DVSA to require MOT garage manager security checks

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that, from 1 November 2019, anyone applying to be an authorised examiner (AE) or authorised examiner designated manager (AEDM) will need to have a basic DBS check. This verifies the applicant’s identity and checks unspent convictions. DVSA is introducing DBS checks to prevent people who might damage the integrity of the MOT scheme from holding positions of authority at test centres.

DVSA Head of MOT Policy Chris Price said: “DVSA’s priority is helping everyone keep their car safe to drive. We’re always looking for ways to make our processes less complicated and more secure. Bringing in DBS checks for MOT managers and owners helps us do this. For DVSA, it means we can protect the integrity of the MOT, and it makes the process simpler for applicants. That’s a win-win.”

The new process replaces the countersigning of driving licences or passports to check credentials and will be carried out solely through the gov.uk web site. According to the DVSA, the new DBS check will not only streamline and simplify the process, but will also help make sure MOT test centres are managed by fit and proper people.

Security check updates in focus

With the DBS requirement being fairly new, it is worth looking a little closer at the details. Existing AEs and AEDMs won’t have to do anything if they’re already authorised. Once an applicant had been approved, they won’t need to get another DBS check.

DBS checks will only be needed for any additions or changes to the authorisation for a garage or manager, or possibly as part of an appeal against any disciplinary action that has been taken against a garage.

An unspent conviction is one which still has time remaining on it and depends on the sentence given by the judge or magistrate. They can vary in length and depend on what was imposed.

From 1 November 2019, MOT testing staff, managers and administrative staff must tell DVSA immediately if they get a conviction where one of the following is imposed:

• a prison sentence (or suspended sentence) of 3 months or more
• a fine exceeding level 4 on the standard scale (currently £2,500)
• a community service order (or equivalent) requiring unpaid work for more than 60 hours
• any punishment outside the UK equivalent to these points