MOT Tester Course

If you want to run an MOT testing station or MOT Cars, vans, or commercial vehicles then it’s essential to be a qualified MOT tester, which means you will need one or more MOT courses.

Completing MOT tests on vehicles can be very lucrative, and assuming you have the correct training to back up your mechanical skills then this can be a big step in your automotive career or an even bigger step in running your MOT testing garage.

There are of course initial set-up fees including the MOT tester course and required qualifications, as well as site location, equipment, garage consumables and potential staffing costs that go into running a full MOT bay, but certainly, if you have the time, money and motivation to become an MOT tester, then the results can be incredibly rewarding both financially and in terms of personal achievement.

Check our online MOT calculator to see what the return on investment of running an MOT Bay could be, click here to find out.

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.

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:

1. First, you need to meet the eligibility rules set out by DVSA to become an MOT tester (see below for more details)
2. You will need to take an MOT tester qualification course.
3. 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.

Learn how to become a M.O.T tester without experience

As well as the initial MOT tester course training, you also need to maintain your status as an MOT tester by completing at least 3 hours of MOT tester training every year and completing an annual MOT assessment.

The MOT Tester course must be completed and passed to qualify you as an MOT tester and enable you to MOT test vehicles legally in the UK.

There are 5 parts to the MOT tester course, which are as follows:

• Safe working practices in the vehicle test centre
• Working relationships within the vehicle test centre
• Managing your professional development as an MOT tester
• Carrying out pre-test checks for an MOT test
• Carrying out the MOT test itself

Some assessments must be passed during the MOT course, these are

• Multiple-choice question test
• Complete a practical assessment

Both the multi-choice MOT test and the practical assessment have to be passed to complete the course.

Upon completion of the course, you will get a level 2 MOT testing certificate.

This level 2 MOT certificate entitles you to book 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.

You must pass this MOT demonstration test when you have got your level 2 MOT testing certificate to fully qualify as an MOT tester.

The initial MOT Tester course takes the following

• 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

This training is usually done over 4 days, the duration is longer for the Class 4 and Class 7 training.

The initial requirement is that you have to have a Level 3 certificate in vehicle maintenance is probably the longest part of the process.

Once booked the subsequent MOT Tester course can usually be completed in a few days, and then the DVSA MOT Demonstration test, again once booked will be completed within a day.

Note: from 1^st April 2022 you also need a DBS check and certificate before you can attend the demonstration test and this can take up to 14 days to arrive, so it’s worth ordering this ahead of all other training.

As long as you meet the criteria to attend the MOT tester course, then once booked in you can become an MOT tester within a matter of a few days usually, the longest delays will be booking or waiting for certificates to arrive, so the sooner you start the process, the better.

MOT tester courses are classroom-based and can either be on-site at your chosen location or facilitated at one of our nationwide training sites.

However, the subsequent MOT annual assessment training can be done virtually.

The eligibility guidelines to take an MOT testing course as set out by the UK government, are as follows.

• You must hold a current full UK driving licence for the vehicle classes that you will want to test in future
• You must be a skilled mechanic with at least 4 years of full-time employment and experience in servicing and repairing the types or classes of vehicles you’re going to test following your MOT tester training
• You must have NO unspent convictions for criminal offences
• You must be ‘of good repute’ - the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will decide this to ensure you are suitable to become an MOT tester and therefore eligible for the MOT course

To become a class 3 or 5 MOT tester you must also have already:

• Gained a level 2 testing certificate in class 4 and 7 vehicles (group B)
• 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 full list of accepted qualifications and accreditations: MOT tester eligibility: acceptable qualifications - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Prices can vary with MOT course providers, but we offer the best MOT Tester training with the most qualified MOT tester training staff at incredibly competitive prices.

Please call us today to discuss your MOT training requirements, as we can offer group discounts or some preferential rates when training is purchased with an MOT Bay package.

Yes, an MOT tester can MOT test their own vehicle, or indeed those of family and friends, however, the standards of MOT testing must be adhered to regardless of who owns the vehicle.

Salaries for MOT Testers can vary wildly in the UK, as these can be dependent on a number of factors such as

• area of the country
• size and type of garage or MOT Bay
• whether independent or a high-end dealer

However one thing remains consistent, that the best-trained and most experienced MOT testers can earn the most in the industry, so ensuring that your MOT training is up to date, and you have maintained your MOT testing experience is a key factor in ensuring you can gain the best salary for your skills in the UK MOT industry.