1000s of MOT testers face suspension ahead of assessment deadline

A month ahead of the 31 March deadline, the DVSA is urging the 50 per cent of MOT tester that haven’t completed their annual training and assessment to do so “or face being suspended”.

DVSA figures show that 30,950 testers still need to complete the training and assessment. Last year, 1,882 were suspended for failing to do so. This compares to 5,538 suspensions in 2018.

Every year, all 63,000 MOT testers have to carry out training and assessment on set topics to make sure they are competent and safe to carry out MOTs.

DVSA Product Manager, Simon Smith said:
“DVSA’s priority is to help everyone keep their vehicle safe to drive. Annual training and assessment is a vital part of continuous improvement to maintain high quality MOTs. Last year more testers than ever completed their training and assessment on time.

“But to avoid the last-minute rush, testers should record their training and assessment results well before 31 March. We’re really pleased with the improvement from last year and I’d like to thank all those testers who did so.”

Annual training and assessment was introduced in 2016 as a programme of continuous improvement for testers so they are well informed about the work they do and keep up to date with new technology and industry requirements.

Currently, 30,950 testers still need to do their annual training and assessment to avoid being suspended from testing.

If suspended from testing, testers will need to complete all next year’s topics and take a demonstration test to be able to return to testing. This will lead to a delay while they are waiting to take a demonstration test.

Testers need to do at least 3 hours of training each year and a total of 16 hours in 5 years.

The pass mark for the assessment is 70 per cent. This will increase to 80 per cent for 2020 to 2021.

The assessment consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and usually takes around 45 minutes to complete. If any trainers are dyslexic, they should contact their awarding organisation.

Testers need to check they record their assessment details correctly and match their MOT testing service profile.

Testers can train individually, in a group or on a course with a training provider.