to exchange your licence for a British one.
Further information about driving in GB on a non-UK driving licence can be found on GOV.UK
In the case of a tester or prospective tester who holds only a non UK licence this will be treated as equivalent to a UK licence if evidence is produced to show that the person has been a UK resident for less than 12 months. If the non-UK licence is neither to the European Communities model nor in English, it must be accompanied by a certified translation. An International Driving Permit issued on the basis of a non-UK licence will be treated similarly, if produced along with the national licence on which its issue was based and a certified translation if required.
In addition to meeting the criteria given in Eligibility for becoming a tester, those seeking to become testers must successfully:
- complete a Level 2 Award in MOT testing - this explains the processes of MOT testing and reinforces the standards set out in the relevant inspection manuals
- pass a demonstration test invigilated by a DVSA vehicle examiner
Testers must keep up to date with current practices and standards by:
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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
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successfully completing annual training and assessment as stipulated by DVSA
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training on the use of any new or modified equipment installed at their VTS
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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
Testers will be required to carry out demonstration tests when requested by DVSA vehicle examiners.
Testers will be required to undertake additional training or carry out demonstration tests before being allowed to test vehicles in classes that they have not previously been testing.
Testers should access their test quality information reports via the MOT testing service, to compare their personal performance with the national averages. Testers should note that there may be valid reasons as to why their own personal performance may differ from the national average, for example average age of vehicle tested. Comparison where a difference is found should lead the tester to question why the difference exists.
Any test carried out by a person impersonating an approved tester will be regarded as having been carried out by an unauthorised person. Disciplinary action may therefore be taken against the AE and approved tester concerned. In addition, the unauthorised person may be refused tester status, or refused re-approval as a tester for a period of two years after the offence or after the end of any current period of cessation.