Become an MOT tester without experience
To become an M.O.T. tester (vehicle inspector in the UK) and qualified to work on vehicles within MOT Bays or MOT testing centres, you will need to meet certain requirements and complete specific training. Here are the general steps you can follow:
- First, you need to meet the eligibility rules set out by DVSA to become an MOT tester (see below for more details)
- You will need to take an MOT tester qualification course.
- And then you must pass a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) MOT demonstration test.
Once you have completed each of the above steps and passed, then you will be able to find a suitable MOT tester position and start carrying out MOT tests at an authorised MOT testing station.
What else do I need to do to qualify as an MOT tester?
As well as your initial qualifications, to maintain your ability to be an MOT tester, you will also have to take MOT Annual Assessment Training when you’re qualified.
What are the MOT tester eligibility rules?
To take an MOT tester course you must:
- Be in possession of a current full UK driving licence for the vehicle classes you want to test
- Be a skilled mechanic and have a minimum of 4 years of full-time employment in servicing and repairing the types of vehicles you’re going to test
- Have no unspent convictions for crimes or offences. Click here to learn more about this.
- Be ‘of good repute’. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will determine if you are suitable to be an MOT tester
If you wish to learn to be a class 3 or 5 MOT tester you must also have:
- Achieved a level 2 testing certificate in class 4 and 7 (group B) vehicles
- Passed an MOT demonstration test after getting your level 2 certificate
You must have an accepted qualification or accreditation if you want to test class 3, 4, 5 or 7 vehicles (cars, private buses and light commercial vehicles).
Click for the complete list of accepted qualifications and accreditations: MOT tester eligibility: acceptable qualifications – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Note: Information relating to MOT tester eligibility has been taken from the gov.uk website and is correct at the time of being published, but for the latest guidelines please visit
https://www.gov.uk/become-an-mot-tester
How long does it take to become an MOT tester?
Assuming you already have a full clean driving licence, and no unspent criminal convictions, then there are a minimum of 2 things that take the below amounts of time to qualify you to be an MOT tester:
- 4 Years: You must have 4 years of experience working in full-time employment serving and repairing the types and classes of vehicles that you intend to perform MOT tests on once qualified
- 4 days: the MOT tester course is of 4 days in duration. Upon completion of the course, you will get a level 2 MOT testing certificate which entitles you to book the following
- 1 day: a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) MOT Demonstration test (Class 1, 2, 4 and 7 MOT), which is a practical MOT on a vehicle under the scrutiny of a DVSA inspector
Be aware that to qualify to be an MOT tester on larger classes of vehicles requires a slightly longer MOT tester course:
- For Class 1 & Class 2 (Group A) MOT testing: at least 16 hours, with at least 4 hours of practical training
- For Class 4 & Class 7 (Group B) MOT testing: at least 29 hours, with at least 8 hours of practical training
There will be some time between completing the MOT tester course and receiving your certification, as well as booking the DVSA MOT Demonstration test, so on average we would suggest a 4-week period from taking the course to completing the MOT Demonstration and becoming fully qualified as an MOT tester.
How much does it cost to become an MOT tester?
The up-to-date information on MOT tester courses can be found on our MOT Tester Course page
https://concept-ge.co.uk/mot-tester-course/
But please call us on 0113 469 0572 for our latest prices and offers. We can often arrange the best price on MOT tester courses or AEDM training courses when purchased alongside an MOT Bay for your garage.
How do I get an MOT qualification?
An M.O.T. (Ministry of Transport) qualification is a certification in the United Kingdom that allows an individual to conduct M.O.T. tests on vehicles. In order to obtain an M.O.T. qualification, you must first meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Have a valid full UK driving license
Once you meet these requirements, you can then apply to become an M.O.T. tester by completing the following steps:
- First, you need to meet the eligibility rules set out by DVSA to become an MOT tester (see below for more details)
- You will need to take an MOT tester qualification course.
- And then you must pass a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) MOT demonstration test.
It’s worth noting that in order to become an M.O.T. tester, you’ll need to have a good understanding and experience of working full-time on vehicles. You’ll also need to be able to communicate effectively with customers and be able to identify and diagnose any problems with a vehicle.
Can you become an MOT tester with level 2?
Yes, there are a few courses where you may have achieved a level 2 qualification that would allow you to go on to further train and qualify to become an MOT tester, these include
| City & Guilds of London Institute | Certificate in Repair and Servicing of Road Vehicles, 383 – Level II or III |
| Pearson Edexcel | Level II BTEC First Diploma in Engineering (Motor Vehicle Studies) |
| Pearson Edexcel | Level II BTEC First Diploma in Vehicle Service and Technology (Mechanical) |
| The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI Awards) | Level II and III NVQ in Vehicle Mechanical and Electronic Systems |
For the full up-to-date list of MOT tester eligibility and acceptable qualifications please see this page:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-tester-eligibility-acceptable-qualifications/mot-tester-eligibility-acceptable-qualifications
Can I become an MOT Tester without being a Mechanic?
No. You must already be a skilled mechanic and have a minimum of 4 years of full-time employment in servicing and repairing vehicles, and furthermore, this experience must be the types or classes of vehicles you want to MOT test once qualified as an MOT tester.
Requirements and Qualifications to Become an MOT Tester UK
First, you need to show that you’re eligible to become an MOT tester, as defined by the DVSA.
Then you will need an MOT tester course, and a practical test of your MOT skills assessed by the DVSA before you can become a fully qualified MOT tester.
Is it worth becoming an MOT tester?
Becoming an M.O.T. tester can be a rewarding career for individuals who are interested in vehicles and enjoy working with customers. M.O.T. testers are responsible for conducting M.O.T. tests on vehicles to ensure that they meet the required safety standards. They must be able to identify and diagnose any problems with a vehicle and communicate effectively with customers about the results of the M.O.T. test.
The demand for M.O.T. testers is typically high, as there is a legal requirement for all vehicles in the UK to undergo an M.O.T. test every year. As such, M.O.T. testers may be able to find work at a variety of different locations, including car dealerships, garages, and independent M.O.T. testing centres.
In terms of salary, M.O.T. testers typically earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on their level of experience and the location in which they work. Some M.O.T. testers may also be able to earn additional income through overtime or by conducting repairs on vehicles.
Overall, whether or not becoming an M.O.T. tester is worth it will depend on your personal interests and career goals. If you enjoy working with vehicles and have the necessary skills and qualifications, it could certainly be a rewarding career choice for you.
The MOT courses offered by Concept Garage Equipment include:
- MOT Tester Course
- MOT annual assessment training (often known as an MOT CPD course)
- AEDM Training course
All our MOT training courses have been developed and are delivered by MOT training staff who are all ex-DVSA senior technical staff, our engaging qualified teachers have been delivering MOT training for over 40 years.
Book an MOT Tester Course Today
Call us at 0113 469 0572 today or make an inquiry into our MOT courses via our contact form and we will be happy to call you back to discuss your MOT training needs, we can take individual or group MOT course bookings, and are happy to advise or talk through what the best MOT courses and MOT training will be for you or your staff, and to ensure you are both remaining legal, and offering the best most highly trained staff and service to your customer to keep them coming back, keeping their vehicles roadworthy and your MOT service team safe and happy.
Note: All information is accurate at the time of writing, January 2023, but please ensure you check the latest government information before committing to MOT tester training.
You can read the latest guidelines here https://www.gov.uk/become-an-mot-tester/eligibility