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To become an MOT tester, you will need to first meet the eligibility criteria set out by the DVSA. You must also hold at least four years of full-time employment as a vehicle technician before carrying out the MOT tester qualification with an approved provider.
Along with the professional requirements, MOT tester training eligibility includes holding a current and full UK driving licence for the classes of vehicle you wish to test. In addition, you must have a good reputation and hold no unspent convictions for criminal offences connected with the MOT testing scheme, or the motor trade.
Pre-entry qualifications to become an MOT tester includes a pass in a Level 3 qualification. This must be recognised by the DVSA to enable you to test class 3, 4, 5 or 7 vehicles. Autotech Training offers an MOT tester qualification in the shape of an IMI Level 2 Award in MOT testing (Classes 4 and 7) run with approved training providers in various locations across the UK including Derby, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Norwich, Nuneaton, Sunderland and Wolverhampton. For those who don’t hold a Level 3 but still want to become an MOT tester you must hold four years full time workshop experience. You then need to take an IMI Light Vehicle Inspection Technician Accreditation two day course before taking the IMI Level 2 award in MOT testing.
On completion of the Level 2 MOT testing certificate, you must pass an MOT demonstration test. This is carried out by a DVSA approved examiner. Autotech Training offer this test free of charge as part of the Level 2 award in MOT testing and it is carried out at the training provider’s setting. If you pass this test, you can immediately start carrying out MOT tests, if you fail, the examiner will provide feedback and discuss the next steps. The MOT demonstration test must be taken within six months of completing the Level 2 MOT tester certificate.
We are often asked, ‘how much does it cost to become an MOT tester?’ The cost of Autotech Training’s IMI Level 2 award in MOT testing is £1,300. This includes four days of training and the MOT demonstration test overseen by a DVSA approved examiner. To keep yourself DVSA approved you must continue to practice as an MOT tester and carry out the annual MOT training and assessment. Autotech Training offers this for £64.99.
To remain up to date with the latest methods MOT testers must undertake a minimum of 3 hours’ of annual training. To maintain your professional status as an MOT tester, you must complete the MOT annual assessment between 1st April and March 30th. Failure to do so will result in the DVSA suspending your status as an MOT tester, and this will flag up on your personal RAG score. We are often asked, ‘What do I need to do to pass the MOT annual assessment?’ Firstly, we recommend not leaving it until the last minute. Secondly, keep on training throughout the year to ensure you are up to speed with latest methods and developments. The assessment is taken online and there are 30 multiple choice questions, which usually takes about an hour to complete.
The pass mark for 1 May 2021 to 31 March 2022 is 80%. You get a certificate if you pass your assessment, but if you do not pass, there’s no limit on how many times you can take the assessment during the same year.
Autotech Training offers an MOT Annual Training and Assessment for £64.99 to support MOT testers. This incorporates the 3 hours of training which can be carried out online, and complimentary, secure storage of password-protected 12-month online storage of your training materials, documents and certificates amassed throughout your career as an MOT tester.
If you haven’t practiced as an MOT tester for more than 6 months, then you will need to take the MOT Tester course again and carry out the MOT demonstration test.
There are many benefits of becoming an MOT tester. Maintaining this status through the annual assessment, along with carrying out regular MOT work, will enable you to increase your automotive skill set. You will also have experience of working on different vehicles. MOTs are a fact of life for every vehicle owner and having the right qualifications and skill set to carry them out will also help you earn more. Autotech Training are often asked, how much can I earn as an MOT tester? Depending on where you are in the country, the average salary is around £28,329 per year.
